Strike action causes havoc for road transport industry
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By Chris Druce TRADE UNION activity against some of the industry’s biggest names has escalated, with action under way or threatened against Wincanton, Norbert Dentressangle and Canute.
As CM went to press, Unite oil tanker members working for Wincanton launched a week-long series of strikes in protest of proposed driver contract changes, which it claims would see its 120plus members take a 20% pay cut.
The strike affects distribution depots at Immingham, Lincolnshire; Kingsbury, Warwickshire; and Stockton-on-Tees, and deliveries to oil company ConocoPhillips’ 380 Jet forecourts.
Unite national oficer Matt Draper says: “The frustration expressed by Wincanton’s oil tanker drivers can be seen right across the sector. Drivers are under increasing strain, with pressure to deliver fuel around the clock, but with terms and conditions being slashed.” However, Wincanton’s MD for Manufacturing, Chris Kingshott, says: “We have always had the same objective as our drivers – to extend the current contract and provide them with job security.
“Wincanton’s tanker drivers are among the best rewarded in the UK, with average total earnings of £45,000 per annum and core working hours of 37 per week.” Kingshott says no changes would have been made without drivers’ consent, and has meanwhile accused Unite of derailing discussions.
Earlier this week, Norbert Dentressangle tanker drivers suspended a second day of industrial action due for 23 January, after fresh pension talks between the company and Unite were agreed. If talks fail, two further strikes affecting Tesco’s and GP Chemicals’ contracts are scheduled for 30 January and 6 February.
Last month, more than 300 drivers in the United Road Transport Union working on a contract for retailer Wilkinson, employed by Canute, voted for strike action over pay.