Hot on the heels of industrial action at the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland, it seems that many parts of the UK could have their fuel supplies disrupted over the next few days as drivers delivering fuel to Shell garages announce plans to strike over pay.

It seems that a 6% pay offer by Shell transport agent Hoyer UK has been rejected by their drivers with the Unite Union advising them to fight for a massive 13% pay rise. It seems that everyone is after a slice of the oil price rise and the extra revenue which this is bringing to companies such as Shell.

The 13% demand is well out of line with recent UK pay settlements but it seems the Unions had assumed that Shell would make further funding available to cover the increase, thus averting industrial action. Unfortunately for the Unions, Shell has refused to enter the fray and unless an agreement can be reached in emergency last ditch talks later this week, we could see fuel deliveries disputed from this weekend.

Many see the recent burst of industrial action across the country as a further nail in the coffin of New Labour with their Union paymasters determined to bring the party back into line. Gordon Brown has experienced one of the most traumatic premierships of recent times and it is not over yet!

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