Threat of tanker driver dispute fades

The threat of a nationwide tanker driver strike has receded after employees at the petrol distributor for Esso and Shell voted for action short of a walkout. More than 500 drivers at Hoyer held a restaged ballot after their employer raised legal concerns about the original poll. However, their backing for walkouts in the original poll has weakened and 80% voted for action short of a strike on a 58% turnout. Just over 38% of drivers at Hoyer, the largest of seven tanker driver groups involved in the dispute, backed walkouts. Unite will announce the result of a consultative ballot on peace proposals submitted by distributors on Friday.