Jet fuel driver strike solid as Unite slams oil industry greed
24 January 2012
More than 120 Jet fuel drivers, working out of three of the UK's
major oil terminals, are on strike over punitive 20 per cent cuts
in pay and to their terms and conditions.
The workers walked off the job at 5am this morning at the start
of a seven-day strike that will see fuel supplies to Jet's 381
forecourts hit. Unite reports that tankers are not crossing the
picket line. In Kingsbury, 12 Texaco trucks run by Wincanton
refused to cross the picket line to work and roughly four more
trucks turned back. At Immingham, no truck crossed the picket line
with at least seven turning around rather than enter the site.
Unite commended the courage of the workers who are determined to
stop Texas-based oil giant, ConocoPhillips, from forcing down their
terms and conditions. Unite said that with pre- tax profits in the
billions and soaring by 35.7 per cent last year, ConocoPhilips
could easily afford to pay the drivers' employer, Wincanton, a fair
rate for the contract.
According to the accounts for Conoco Philips Holding, profits
before tax increased by £544.1 million - a whacking 35.7 per cent -
from £1.52 billion to £2.07 billion in 2010, the last available
figures.
Directors' remuneration has increased by £500,000 - or 41.7 per
cent - from £1.2 million in the same year.
Speaking from the picket line in Immingham Unite national
officer Matt Draper said: "This is another example of corporate
greed destroying the livelihoods of ordinary people. ConocoPhilips
makes billions in profits, it is simply beyond belief. Yet its
greed knows no end. The company could easily afford to pay
Wincanton a fair rate for the job, in turn stopping these grasping
assaults on workers' pay.
"Behind me Jet trucks are standing idle. It won't be long before
supply at the pumps is hit. ConocoPhillips cannot wash its hands of
this - its greed is directly hitting supply. Consumers will know
where the blame lies and that is firmly in its boardroom.
"Our members are determined to defend their livelihoods. The
drivers will be out for 24 hours for seven days until a fair
resolution can be reached."
ENDS
For further information contact Chantal Chegrinec, Unite
campaigns officer, on 07774 146 777 or the Unite press office on
020 3371 2065.
Notes to editors:
Picket locations:
1. ABP Immingham Docks, Immingham, North East Lincolnshire
DN40
2. Kingsbury oil terminal, Warwickshire Trinity Road,
Kingsbury, Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 2EH
3. Stockton-on-Tees in the north east.
