Bryan HayTanker drivers employed by JW Suckling in London, Essex, Middlesex and Grangemouth have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in a dispute on broken pay promises.
The 39 tanker drivers are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union. They will take part in continuous strikes from 00:01 on Tuesday 16 April until a deal is reached.
The transport company has an estimated net worth of over nine million pounds. Unite states that it has failed to meet the terms of its 2024 pay deal, which would see tanker drivers receive an improved pension as well as equal terms and conditions with colleagues throughout the country.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “It’s despicable to see any company, but especially a multi-million-pound enterprise, break contractual agreements on pay. It simply should not happen.
“Securing better pay, jobs and conditions is our bread and butter. We will do all we can to ensure our members at JW Suckling are granted the pay they were promised.”
The industrial action could mean fuel shortages across London, the South East and Scotland resulting in queues at petrol pumps and disruption to journeys.
Picket lines will take place from 16 April in the following locations:
- The Reach Lorry Park, Fiddlers Reach, Hedley Avenue, Grays, Essex RM20 4EL
- Bedfont Road, Stanwell, Staines, Middlesex TW19 7LZ
- Inchyra Road, Grangemouth FK3 9XB
Unite regional officer, Nick West, concluded: “There are a host of serious risks that come with being a tanker driver. JW Suckling is fully aware of this and is showing massive disrespect to workers. Any disruption caused is a direct result of them failing to come to the table and discuss concerns of our members.”
