Demonstrations spreading nationwide

Pickets at BP services stations in support of striking Northland Toll/BP drivers will spread nationwide this week, as actions are being planned in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

This Thursday supporters will march on BP’s headquarters in Wellington at the same time as supporters picket the BP Connect Service Station at Church Corner on Riccarton Rd in Christchurch. This will be followed by a picket in Auckland on Saturday at BP Cavendish Drive.

FIRST Union organiser Jared Abbott said that actions will continue until Toll get the message that these drivers need a decent pay increase.

“The drivers have no intention of backing down at this stage, and are thrilled that they have supporters around the country,” said Abbott.

“Right now BP are taking a lot of flak for Toll’s failure to treat their drivers with the respect they deserve. These trucks are branded with BP insignia, and to the public they look like BP drivers. BP need to take responsibility for what takes place within their supply chain, they can’t just pretend that the wages and conditions of those drivers are not matters for their concern.”

—