Oilmen settle
Page 5
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ESSO TANKER drivers voted narrowly to accept the company's productivity deal in a ballot last week. The other major oil companies are about to begin their 1982/83 wage negotiations.
The Esso deal, which takes effect from December 6, gives drivers an average increase of 15 per cent in weekly earnings in exchange for an "exceptional" increase in flexibility, and according to Esso this will lead to more efficient use being made of roads and vehicles.
All motorway work is now being scheduled at 40mph, but safety standards are being maintained, according to the company.
There is now a minimum earnings guarantee of £159.60 for 38 scheduled hours per week, compared with the previous basic rate of £113.50 for 40 hours, and drivers opting for a 55-hour schedule in a six-month work plan will get a £173.10 minimum rate.
Esso says the deal, which gives it its first productivity deal, will enable it to compete with the other companies which already have one, and that it will result in future price increases being minimised.
Talks at Shell are expected to start on December 7, and dates for discussions with BP, Texaco, and the 11 smaller oil companies will be arranged within days.