Tanker driver dispute

Unite will next week launch a legal counterattack on ‘an outrageous attack on workers’ rights’.

Over thirty members of Unite employed by Suttons Tankers, as drivers and fitters, had been on strike since Friday January 19 as a result of the company’s plan to dismiss and re-engage them on inferior terms and conditions, which would slash the workers’ pay.

On Wednesday, January 24 Unite was given less than 30 minutes’ warning that Eastham Refinery Ltd of Ellesmere Port, where the workers are based, were in Manchester High Court seeking an injunction. No notice was given, which meant Unite had no opportunity to defend the application or to put forward the union’s case.

The case has been adjourned until Thursday, February 1 when the union will have opportunity to put forward evidence and vigorously defend the application.

“Unite will be vigorously challenging this injunction,” said Unite regional officer Kenny Rowe.

“This injunction which was applied for in the most disgraceful and underhand way is designed purely to deny workers their rights including the right of freedom of association.

“Suttons Tankers need to stop hiding behind Eastham Refinery Ltd and to return to the negotiating table in order to resolve this dispute.

“Our members only took strike action after the company’s actions in trying to force a contract on them which slashed their pay, left them with no other option.”