23 April 2012

Fuel Driver Talks Resume Today

Talks to avert a fuel tanker driver’s strike will continue today between unions and industry representatives, facilitated by conciliation service, Acas.

The Unite union rejected an initial proposal last week, following six days of talks; however both said have said progress has been made.

The union has until Tuesday to announce a decision on strike action.

They have also appealed for people not to hoard fuel, saying it will not "rush into" calling a strike.

The talks will involve Hoyer, despite a hiccup which forced Unite to re-ballot its members at the firm after it discovered a number of its members had not received ballot papers last month.

Nick Dennis, a tanker driver who represents the North East of England for Unite, says the union is positive about the discussions.

He told the BBC: "We understand as a union, this is our last chance to build stable industry, a great industry with our employers as well, to go forward with.

"So it's key that we get all the foundations in place. We have built some great foundations in the document we've done, but it just doesn't go far enough to give us what we require."

(H)