First Union organiser Jared Abbott said pickets at BP service stations planned for yesterday afternoon had been suspended following the recent developments. Photo / Lindy Laird
First Union organiser Jared Abbott said pickets at BP service stations planned for yesterday afternoon had been suspended following the recent developments. Photo / Lindy Laird
A major transport and logistics company has agreed to resume talks with the union of six Northland-based tanker drivers striking over pay and working conditions.
Negotiations between Toll Carriers and the drivers' representative, First Union, will start today with an aim to achieve a collective agreement, including a pay increase.
Six of the eight drivers employed by Toll Carriers in Whangarei went on an indefinite strike nearly two weeks ago, demanding a rise of about 2 per cent or about $28 an hour from the $20 to $25 they now get. Toll Carriers, owned by Australian-based Toll Group, is contracted to supply fuel to 32 Gasoline Alley Services (GAS) and seven BP service stations throughout Northland.
Both parties agreed to meet today after BP this week held independent talks with them.
BP spokesman Jonathan Mills said the company wasn't involved in the dispute but was pleased both parties had agreed to resume talks.
First Union organiser Jared Abbott said pickets at BP service stations planned for yesterday afternoon had been suspended following the recent developments.
The affected drivers had been bargaining since January for a collective agreement and wage rates closer to what competitors paid, he said.
Mr Abbott said the strike would continue while talks were held.
