Fuel tanker drivers strike could leave King and Queen with a “cold Christmas”
Around 400 drivers could walk out over pay dispute
Unite the Union says around 400 fuel tanker drivers who deliver petrol, diesel, heating oil and other fuels are set to strike during the festive season, a move the union warns could leave Sandringham and other locations without regular fuel supplies.
The drivers, employed by Certas, are protesting a pay offer they say amounts to a real-terms cut, with inflation running higher than the proposed increase. They deliver fuel not only to Sandringham but also to Royal Mail, military sites, schools and hundreds of forecourts across the UK.
Strike dates include 22 December, 5–11 January and 19–25 January, with industrial action set to intensify if a revised pay offer isn’t agreed.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the drivers “don’t expect to be treated like royalty, but they do expect a fair pay rise,” and emphasised the union’s support for members in the dispute.
The union says there is still time for Certas to return to talks and avert disruption, but warned that without a better offer the strikes will go ahead as planned.
We've contacted Certas for comment.