from an industrial correspondent Tanker drivers employed by Shell-Mex and B,P, and other oil companies are planning to hold a 48-hour strike "In the near future" to protest against delays in negotiating a new pay structure. A meeting held last week end at Smethwick took this decision, There were drivers from all over the country present. The drivers want a five-day, 40-hour week with a substantial basic wagee Spokesmen of the 100-strong meeting said that they could count on 99% support from men employed by the big oil companies.
Mr. Stables, secretary of the North-West drivers! committee, said at Preston on Monday, October 18th, "This has been going on for two years. We are averaging 20 hours! overtime a week to make a decent livin; wage." He added that the drivers had been given a 7se pay increase and an hour's reduction in their working week as an interim measure and later rejected as inapplicable a bonus incentive scheme. The strike decision is to be reported to a series of area meetings at which drivers will be asked to pledge support for the 48-hour strike, Most of the drivers are members of the TGWU.