Delegates at Unison's local government conference have threatened to strike, unless councils increase their mileage rates. The trade union members said many social workers, carers and other council staff used their cars for work and were being hit by rising fuel prices, which had been caused by the tanker drivers' strike. ‘While oil companies posted record profits last year, our members have had to cope with another below-inflation pay deal,' said Unison's head of local government, Heather Wakefield. ‘At conference they sent a clear message to the employers that they would not stand for this bargain-basement treatment. They will consider strikes if the employers do not take action.' The result of Unison's strike ballot over local government pay is expected this week. LACORS has warned drivers against stockpiling fuel as the shortages continue across the country. ‘The storage of petrol is strictly regulated because it is a very dangerous, highly-flammable substance,' said LACORS chairman, Cllr Geoffrey Theobald. ‘I would strongly urge motorists not to panic and risk the safety of themselves and their families by storing fuel illegally.
