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T&G warns of bullying culture
Page 7
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TANKER DRIVERS arc being bullied into doing more work than they feel they can carry out safely and some are beimg sacked for mistakes that would otherwise warrant a "slap on the wrist", according to the Transport & General Workers Union (T&G).
The allegations were made by tanker drivers' representatives at the T&G's Oil Trades Conference last week, Drivers told of bullying at UK oil distribution firms.
T&G spokesman Andrew Dodgshon is reluctant to comment on specific cases which might go before employment tribunals. But he does say there is "undue pressure on turnaround times".
"Drivers know what they are doing in terms of safe working and making sure deliveries are done on time," he adds. But there is extra pressure coming in -partly from the management culture, but also driven by the competitive pressures of contracting: He says T&G national secretary Ron Webb is dealing with an increasing number of cases in which shop stewards are being disciplined or sacked. -Webb is getting involved with dismissals of shop stewards where ordinarily what they have done would warrant a slap on the wrist," Webb warns industrial action will be on the cards if this bullying culture continues: "We take those issues very seriously" The problem comes as theT&G campaigns for improved pay and pensions within the oil delivery sector. Progress had been made towards an industry-wide pension. hut the union also wants a 5% pay increase and 4% improvement in benefits.