Fuel Tanker Drivers in West Midlands Announce Pre-Christmas Strike Over Pay

Petrol tanker drivers have declared their intention to strike in the lead-up to Christmas, citing a pay dispute. The Unite union reported that approximately 20 drivers in the West Midlands, who are under contract with XPO Bulk UK Ltd, plan to walk out due to what they consider unfair remuneration, claiming that drivers in other parts of the country earn up to £11,000 more. The industrial action is scheduled to occur between 19 and 24 December, and the union warned it could “see petrol run dry at Tesco garages across the region”. An XPO spokesperson stated that the company continues to collaborate with the union and that measures are being implemented to mitigate any potential impact from the industrial action. Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, commented: “XPO is a massive multinational making nearly a billion dollars in profit last year, yet feels the need to try and short-change our members in the West Midlands.” She urged XPO to present an acceptable pay offer, otherwise, petrol supplies to Tesco would be affected during the Christmas period. Unite regional officer Jason Richards added that members in the West Midlands desire a “fair deal” after observing colleagues elsewhere in the UK “earning vastly more”. The BBC has reached out to Tesco for a statement.