Strikes involving Suckling Transport tanker drivers have been called off after the Unite union said it had secured a “significantly improved” pay deal.
The agreement for the fuel transport haulier’s drivers in London, Essex, Middlesex and Grangemouth included a 6.3% increase in pay and what Unite described as “a huge improvement” to the company’s pension contributions.
It said drivers had also received an increase in annual leave, harmonisation of terms and conditions and their annual bonus would now be unconditional.
Strikes involving 39 tanker drivers were scheduled to begin on 16 April with Unite claiming Suckling had failed to meet the terms of its 2024 pay deal.
The union warned that industrial action could mean fuel shortages across London, the South East and Scotland resulting in queues at petrol pumps and disruption to journeys.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The tanker drivers at JW Suckling achieved this excellent pay win by standing firm in their union.
“Since August 2021, Unite has put over £430 million into the pockets of our members through the union’s complete focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions.”
Unite regional officer Nick West added: “This result is a prime example the benefits being in a unionised workplace bring. Those wanting better wages and working conditions should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join too.”
No-one at Suckling Transport was available for comment.
