Tanker drivers' strike vote
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EA strike is looming at P&O Trans European after tanker drivers voted overwhelmingly to take Industrial action in an on-going pay dispute. The drivers, all members of the Transport and General Workers Union working for P&O's spot affreightment
voted by 64 to five in favour of two 24-hour stoppages on 17 and 24 September.
They say a new contract would lead to an 11% pay cut (CM 30 Aug-5 Sept).
lien Webb, T&G national secretary for Road Transport, says: "We tried every avenue to reach a settlement which would be acceptable to both sides, but P&G decided to withdraw from talks at ACAS. The strength of the drivers feelings is now clear for the company to see. The company wants to cut its costs by cutting our members' pay and that is simply not acceptable."
Earlier this year 350 P&O Trans European drivers on contract to Shell backed strike action after pay negotiations broke down. That dispute was eventually resolved after PH improved its pay offer.
But David Imisson, communications director at PM) Trans European, says: "We are trying to introduce a new pay structure designed to reward drivers' productivity." He says several drivers have tried the new system and have boosted their pay by up to 18%.