Planned strikes by 400 fuel tanker drivers employed by Certas have been called off after the workers voted to accept an improved offer.

The drivers deliver petrol, diesel, heating oil and lubrication oil to clients across the UK, including the Royal Mail, the military, schools, hundreds of Gulf forecourts, Shell and Valvoline.

The workers were initially offered a two per cent pay deal. But after they announced strike action, Certas increased it to 3.25 per cent backdated to April 2025.

The three-year deal also means the drivers will receive RPI inflation rises for 2026 and 2027, with a minimum of three per cent and maximum of 3.75 per cent. In addition, the deal provides a range of other benefits to the workers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The tanker drivers at Certas stood together in their union and won. Unite is totally focused on delivering better jobs, pay and conditions for our members.”

Certas is based in Warrington, but the drivers are located across the UK as they pick up fuel from different oil refineries and deliver to clients across the country.

Industrial action was scheduled to take place before Christmas but was postponed to allow for talks. Strikes planned for January have now been called off.

Unite national officer Tony Devlin said: “I wish to thank Unite’s workplace reps at Certas for their hard work and dedication. If you want better wages and working conditions then join Unite and organise your colleagues to join too.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.