British motorists have been saved from a potential fuel crisis after fuel tanker drivers agreed to a pay rise following the threat of industrial action.
Strikes by tanker drivers across the North West of England and along the Scottish borders have been called off after agreeing to a new pay offer.
The strike would have seen filling stations and airports run dry on fuel, which could have prompted chaos across the region.
The Unite Union said the Stanlow oil refinery-based drivers, who work for Hoyer, which recently rebranded to Oxalis, have accepted a new pay offer.
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Thousands of drivers were impacted by the last fuel crisis
PA
Drivers have accepted the deal after postponing the strike action last week, with all scheduled industrial action having now been called off.
As part of the deal, the workers will receive a £2.02 an hour increase backdated to May 2023, as well as a £1 an hour fuel efficiency payment also backdated to May 2023.
In addition, pay will increase by £1.99 an hour for 2024, backdated to February this year.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Congratulations to Oxalis’ Stanlow tanker drivers, who stood together for better pay and won.
“This is yet another example of how Unite’s unrelenting focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is boosting our members’ incomes.”
There had been warnings in the north of England and along the Scottish border that drivers would deal with “significant disruption”.
About 50 workers would have taken part as they believed the pay offer was “significantly lower” than colleagues in other parts of the country.
The workers were scheduled to go on strike from Thursday, June 6, to Saturday, June 8, and from Thursday, June 13, to Saturday, June 15.
Unite regional officer Paul Lomax said: “This pay win could not have been secured without the hard work and solidarity of our members.
“Those looking for a better deal at work should join Unite and get their colleagues to join too.”
Following the conclusion of the General Election next month, the Government could look to introduce new rules designed to increase the amount that fuel tankers can carry to stave off further disruption.
After a consultation, which ran between April and May last year, the Government said it intended to progress such proposals to be used when fuel may be in short supply.
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The army was drafted to help with the fuel crisis in 2021 PAThe proposals would make temporary exemptions from the current maximum train weight of fuel tankers, meaning they could allow a maximum of either 48 or 50 tonnes.
GB News has contacted Oxalis for comment.