Drivers in the South West secure 22 per cent pay increase

Fuel tanker drivers at Oxalis in Bristol have accepted a substantial pay increase following their threat of strike action earlier this month.

Unite members at Oxalis Logistics are based at the Esso Main Terminal but deliver fuel to multiple sources across the South West. They have accepted a five-year pay deal that is worth up to 22 per cent (depending on shift patterns) but could be more depending on inflation.

Drivers will immediately receive up to 11.5 per cent backdated to January 2026 and a further 3.5 per cent from January 2027. They will then receive either three per cent in year three and two per cent in year four and five or an RPI increase (which ever is the highest).

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a substantial and well-earned pay award for drivers in a skilled and stressful role. It shows the power of a union and what can be achieved when workers are prepared to take strike action for their goal."

The main Esso terminal ships out approximately two million litres of fuel daily. The ultimate effect of strike action would have meant oil tankers would be unable to unload, no fuel would be delivered and all petrol stations in South Wales and South West England could run dry within 48 hours.

The pay award brings the drivers much more closely aligned with the pay of other Oxalis drivers in other parts of the county.

Unite regional officer Alan Adler said: "Our members should be congratulated on their new pay deal. Unite is the winning union in the road haulage sector and we will be looking at other employers who aren't paying their workers fairly. Being a member of Unite puts money in your pocket."

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