Strike action by Bristol-based Oxalis tanker drivers has been averted at the last minute after workers received an improved pay offer, union Unite has announced.
Yesterday the union announced talks with Oxalis had broken down but today (6 July) Unite revealed a new pay offer had been put forward by the company.
The improved offer means the threat of strike action is on hold, removing the prospect of pumps running dry in the south west
As a result, tanker drivers at Oxalis will now be balloted on the offer and have suspended their planned continuous strikes that were due to begin today.The ballot closes on Friday 10 July.
The dispute arose after Oxalis declined a request from its Bristol-based tanker drivers for pay parity with colleagues at the same company in Birmingham, along with paid breaks.
Currently Bristol drivers earn nearly 20% less than their Birmingham counterparts, according to Unite.
Unite members at Oxalis Logistics are based at the Esso Main Terminal but deliver fuel to multiple sources across the South West. The main terminal ships out approximately 2 million litres of fuel daily.
Unite had warned last week that if other firms refused to cross the picket line the ultimate effect would mean oil tanker 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 regional officer Alan Adler said: “As a gesture of goodwill, our members have agreed to suspend strike action while they consider a new and improved pay offer from their employer.”
Unite said if the new offer is successful all strike action will be cancelled and tanker drivers will continue to work as usual.
However it warned that if the offer is not accepted strike action could “quickly resume.”
This latest dispute comes just weeks after Oxalis’ Grangemouth tanker drivers delivering fuel to major Scottish airports secured a significant four-year pay agreement after a long-running dispute. The new deal includes a 4% pay rise for 2025, 5.4% in 2026, enhanced shift rates, and a boosted bonus.
A request by MT for comment from Oxalis has yet to receive a response
