• United Transport UK is contesting a High Court writ
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from six drivers, claiming that the tanker giant illegally broke their conditions of employment.
Last week the BET subsidiary replied to the writ denying most of the allegations put to it by the six whose contracts were terminated after they refused to lift their names from the submission (CM 23-29 Sept).
The Transport & General Workers Union, representing the drivers, says its legal advisors are "looking very closely at the defence." And it says "there is no doubt we will be making further representations to them."
Originally around 20 of 30 drivers who work on the Esso contract at depots in Purfleet and West London had their name on the writ. Six names remain. They feared that the new contract, which they say they signed "under duress", would have cost up to £3,800 in lost overtime each year.
But the company, which previously operated as United Transport Tankers, says it offers some "significant advantages" including increased sickness pay. It denies that unions were not allowed at the meetings telling drivers of the new contracts, but admits that the drivers were not aware of the contents of the meeting and that union officials were not invited.