Petrol panic: Union rules out strike action on Easter weekend

Unite has today ruled ruled out Easter strike action by tanker drivers in a bid to focus on talks.

The announcement came as the union confirmed it was ready to start substantive talks through Acas as soon as possible.

Motorists across Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead have been rushing to petrol stations this week to fill up their tanks following fears of fuel shortage. Many pumps have been left dry and station owners and police have urged drivers to return to 'normal buying habits.'

Union Unite is calling on the government to assist in bringing employers, retailers and oil companies together to bring stability to the industry and establish minimum standards.  covering:

Unite assistant general secretary, Diana Holland, said: “We will not be calling Easter strike action as we focus on substantive talks through Acas. We do still retain the right to call strike action for after Easter should those talks breakdown.

“It should be stressed that what we are seeking is reasonable and no more than what is in place elsewhere in the industry. There have been minimum standards governing the offshore oil industry since 2000 covering health and safety, training and terms and conditions.

“This is not a political dispute. It is an industrial dispute and the government's recent rhetoric will not help us achieve a negotiated settlement. The government must set aside its political objectives and work with us, the employers, retailers and oil companies to achieve an outcome that is good for the industry and the country.”