Crisis talks have broken down between oil tanker drivers and their employer, Hoyer. The meeting was held to try and prevent 500 drivers responsible for delivering oil to Shell garages from going on strike. With the news that no agreement has been made, fears are rising that the UK might suffer a fuel shortage.The workers are represented by the Unite union, and have demanded a minimum wage of £36,000 per year from Hoyer. They also claim that their current average wage is £34,000. However, Hoyer maintains that drivers already earn more than £36,000, and argues that the six per cent pay rise that the company has already offered to avoid the strike would increase that to £38,500. The company also maintains that the drivers have seen a 27 per cent increase in pay since it took over the Royal Dutch Shell contract at the end of 2003.Unite national officer Ron Webb stated, “Our members’ dedication helps Shell to make vast profits. All they are asking for in return is a living wage.”
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