25 April 2012

New Set Of Proposals To Be Considered By Tanker Drivers

A new and final set of proposals has been drawn up in an attempt to end the fuel tanker driver dispute, conciliation service Acas has said.

The development comes after 12 hours of talks between the union and officials from distribution companies and the Unite union has now been given until 21 May to decide whether to accept the deal - removing the immediate threat of industrial action.

Acas chief conciliator Peter Harwood said: "Following a further two days of intensive discussions, a final set of proposals has been produced by the fuel distribution contractors and Unite.

"The industrial action mandate has been extended to 21 May to enable Unite to consult with its Oils Trade Conference and the membership on these proposals."

He said the details of the proposals were confidential until the parties reported back to their respective organisations.

He added that he hoped the proposals "will lead to a successful outcome".

A meeting of drivers' representatives is expected to be held in the next few days, probably followed by a ballot of union members.

The union representatives overwhelmingly turned down a previous proposed deal, leading to fresh talks this week with officials of six distribution companies.

(H)