Strikes off at Tesco forecourts after massive pay win

Fuel tanker drivers employed by XPO on the outsourced Tesco petrol station contract have secured a 27 per cent pay increase with a two year pay deal – lifting pay by £12,000 on average.

The 57 drivers, who are members of Unite had recorded a 100 per cent yes vote for strike action in their determination to improve their pay, which was lower than that paid by competitors.

Once XPO understood the strength of the drivers’ feelings, fresh talks were held and a vastly improved offer was made. The drivers were balloted on the new offer and voted to accept it overwhelmingly.

The 27 per cent increase will bring the workers’ pay into line with other drivers on similar contracts in the sector. On average, the deal is worth just under £12,000 per year to the drivers.

The threatened strike action is now off but it would have led to fuel shortages across southern and South West England and across much of Wales.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This is a great win for our members at XPO who by standing together and showing solidarity have transformed their earnings.

“This is a further example of how Unite’s focus on jobs, pay and conditions is paying off for tanker and lorry drivers,” she added. “The union’s focus has been on securing permanent pay increases, rather than one-off bonuses and loyalty payments, which too often fail to materialise.”

Unite regional officer Tim Morris noted, “Congratulations must go to Unite’s reps and members at XPO whose discipline and courage ensured the employers returned to the negotiating table with an offer that could be accepted.”

By Barckley Sumner