Ryan FowlerStrikes planned by JW Suckling tanker drivers across London, Essex, Middlesex, and Grangemouth have been cancelled following a successful negotiation by Unite, which secured a significantly improved pay deal for the drivers.
The new agreement includes an inflation-busting 6.3% increase in pay and substantial enhancements to the company’s pension contributions. Additionally, the drivers have gained an increase in annual leave, harmonisation of terms and conditions, and their annual bonus has been made unconditional.
This deal builds on last year’s agreement, which provided the tanker drivers with a pay rise of approximately 25% along with significant improvements to overtime rates, bonus, and shift payments.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, commented on the success, stating: “The tanker drivers at JW Suckling achieved this excellent pay win by standing firm in their union. Since August 2021, Unite has put over £430 million into the pockets of our members through the union’s complete focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions.”
Nick West, Unite regional officer, reflected on the benefits of union representation, saying: “This result is a prime example of the benefits being in a unionised workplace bring. Those wanting better wages and working conditions should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join too.”
The cancellation of the strikes comes as a relief to the areas potentially affected, highlighting the effectiveness of union-led negotiations in achieving favourable outcomes for workers.
