Strike threat looms as tanker drivers hold new talks on pay

Adam1 · Post by **Adam1** » 29 Jun 2008, 10:14

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008 ... scompanies

Tim Webb in today's Observer wrote:Oil companies, haulage firms and motorists will be braced for the possibility of further fuel strikes as new pay negotiations begin for over 1,000 tanker drivers.

This week, Unite will open negotiations on behalf of drivers of haulage firm Wincanton, which delivers fuel to most Total and Texaco forecourts in the UK.

Pay negotiations for drivers from haulage firm Hoyer, delivering fuel to Esso stations, as well as for BP's tanker drivers, will also start in the coming days.

Earlier this month, over 600 Hoyer and Sucklings Transport tanker drivers delivering to Shell forecourts held a four-day strike over pay. Pumps began to run dry at some forecourts in the South West and a pay settlement - reported to be 14 per cent over two years - was reached by Unite to avert a second planned strike.

Unite is expected to seek similar pay deals above the rate of inflation. A spokesman did not comment in detail on the negotiations but said: 'Our negotiations are going to be affected by the profits made by the oil companies, who control the contracts, and the rise in the cost of living.'

Striking truckers blockaded Shell's refinery in Cheshire this month in echoes of the nationwide fuel strikes in 2000, which further disrupted supplies.

The owners of the nine refiners have met to discuss how to handle any future strikes. The government invoked emergency powers this month to safeguard supplies for emergency services and allow fuel to be transported where it was needed most. But some refiners believe this caused unnecessary disruption.

chris25 · Post by **chris25** » 29 Jun 2008, 10:17

oh great

Here we go again

Andy Hunt · Post by **Andy Hunt** » 29 Jun 2008, 11:21

The inflation dominos are falling . . .

Vortex · Post by **Vortex** » 29 Jun 2008, 11:50

Time travel IS possible ... back to 1973 we go.

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 29 Jun 2008, 15:19

Vortex wrote:Time travel IS possible ... back to 1973 we go.

Yes but at least this is 1973 with (relatively) cheap solar panels... and no kipper ties sideburns and flares!

skeptik · Post by **skeptik** » 29 Jun 2008, 18:09

Yes but at least this is 1973 with (relatively) cheap solar panels... and no kipper ties sideburns and flares!

'73 did have its attractions. I could get to see Bowie live at a local cinema (Romford Odeon) without having to take out a mortgage to pay for the ticket.

...and with Mick Ronson on guitar. Nice.

Andy Hunt · Post by **Andy Hunt** » 29 Jun 2008, 18:15

I could get to see Pink Floyd and Led Zep live if it was 1973.

No chance of that now.

Mean Mr Mustard · Post by **Mean Mr Mustard** » 29 Jun 2008, 20:14

Andy Hunt wrote:I could get to see Pink Floyd and Led Zep live if it was 1973.

No chance of that now.

And Elvis too... uh huh huh

Vortex · Post by **Vortex** » 29 Jun 2008, 21:14

Was Beeching still alive then?

If so, I'd go round to his gaff carrying a baseball bat ...

peaky2 · Post by **peaky2** » 29 Jun 2008, 21:20

Andy Hunt wrote:I could get to see Pink Floyd and Led Zep live if it was 1973.

No chance of that now.

Well, there is the OZ Pink Floyd - amazing

Andy Hunt · Post by **Andy Hunt** » 29 Jun 2008, 21:28

There's a UK tribute band too called "Think Floyd" . . . pretty good too!!

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 01 Jul 2008, 18:59

Vortex wrote:Was Beeching still alive then?

If so, I'd go round to his gaff carrying a baseball bat ...

Too late he'd already done his stuff in 1966 I trow. It might make you feel better, mind

Post by **adam2** » 07 Jul 2008, 08:57

Argos delivery workers to strike
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7492626.stm

Not important in itself, I am sure that we can live without them for a bit, but still a worrying sign of growing militancy.

Vortex · Post by **Vortex** » 07 Jul 2008, 09:39

adam2 wrote:Argos delivery workers to strike
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7492626.stm

Not important in itself, I am sure that we can live without them for a bit, but still a worrying sign of growing militancy.

Darnation - does this mean that the wide-screen cocktail cabinet with in-built ear de-waxer and convenient storage area for used tampons won't be available at my local branch?

rs · Post by rs » 07 Jul 2008, 12:46

Vortex wrote:Darnation - does this mean that the wide-screen cocktail cabinet with in-built ear de-waxer and convenient storage area for used tampons won't be available at my local branch?

I can let you have my reservation number if you like, I went for the 4:3 version in the end