ONE OF Britain's biggest unions has warned of possible petrol shortages after hundreds of workers at Fawley refinery voted to take strike action.
GMB, which has issued strike notices to various contractors whose staff are based at the refinery, says industrial action is due to start on November 21.
But ExxonMobil, which runs the site, today denied that the planned strikes could result in fuel shortages.
A spokesperson said: "We have a large and flexible workforce at Fawley and have resource plans to cover a range of scenarios. We do not anticipate any customer impact should action occur.”
The union claims contractors have refused to pay the latest Incentive Bonus Arrangement (IBA).
GMB regional organiser Bryan Hulley said: "Our members work hard in arduous and hazardous conditions, outside in all weathers, to repair and maintain process units.
“Without their efforts, breakdowns cannot be repaired and maintenance work to prevent breakdowns will not be carried out, so there is a real possibility that supplies of petroleum products could be affected.
“During the pandemic, our members were asked to work a shift system and waived a shift allowance due to the difficult financial situation.
READ MORE: Industrial action at Fawley refinery ends with nine per cent pay rise
“Given the current cost of living crisis, it is only fair that the employers put their hands in their pockets and reinstate this allowance, to which our members should be entitled.
“Industrial action is the last resort and it is a shame it has come to this, but the employers know where we are if they would like to talk to us.”
Mr Hulley said about 300 workers were involved in the dispute.
More than 2,500 staff and contractors work at the site, said to be the biggest of its kind in the UK. One in five vehicles on UK roads runs on fuel produced at Fawley.
Plans to ballot GMB members on strike action were announced at the start of this month.
Speaking at the time Mr Hulley said: "Our members maintain important process units that keep the refinery running. The IBA supplement at these uncertain times is only what their efforts have earned, so the employers' refusal to implement this standard payment is both ill-timed and ill-advised."
READ MORE: Around 100 workers at Fawley refinery set to strike over pay
An ExxonMobil spokesperson said today: "This matter involves staff employed by contracting companies onsite, and relates to ongoing discussions over an incentive payment as part of nationally-agreed terms and conditions.
"We are disappointed at the outcome of the ballot and encourage union representatives to continue to work with employers to reach a resolution.
"We have a large and flexible workforce at Fawley and have resource plans to cover a range of scenarios.
"We do not anticipate any customer impact should action occur.”
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