Unite is planning on balloting several DHL Supply Chain fuel tanker drivers for industrial action at its West Thurrock depot, in a dispute over a driver who allegedly had his pay docked.

Some 19 drivers who deliver petrol and diesel to 55 fuel stations at Morrisons supermarkets across London, the South East and East Anglia, are currently being balloted for strike action and industrial action short of a strike.

The union said the dispute involves a driver who allegedly had his wages docked by around £5,200 over seven months after he was involved in a road traffic incident.

Unite claim a driver cut in front of his truck on a major road and he was forced to brake sharply. The truck’s forward-facing camera was activated and should have recorded the incident, but management failed to download the recording in coordination with the company’s procedure.

Unite is due to hold talks with DHL tomorrow (20 January). The ballot closes on 27 January, and industrial action may go ahead on 4 February if members vote in favour.

Unite regional officer Paul Travers said: “Our members have shown patience and common sense, yet DHL management consistently refuses to do the same and recognise the grossly unfair treatment that it has meted out to our member, which has resulted in him suffering loss of earnings of about £5,200.

“The failure of management to follow agreed procedures is also of concern to the union and its members on health and safety grounds.”

A spokeswoman for DHL Supply Chain said: "We are disappointed that Unite is balloting its members on industrial action. On 12th January both DHL and Unite agreed to enlist the support of Acas to help resolve this matter and a meeting was arranged at that time to take place in advance of the closure of the ballot. We look forward to what we hope will be positive and constructive dialogue.”

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