Oil wages
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MOBIL's tanker drivers look set to accept an eight per cent deal, which will take their basic pay up to £126 a week from May 1, and Esso is taking steps to defuse any future tension over its future wage negotiations.
The Mobil drivers had still to confirm their acceptance this week of the deal, which is the only major tanker drivers' deal outside the traditional November negotiating period, but there seemed every sign that they would.
Last year, Mobil's men finished up £3 ahead of the big four companies' drivers in basic pay, but their average weekly earnings are still some way behind the others'.
Meanwhile Esso, which has failed in previous attempts to agree productivity deals with its drivers, is circulating proposals to move away from a November settlement date or to switch to a wage system based on hours worked, rather than hours on duty.
If agreed, this system could increase the present payment of £113.50 basic for 40 hours to £159.60 for 38 hours worked, with unsocial hours payment replacing shift pay, and typical weekly earnings rising from £180 to £210.
A company spokesman confirmed that the scheme, which has been out for consultation for three weeks, is intended to help improve Esso's competitive edge, and reduce its vulnerability to industrial action. The package could also result in the loss of around 200 jobs,