By John Simpson 20 April 2012
The revised threat of industrial action from fuel tanker drivers could stifle small and medium-sized fleet companies to the point of collapse, according to The Fuelcard Company.
Fuel tanker drivers overwhelmingly rejected a proposal regarding safety standards this week which has reignited fears of a strike in the coming weeks.
The Fuelcard Company believes there is the risk that a ‘striking culture’ could spread through the fleet industry, lead by the belief that industrial action is the only way to effect change.
Jakes de Kock, Marketing Director at The Fuelcard Company, explained: “The fleet industry is at the end of its tether, with rising fuel prices, a further fuel duty hike to come and no sign of relief from the Government, so it is hardly surprising that tensions are rising.
“However, it’s important to keep our heads and remember that a strike would have serious consequences for small and medium sized businesses who cannot afford to forgo a day or week of work.”
“Wrong and unnecessary”
Smaller fleet companies have been forced to turn down work in recent months, due to high fuel prices cancelling out any profit margin, and Mr de Kock is concerned that the strikes may lead to these companies folding.
Representatives from the Unite union declined the proposals on the basis that they did not go far enough in guaranteeing minimum standards for safety and training. Unite will either call for more talks of declare strike dates.
Strike action would be “wrong and unnecessary” in Edward Davey’s view, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary, and Mr de Kock agreed.
“At a time when pressure is coming from all sides, it’s important that those working within the industry stick together and I would urge the tanker drivers and Unite to seriously consider the wider impact of strikes,” he concluded.
Categories: Fleet news , The Fuelcard Company
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