Pacific Fuel Haul, a division of TIL Logistics Group, has been issued with a strike notice.
First Union, which represents around 180 of the division’s drivers, will take industrial action with a complete withdrawal of labour from December 16 to 20.
Collective employment bargaining between the union and the firm has been ongoing since August 10, 2018.
Pacific Fuel Haul says it’s “extremely disappointed” by the intended strike action taken by union employees.
Pacific Fuel Haul chief executive Stephen Owles says “we are concerned at the impact of the strike on New Zealanders just before Christmas”.
“[Pacific Fuel Haul] will be working with other staff and drivers to minimise disruption and maintain supplies during the strike period.
“We believe our offer is fair and reasonable, offering an attractive increase above CPI (consumer price index).
“However, given the union’s rejection of PFH’s offer, on Friday 30 November 2018 both parties had agreed to mediation as a pathway to a solution.
“We were frustrated the union then chose to announce on Saturday 1 December its notification of strike action. While we recognise the right of union members to strike, the length of the strike action (five days) is entirely inconsistent with the restraint shown by other essential sectors over recent months.
“We remain open to continuing discussions in good faith with the union and remain positive of a mutually acceptable outcome,” Owles says.
Pacific Fuel Haul says it pays its drivers some of the highest rates in the industry with most earning more than $100,000 per year.
However, First Union secretary Jared Abbott says drivers are bearing the brunt of the staff shortage and refutes the company’s claims they are paid fairly.
“There is no way these drivers could make the money the company is claiming in the media on a 40-hour week.
“Fuel tanker drivers are at the most dangerous end of the most dangerous industry. We have over 60 truck related fatalities every year.
“We need to maintain wage relativity to prevent more experienced drivers leaving the industry.”
Abbott says Pacific Fuel Haul should return to the table willing to negotiate.
“We were surprised by the company’s comments given they have been aware of the strike for over a week, and at an emergency meeting held on Friday, the company walked out without responding to a number of the issues on the table,” Abbott says.
