TANKER drivers supplying garage forecourts and aviation fuel are to go on strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of Unite based at Stanlow oil refinery will walk out from June 6-8 and 13-15 which the union said will affect deliveries across the Borders and the North West of England.

Around 50 oil tanker drivers based at the Stanlow oil refinery have agreed to strike over their pay being "significantly lower than that of their colleagues in other parts of the country".

According to the union Oxalis drivers in Thurrock and Birmingham are offered £2 more per hour than drivers at the Stanlow refinery.

The company said it has contingency plans so that its operations can continue.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Oxalis is treating its Stanlow-based drivers as second-class workers.

"There is absolutely no reason why this profitable company should not be paying these workers the same rates of pay as their colleagues based elsewhere.

"They will receive Unite's total support as they strike for equal pay."

An Oxalis spokesperson said: "Oxalis has offered drivers a 19 per cent pay increase over two years.

"Any further increase severely compromises the viability of the operation and puts jobs at risk.

"Further talks are planned with the union and whilst we hope we can reach a mutually agreeable deal, contingency plans are fully developed and we are confident all our operations will continue should industrial action take place."