Tanker drivers at Cheshire's Stanlow refinery set to strike in pay dispute

Unite claims the walk-out will affect deliveries to garage forecourts - but Oxalis, formerly Hoyer, says it has contingency plans in place

Cheshire-based tanker drivers supplying garage forecourts and aviation fuel are to go on strike in a dispute over pay. Members of Unite based at Stanlow oil refinery in Ellesmere Port will walk out from June 6-8 and 13-15.

The union said it will affect deliveries across the North West and Scottish Borders. The drivers, who work for Hoyer – recently rebranded as Oxalis, say their pay offer is significantly lower than that of their colleagues in other parts of the country.

The company said it has contingency plans so that its operations can continue.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Oxalis is treating its Stanlow-based drivers as second-class workers. There is absolutely no reason why this profitable company should not be paying these workers the same rates as pay as their colleagues based elsewhere. They will receive Unite’s total support as they strike for equal pay."

An Oxalis spokesperson said: “Oxalis has offered drivers a 19% pay increase over two years. Any further increase severely compromises the viability of the operation and puts jobs at risk. Further talks are planned with the union and whilst we hope we can reach a mutually agreeable deal, contingency plans are fully developed and we are confident all our operations will continue should industrial action take place."

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