Threatened fuel supply drivers’ strike could have ‘direct impact’ on airlines

Airlines flying from  Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle airports will be “directly impacted” if a strike by fuel supply drivers goes ahead.

 

The warning came from the Unite union as it confirmed that logistics drivers working for Turners (Soham) Limited at the Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland were being balloted on strike action in an escalating pay dispute. 

 

The ballot closes on September 4 and any strike action could begin from the middle of the month.

 

The union believes fuel supplies to airlines including Jet 2, easyJet and Emirates operating at Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle airports will be directly impacted if the drivers take industrial action.  

 

The drivers work on two contracts which provide fuel services for a number of major aviation companies. 

 

The union said Turners had offered a “miserly” one per cent just as the broader Consumer Prince Index cost of inflation hit 3.8% in July.

 

Unite regional officer Lyn Turner said: “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.” 

 

The union’s 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.” 

 

Travel Weekly has approached Turners for comment.