Soldiers on standby over Looming strike

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said the government has “learnt lessons” from the past and stands “ready to act” in case of the strike by 2,000 Unite union members who could take action beginning on April 3.

The army soldiers are to be deployed as replacement drivers while the police will prevent any blockade.

“Widespread strike action affecting fuel supply at our supermarkets, garages and airports could cause disruption across the country,” Maude said.

“Although we are pushing for an agreement, we have learnt the lessons of the past and stand ready to act to minimize disruption to motorists, to industry and, in particular, to our emergency services, in the event of a strike,” he added.

Unite is to anounce the results of ballot from its members on industrial action on Sunday.

A strike vote will see 90 percent of all tanker drivers who supply petrol to forecourts stop providing service, effectively paralyzing the transport system.

Unite said the action is inevitable as drivers’ terms and conditions have been hit by “unrelenting attacks” by major fuel distribution firms.

“This is not about pay, it is about ensuring that high safety and training standards are maintained. It is about bringing fairness and stability back to an industry that is controlled by faceless global giants,” it said.

AMR/HE

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