Tanker drivers victory proves that strikes work
Tanker drivers, members of the Unite trade union at Grangemouth Oil refeinery, have won a major victory over the BP multinational in a dispute over wages and pensions. Following a 72 hour strike (see here) and the threat of another 4 days of strike action, BP have agreed to the majority of the workers’ demands. This important victory should be an inspiration to all workers facing attacks by their employers and the ConDem government. Strikes do indeed work.
As Unite have reported “Following fresh negotiations over the last few days, the oil giant will now recompense tanker drivers who stood to lose up to £16,000 a year on their pension value and £1,400 a year on their basic earnings as a result of an imminent aviation contract transfer to DHL.
The workers, who will transfer shortly from BP to DHL, will receive the full value of the BP share-match scheme as an indefinite monthly payment. Deals have also been agreed to cover losses to pensions as a result of the contract transfer.
42 drivers had already taken 72 hours of strike action since last Friday and further strikes were planned from Thursday 28th February.
Unite industrial officer Tony Trench said: “This is a magnificent result for our members who were resolute in their pursuit of pay and pension justice from BP – a company that raked in nearly £8 billion in profit last year – and firm in their collective belief that no worker should have to endure financial loss as a result of a transfer of employment.
“We’ve faced down the fourth biggest company in the world over the basic principle of fairness. We said from the outset we were always prepared to negotiate and that, after Friday’s 72 hour strike action, the ball was firmly in BP’s court to end the dispute by doing the right thing. It has done the right thing.
“Today’s outcome should also send out a message to workers and employers across the industry: There is power in a trade union and this union – Unite – will fight back against any attempts to cut our members’ hard fought terms and conditions.”
If 42 workers can defeat a multinational like BP, what could be acheived by mobilising the power of the entire trade union movement against cuts and austerity, begining with a 24-hour general strike ?
