Tanker drivers in the UK have voted in favour of strike action over health and safety standards. The strikes are expected to take place over the Easter Holiday period to cause maximum disruption. The government has trained 300 soldiers to take over the duties of striking drivers and has vowed to use the police to prevent any 'irresponsible' picketing.

This week, tanker drivers in the UK have voted in favour of strike action over health and safety concerns. The 2,000 drivers balloted are responsible for around 90% of the fuel delivered to petrol stations in the UK.

Strikes are expected to take place over the Easter Holidays in order to cause maximum disruption. It is expected to cause the biggest disruption to fuel supplies since 2001.

The government have responded in typical fashion by accusing drivers of putting people’s lives at risk, as Ambulances and Fire Engines would not be able to run. They have forgotten to mention that the Union have stated that emergency services would have access to fuel.

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey, has said:



“The Unite ballot result is disappointing. The Government is strongly of the view that strike action is wrong and unnecessary. The union should be getting round the negotiating table, not planning to disrupt the lives of millions of people across Britain.” “Our economy is just getting back on its feet and any action that makes that harder is totally unjustified”. “With the London 2012 Olympics approaching, it is unacceptable and selfish to behave in this manner and jeopardise our international reputation.” Quote:

How selfish of the drivers to want industry standard minimum health and safety regulations?

The government has been planning for the strike action and has trained 300 scab drivers from the armed forces to take over the delivery of fuel. They have also stated that they will be using the police to prevent pickets from blocking depots or interfering with scab drivers.

It’s a shame that there has not been a move to link up the strikes with a fuel price campaign, but there is time yet.