Members of Unite working for five fuel distribution firms delivering fuel for household names, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, BP, Shell and Esso backed a call for strike action by an average of 69%. Turnouts across the five companies averaged 77.7%.
Unite urged the employers to meet their responsibilities and talk meaningfully about establishing reasonable minimum standards that secure the stability of this vital national industry. Attempts by the union to progress a forum have been thwarted by employers' unrelenting attacks on drivers' terms and conditions.
More than 61.1% of those voting across the seven companies voted for strike action.
According to Unite tanker drivers work in an increasingly fragmented and pressurised industry where corners are being cut on safety and training in a bid to squeeze profits and win contracts. Drivers face growing job insecurity as a result of the contract 'merry-go-round' and a 'beat the clock' culture has flourished with drivers forced to meet ever shorter delivery deadlines.
Final salary pension schemes have been swapped for inferior money purchase schemes, and some workers are now on their sixth pension in as many years, with 10 to 15 years left to go in the industry.
Diana Holland, Unite assistant general secretary, said: "These votes send a clear message throughout the industry and should prompt all the major companies to get around the table to establish minimum standards.
"This is not about pay - this is about ensuring that high safety and training standards are maintained, so that our communities are safe. It is about a simple measure, the creation of an industry-wide bargaining forum. It is about bringing fairness and stability back to an essential national industry." "No longer can it be acceptable that oil giants rake in profits, while shirking their responsibility for the stable supply of a national commodity. The measures we are proposing are reasonable, responsible and sensible. We urge them to act and listen."
Following the announcement that fuel tanker drivers have voted overwhelmingly to go on strike, Jonathan Exten-Wright, employment partner at DLA Piper, said: "Confirmation that fuel tanker drivers have voted in favour of strike action could have a widespread impact on business. Workers could face large-scale disruption to travel, forcing them to take time off work, particularly if they rely on a car or public road transport to get into work.
"In case the Government's contingency plan of using the army fails to prove sufficient, employers should consider whether they need to implement business interruption procedures, perhaps allowing flexible working for some employees, or preparing staff to work from home. Employers should check what contracts and insurance permit, and look at whether or not they propose to pay those who cannot make it to work. Early planning now should help employers to keep business open as normal."
