Drivers vote for UK fuel strike
Fuel tanker drivers have voted in favour of strike action in a row over working conditions
As many as 7,900 petrol stations could be forced to close after fuel tanker drivers voted in favour of strike action. If the strike goes ahead, it will be the first national industrial action campaign in more than a decade.
Around 2,000 drivers took part in the ballot held by the Unite union as part of a dispute over safety standards, and terms and conditions.
Unite represents workers from seven major distribution companies – DHL, BP, Wincanton, Turners, J W Suckling, Hoyer and Norbert Dentressangle. Between them they are responsible for supplying fuel to around 90 per cent of the nation’s forecourts.
More than 60 per cent of those balloted voted in favour of strike action, bringing the prospect of fuel shortages across the UK a step closer.
The Government has said it will use emergency powers if necessary to keep fuel flowing. Plans have reportedly been drawn up to draft in the army to drive tankers, while the police will be used to prevent blockades at refineries and distribution centres if the strike goes ahead.
