Total breaks pay ceiling
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NEARLY 200 Total oil tanker drivers are poised to break through the £30,000-a-year salary barrier as union leaders continue their campaign to improve the lot of drivers.
The Total drivers have already seen their salaries jump from around £26,000 to more than £29,000 following the introduction of a new shift system this month. This introduced a four days on, four days off system to comply with the 48-hour working week next year.
John Moulsdale, Transport & General Workers Union regional industrial organiser. says pay negotiations for this year were due to start yesterday (Wednesday) with Wincanton, the contractor, now the shift system is in place.
"We are talking about an annual award which will take them well past £30,000.They will be the first (in the sector) to go through that barrier." He describes the shift system as a new concept, removin productivity incentives which can encourage drivers to break tacho regulations.
"The number of shifts has been reduced from 210 to 170 a year, allowing drivers more time for leisure and their families. And it maximises the use of vehicles."
The deal applies to drivers based in Avonmouth. Southampton, Manchester and Kingsbury in Warwickshire who used to deliver for Elf. The T&G's oil industry campaign was launched in October and has already won all 500 drivers working on Shell's delivery contract rights to final salary pensions (CM 15 January).