Petrol tanker drivers who work for for the haulage company, Wincanton, are due start a week long strike against attempts to impose a 20% pay cut.

Drivers for Wincanton logistics have announced a week-long strike in response to attacks on their pay and conditions.

Wincanton, who deliver petrol nationwide to ‘Jet’ petrol stations, are seeking to change terms and conditions that will mean a 20% pay cut for drivers. Drivers at Wincanton are amongst the best paid in the industry, however work pressures are increasing, and a pay cut of any description, never mind 20%, is completely unacceptable.

One hundred and twenty drivers will participate in the strike which will affect distribution at depots in, Lincolnshire, Kingsbury, Warwickshire, and Stockton-on-Tees. Unite estimates fuel supplies to almost 400 forecourts across Midlands, north of England and Scotland will be disrupted by seven-day strike action

The strike ballot was four to one in favour of a strike, and a 95% turnout.

On-going negotiations between the employers and Unite have been unsuccessful.

Matt Draper from Unite said, “Our members could not have sent a clearer message. Wincanton may well be surprised by the strength of feelings amongst its drivers, but it ignores their concerns at its peril”.

A Wincanton spokesman responded to the strikes by saying, “We do not understand why drivers on the ConocoPhilips / Jet contract are going on strike.”

It is a sad state of affairs when an employer does not understand why workers will be unhappy with a 20% pay cut.