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lslam Times Exclusive:

UK Strike 1: Standstill As Unions Confirm Fuel Strike

30 Mar 2012 11:02

Reporter : Mobashar Hassan


Islam Times: Britain were on average it is estimated that there are 3 cars per household is facing a major crisis as British Trade Unions have confirmed a strike by fuel tanker drivers leading to the closure of over 8,000 Petrol Pumps across the UK.

Members of trade union Unite, who representing the fuel tanker drivers have voted unanimously for industrial action meaning chaos on Britain's roads, panic drivers heading to petrol pumps for reserve petrol and a standstill of drivers leading to a huge economic crisis in Britain – costing the nation Billions.

Unite Assistant General Secretary, Diana Holland in a statement said: "These votes send a clear message throughout the industry and should prompt all the major companies to get around the table to establish minimum standards.

"This is not about pay - this is about ensuring that high safety and training standards are maintained, so that our communities are safe. It is about a simple measure, the creation of an industry wide bargaining forum. It is about bringing fairness and stability back to an essential national industry."

Trade union Unite drivers are believed to supply 90 per cent of the UK's forecourts and the union said a strike could close up to 7,900 petrol stations. The drivers have been called to action in a dispute over terms and conditions and safety standards.

"We have been actively engaged in discussions with Unite through the Industry Forum to examine ways in which these high health safety and training stands can be applied across the industry but Unite walked away from those discussions."

The strikes have caused a panic in the British Parliament House as Downing Street has urged Unite and oil companies to hold talks to prevent a strike, as senior ministers met to draw up contingency plans to keep vital services moving. 

David Cameron, The British Prime Minister and his Cabinet were briefed on plans to put military personnel through an eight day training course to take the place of striking drivers behind the wheel of commercial tankers, although Downing Street said the training had not yet started. His counterpart and leader of the British Labour Party, Ed Miliband said a strike should be avoided "at all costs" and urged both union and company chiefs to get round the table and negotiate. 

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said the Government had "learnt the lessons" of the previous disruption to petrol supplies in 2000, when pumps ran dry around the country, and was putting plans in place to keep Britain moving, but acknowledged that there was still "more work to be done". 

The British Government has announced that soldiers are being lined up to stand in for the tanker drivers if strikes go ahead resulting to an unbearable loss for the Government.
© lslam Times


Story Code: 149132

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