Esso drivers awarded 12.6%
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• Esso Distribution has offered its 300 drivers wage rises of 12.6% in response to a union claim of 12.8%, based on inflation plus 2%.
The Transport and General Workers' Union describes the deal as a "very realistic settlement" which it hopes other employers will match. "Our guys seem happy with the offer and the company seems happy", says John Moore, TGWU national secretary designate.
But the agreement is likely to send shock waves through the industry. The Road Haulage Association has warned that settlements of more than 5% could put thousands of operators and drivers' jobs at risk (CM 25-31 October).
The offer breaks down as 10.9% on basic rates plus a lump sum of .2250 — worth 1.7% a— for accepting new forecourt procedures. The TGWU is now talking to BP and has had "preliminary meetings" with some Road Haulage Association regions. Dates have been set for further meetings where Moore hopes, "offers will begin to emerge".
However, the mood in the RHA regions is unlikely to produce offers matching Esso's.
The South East region has told the unions its members are facing difficulties and is meeting this week to decide its response to the claim. It meets the TGWU again on 3 December.
In the RHA's South Yorkshire region, a meeting of the Joint Industrial Council scheduled for 26 November has been postponed because the hauliers Wye yet to formulate a response to the union claim. 0 The TGWU is maintaining its campaign for more women drivers.
It has asked Shell to increase the number of women employed as oil tanker drivers, and has sponsored 16 Road Transport Industry Training Board HGV courses on condition that women and ethnic minorities are included.