FUEL tanker drivers began a seven-day strike in the region yesterday.

Ten workers employed by haulage firm Wincanton were at the 307-acre ConocoPhillips oil terminal at Seal Sands, near Billingham.

They were joined by about 100 other drivers mainly at South Killingholme in North Lincolnshire but also at Kingsbury in Warwickshire.

Their union, Unite, argues the firm is trying to reduce their pay by as much as 20 per cent ahead of planned contract renegotiations in mid-June.

Tim Bush, regional co-ordinatinating officer for Unite, visited picketing workers outside the Seal Sands plant.

He said: "The lads have taken the action because we believe the company is trying to chivvy away their hard won pay and conditions. These guys operate high risk cargoes, they're really moving bombs if not treated properly, and it really is a specialist job."

The drivers voted by four to one last week to take industrial action, with 95 per cent taking part in the ballot, and they say they're not asking for extra pay but job security.

However Wincanton, who are fighting to keep their contract with oil refinery giants ConocoPhillips, hit back strongly saying "we do not understand why this strike is happening."

In a statement Wincanto said: "We have always had the same objective as our drivers - to extend the current contract and provide them with job security.

"Wincanton's tanker drivers are among the best rewarded in the UK, with average total earnings of 45,000 per annum, core working hours of 37 per week, premium overtime arrangements and a large percentage with a final salary pension."

Wincanton also said the industrial action could jeopardise the security of the contract with ConocPhillips.

Contacted by The Northern Echo and asked specifically about Unite's claim about a 20 per cent pay cut. A press officer said: "We would stress that talks were about greater flexibility and exploratory and we would never, ever seek to impose without mutual agreement."