Union plea to reject fuel deal
Fuel tanker drivers are to vote on a proposed deal aimed at averting strikes, with a recommendation to reject it, keeping alive the threat of industrial action.
Latest ITV News reports
Fuel strike decision deadline extended
Tanker drivers urged to reject deal to avert strike
– Diana Holland, Unite's assistant general secretaryThe proposals represent progress on some of the key areas such as health and safety. But it is clear that they do not give enough guarantees that the instability and insecurity gripping the industry will come to an end.
It is in everyone's interest that we end the contract merry-go- round and the erosion of standards in a vital industry.
Delegates felt the proposals did not meet members' expectations and are recommending that members reject them in the consultative ballot.
Tanker drivers to decide on deal
Members of the union Unite are due to vote on whether to accept proposals aimed at stopping a strike by fuel tanker drivers. They were drawn up during six days of negotiations at the conciliation service Acas.
The talks ended last Friday but neither the employers nor the Unite union have released any details of the discussions before today's meeting.
Advertisement
Unite: We have something to take to our members
Unite have said they are satisfied that they have a set a proposals to bring to their members.
The 'deal' does not mean that the threat of strike action has been lifted; the terms of the confidential proposal still need to be accepted by the tanker drivers.
Tanker unions and fuel companies agree new proposals
Proposals aimed at resolving the fuel tanker drivers dispute were drawn up tonight, raising hopes that strikes can be averted.
Read the full storyGovernment welcomes fuel dispute deal
An Energy and Climate Change Department spokesman said:
The Government welcome the news that Unite plan to put a deal to their members.
We hope that this will lead to the threat of strike action being lifted.
The Government continues to believe that any strike action is wrong and unnecessary.
We will continue to work on contingency plans to increase the country's resilience in the event of a strike.
Acas announce fuel strike deal
Acas chief conciliator Peter Harwood announced that an agreement for a set of proposals to avert a strike by fuel tanker drivers has been reached.
Advertisement
Full statement from Acas
Acas Chief Conciliator Peter Harwood said a proposal for a deal has been reached between Unite the union and representatives from fuel companies.
Over the past fortnight the six contractors have met with the Unite trade union through the Acas conciliation service. Acas has been shuttling between the parties and the process has been a challenging one but we are pleased to announce that a set of proposals have been reached.
– Peter Harwood, Acas Chief ConciliatorAs you would expect the details of the proposals are confidential until the parties report back to their respective organisations. After that the details may be disclosed by the parties themselves.
The extension to the ballot period was agreed to enable those consultations to take place. Acas is pleased at this development and hope that the matter will soon be settled."
Proposal to remain confidential
The contents of the final set of proposals agreed between Acas, Unite the union and representatives from fuel companies will remain confidential.
Unite has said the document will go to the union representatives and their delegates for discussion.
Unite: 'now we have a document to take to our delegates'
Unite the union says: "Now we're in a position where we have a document which we can take back to our delegates and reps to discuss."
Unite announce a deal with 6 fuel companies
Unite the union have reached a possible deal with six fuel companies in talks over pay and conditions.
2,000 members voted to strike earlier in the month, which would have caused havoc for motorists across the country.