News

Some 46 BP Castrol tanker drivers, working for Wincanton, are poised to strike tomorrow (30 October) at two sites in Ellesmere Port and Hyde over the dismissal of a colleague for alleged use of a mobile phone while driving.

The action is the second 24-hour strike in as many weeks by the drivers, who are all members of union Unite.

According to Unite officer Tommy Kirwan, the driver in question was not on the phone and has an unblemished 16-year driving record with the firm.

However, in a statement to MT, Wincanton says: "In this instance a Wincanton employee was seen, by a senior Wincanton manager, driving his lubricants delivery vehicle on a motorway while using his mobile phone.

"Wincanton instigated a full investigation as per its stringent health and safety guidelines, which all employees are bound by and made fully aware of. As a result of this investigation, the driver was dismissed for a serious breach of these guidelines.

"Wincanton makes no apologies for fully enforcing its health and safety guidelines and will continue to do so to ensure the safety of the general public, staff and employees."

Two further strikes are scheduled if there is no movement from Wincanton, says Unite.