British troops may replace striking drivers

The British government has mobilized hundreds of army personnel and policemen to replace fuel tanker drivers who have threatened to carry out a nationwide strike, amid state-level fears of possible wide-scale paralysis of transportation sector. The drivers union, Unite, is due to declare later today date for the planned strike, aimed at protesting work conditions in seven major companies, responsible for supplying fuel to most of the nation airports. They also secure supplies to 8,000 stations, some 90 percent of Britain's gas stations. A spokesman of the premier bureau said in a statement that the government would not allow replay "of the 2000 scenario," when Unite truckers succeeded in paralyzing transports, thus causing troubles for the former government of Tony Blair. He urged oil companies, namely British Petroleum (BP), to seek common ground for conciliation with sector drivers, employees and staff and spare the nation effects of the prospected strike. In such an event, the government will have no other choice but to enlist the military troops to drive the lorries and secure the fuel to the consumers, as well as foil any bid by the strikers to block roads and routes. Moreover, the official spokesman expressed concern that the strike would cause substantial losses for the national economy and halt movement of motorists including police cabs and ambulances. The planned action involves some 2,000 members of Unite, seeking better and safer work conditions.