UK tanker strike threatens petrol station chaos

British soldiers are lined up to stand in for tanker drivers if strikes are approved, Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude said. A strike could begin by 3 April.

“Widespread strike action affecting fuel supply at our supermarkets, garages and airports could cause disruption across the country,” Mr Maude said.

Referring to the fuel delivery crisis of 12 years ago, Mr Maude said ministers had “learnt the lessons” of the past. Police may also be drafted in to break up blockades under government plans to keep Britain moving.

The dispute over safety standards could shut thousands of petrol stations nationwide. Unite drivers supply fuel to 90 per cent of the UK’s forecourts and the union said a strike could close up to 7,900 petrol stations.

Unite members will decide whether to launch the first national campaign of action for more than a decade. Workers are voting in seven major distribution companies – Wincanton, DHL, Hoyer, BP, J.W Suckling, Norbert Dentressangle and Turners.

If the industrial ballot is approved, Unite will hold meetings with local union representatives over the next few days.

Jon Trickett, Labour’s shadow minister for the Cabinet Office, said it is essential that a strike is averted.

“The government should get a grip and show that it understands the gravity of current situation,” Mr Trickett said. “They should immediately insist that both sides begin negotiations.”

Unite stress that the dispute was not about pay, describing the UK fuel distribution industry as “unstable and fragmented”.

Tanker drivers work 12 hour shifts, driving a 44 tonne vehicle, holding between 36,000 and 40,000 litres of petroleum product.