Fuel tanker drivers vote on strikes

Thousands of tanker drivers who deliver petrol to forecourts are to be balloted for strikes in a dispute over safety and terms and conditions.

Unite said its members at seven fuel distribution firms would vote in the coming weeks on taking industrial action. The union is pushing for a forum to agree on industry-wide best practices on safety, training and terms and conditions, but it says companies have refused to engage in the process.

Voting will start next week among 2,000 drivers who account for 90 per cent of deliveries.