Further disruptions expected for Southfuels customers

Further disruptions expected for Southfuels customers

Rural customers needing fuel deliveries this summer may face further disruptions as a second strike notice has been served on Southfuels Ltd by its’ workers.

Around a third of the company’s drivers and the majority of North Island drivers have issued the notice in support of a claim for recognition payments for long hours. The nature of the strike is an overtime ban until an agreement has been reached.

Justin Wallace, the spokesperson for the drivers, says that the company is at fault for the disruptions.

“This company is already paying recognition payments to non-union members. They appear to be taking a path of trying to undermine union negotiations and it’s their own customers who they are hurting in the process.”

Mr Wallace says the drivers will not roll over and says the only way to resolve the issues is for the company to come to the negotiation table in good faith.

“Our members don’t want to disrupt customers but they won’t just sit back and let the company exploit them. Overtime payments are standard in collective agreements in this industry and we won’t be giving Southfuels a free pass. If this action doesn’t get them to reconsider their position, we will just forge ahead with more action.”

The strike will start on January 4 and is expected to have a compounding impact the longer it continues.

ENDS

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