Army on Standby to Deliver Petrol if Strike

 

Soldiers have been put on standby to cover for petrol tanker drivers, who have threatened to go on strike.

Trade union Unite has balloted 2,000 tanker drivers working for seven major fuel distribution firms over industrial action in a dispute about pay and working conditions.




The result is expected today and could result in a series of walkouts from April 3rd.


Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister, revealed the government had drawn up a contingency plan to prevent fuel deliveries grinding to a halt.

Soldiers would be used to drive tankers and the police would be deployed to prevent blockades at distribution centres.

Mr Maude called on Unite and employers, including DHL and BP, to negotiate a settlement and avoid industrial action.

'Widespread strike action affecting fuel supply at our supermarkets, garages and airports could cause disruption across the country,' he said.
'The general public should not and must not suffer from this dispute and strike action is manifestly not the answer.

'Although we are pushing for an agreement, we have learnt the lessons of the past and stand ready to act to minimise disruption to motorists, to industry and, in particular, to our emergency services, in the event of a strike.'

In 2000, fuel price protesters caused chaos and forced many motorists off the road by taking action to prevent petrol being delivered to forecourts.