Holidaymakers could face major disruption to their flights this Autumn if tanker drivers at Turners (Soham) vote for strike action next month, in protest at the company’s “miserly” pay offer, union Unite is warning.
The warning comes as the union confirmed this week that drivers working for Turners (Soham) at the Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland are to be balloted on strike action in an escalating pay dispute.
The dispute revolves around the company’s latest pay offer of 1%, which Unite has slammed as “miserly”, pointing to the company’s most recent annual results, which reveal a £51m profit for the year to 31 December 2023.
The Turners (Soham) Grangemouth drivers work on two contracts which provide fuel services for major aviation companies, including Jet 2, easyJet and Emirates operating at Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle airports .
The ballot for industrial action closes on 4 September. Strike action could begin from mid-September.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Unite Turners’ drivers will not accept a miserly pay offer from a very profitable company. We will fully support our members in their fight to secure better jobs, pay and conditions.”
Unite regional officer, Lyn Turner, added: “The logistic drivers based out of Grangemouth are a key group of workers providing fuel supplies to airlines at Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle airports.
“Turners need to come to its senses and make a fair pay offer to our members.”
