News

The TGWU section of trade union Unite has accused oil firm Total of "betrayal" after its decision to split its distribution contract. The decision means "anger and uncertainty" for 180 Wincanton tanker drivers, says national secretary for transport Ron Webb. Wincanton manages Total's distribution, but from October 1, the work will be split with DHL and Turners of Soham. DHL will handle the South- west region, while Turners will take on the South-east work. Wincanton hangs on to the northern and  midlands arm of the contract.

Unite has begun a consultation with the workforce and Total. Shop stewards from he affected locations will meet this week to discuss any impact on drivers' contracts and job security. Webb says: "There is a sense of betrayal at this news. This will seriously affect the industrial bargaining arrangements which weren't broken and don't need fixing." But Total says it regularly reviews its supplier contracts and the new arrangement is part of company procedure. A spokesman says: "We are working closely with all our suppliers to ensure everything is done to keep any impact on drivers to a minimum and the transition between suppliers as smooth as possible."

Wincanton tells Motor Transport the move is the result of Total adopting the policy in the rest of Europe regarding distribution contracts. "Disappointment is not the word we would use, we have a very strong relationship with Total and are very pleased this will continue," it says. Turners, which  will handle deliveries from Coryton, Purfleet, Theale and Vopak under the new deal, says: "We are delighted that Total UK has recognised our dedication to the high standards of Health and Safety and the flexibility that we believe our approach will provide."