Bristol tanker drivers working for fuel firm Oxalis have accepted a “substantial” pay increase after they threatened to go out on strike earlier this month.
According to their union Unite, the drivers have accepted a five-year pay deal worth up to 22% – and could be even more depending on inflation.
It said they would immediately receive up to 11.5% backdated to January and a further 3.5% from January 2027.
They will then receive either 3% in year three and 2% in year four and five, or an RPI increase, whichever is the highest.
The dispute arose after Oxalis declined a request from the tanker drivers for pay parity with colleagues at the same company in Birmingham, along with paid breaks.
The drivers are based at the Esso Main Terminal but deliver fuel to multiple sources across the South West.
The terminal ships out approximately two million litres of fuel daily and Unite said the effect of strike action would have meant oil tankers would be unable to unload, no fuel would be delivered and all petrol stations in South Wales and South West England could run dry within 48 hours.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a substantial and well-earned pay award for drivers in a skilled and stressful role.
“It shows the power of a union and what can be achieved when workers are prepared to take strike action for their goal.”
Oxalis was approached for comment.
