Petrol is running out at over 2,000 forecourts following the Shell tanker drivers’ strike, which is due to end tomorrow.
On Sunday, 647 garages ran out of petrol, according to figures from the Department for Business, Employment and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
Union leaders and employers are, however, in the process of negotiating a settlement. A spokesman from Unite (the union that represents the striking Shell tanker drivers) said: ‘It would take very little extra money now to resolve this dispute … We are very close. Where there’s talk, there’s hope.’
Another strike by Shell tanker drivers may, however, go ahead next weekend.
The tanker drivers, who supply Shell, want a £4,200 pay increase, worth 13 per cent, which would take them to £36,000 a year. Union leaders argue that their basic wage of £31,800 would actually be £46,000 had Shell not outsourced jobs.
South West England has been worst affected. However, there are ways to save money on fuel, as reported last week.
The Shell tanker drivers’ strike is due to end tomorrow, but in may not be in time to stop petrol running out at 2,000 forecourts.
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