Union to start talks as soon as possible to solve dispute over pay and conditions.

The Unite union has today (Friday) confirmed strike action by fuel tanker drivers has been ruled out over the Easter period.

It also announced it would be starting talks as soon as possible to resolve disputes over pay and working conditions.

Unite’s assistant general secretary, Diana Holland, said: “We will not be calling Easter strike action as we focus on substantive talks through Acas. We do still retain the right to call strike action for after Easter should those talks breakdown.

“It should be stressed that what we are seeking is reasonable and no more than what is in place elsewhere in the industry. “There have been minimum standards governing the offshore oil industry since 2000 covering health and safety, training and terms and conditions.”

She added: “This is not a political dispute. It is an industrial dispute and the government’s recent rhetoric will not help us achieve a negotiated settlement.

“The government must set aside its political objectives and work with us, the employers, retailers and oil companies to achieve an outcome that is good for the industry and the country.”

Unite has called on the government to assist bringing employers, retailers and oil companies together to bring stability to the industry and establish minimum standards.