Sunday

I'm all right Jack

There were no changes to the other remuneration arrangements for executive Directors during the year ended 31 March 2013, save for an increase in the bonus potential for Donal Murphy from 75% to 100% of base salary. This increase was based on exceptional circumstances relating to the delivery of significant growth opportunities in the Energy division for which he has responsibility. See its all one man not you workers at the hard end


Operating profit increased to €229 million (+21.3% on a constant currency basis) primarily reflecting
the strong performances in DCC Energy, driven by a return to colder winter weather conditions
compared to the very mild weather conditions in the prior year.

The Group anticipates strong growth in operating profit in the year to 31 March 2014.

so you lot get out there and make more???????????????

How was your pay rise ?

  1. The changes to the salaries of the executive Directors as at 1 April 2013 and the prior year are as follows:
    Executive Director
    Salary 1 April 2013
    Salary 1 April 2012
    Tommy Breen
    €700,000
    €700,000
    Donal Murphy
    €410,000
    €400,000
    Fergal O’Dwyer
    €430,000
    €400,000
  2. Executive Director
    % Increase
    1 Apr 2013
    % Increase
    1 Apr 2012
    Tommy Breen
    0%
    0%
    Donal Murphy
    2.5%
    0%
    Fergal O’Dwyer
    7.5%
    0%

Thursday

DCC posts 21% jump in profit yet pays off more drivers!!!!!

 Dublin-based business support services group dcc posted a 21 per cent jump in annual profit, beating its own guidance, after its energy business was boosted by colder winter weather in Britain.
The company, which earlier this month cancelled its Irish listing and is now solely listed in London posted operating profit in the 12 months to the end of March of £229.2 million, which on a constant currency basis was 21.3 per cent higher than the year before.
The company had guided in February that it expected to post operating profit of £222 million for the year.
http://www.dcc.annualreport13.com/DCC_AR_2013.pdf Just have a look at page 90 and see just who gets all the money not you lot as drivers any way. 

Wednesday

DCC considering FTSE listing

In an interim management statement today, the company the board is considering whether DCC should seek admission to the FTSE UK Index Series.This would involve the cancellation of DCC's listing on the Irish Stock Exchange. Currently DCC is dual listed on the ISE and LSE and 83 per cent of DCC's trading takes place on the Irish Stock Exchange.
As part of this process, the board is also considering changing DCC's reporting currency from Euro to Sterling.
Today's trading statement said revenue and operating profit in the third quarter to the end of December was well ahead of the prior year, driven primarily by the performance of DCC Energy.
Operating profit in DCC Energy, the Group's largest division, was significantly ahead of the prior year and in line with budget.

DCC has completed the acquisition of Statoil's industrial liquified petroleum gas (lpg) business in Norway and Sweden.


DCC has completed the acquisition of Statoil's industrial liquified petroleum gas (lpg) business in Norway and Sweden.
The purchase of the business for an undisclosed sum was awaiting competition clearance in the two countries.
The business being acquired has net assets of around €11 million, and sells roughly 260,000 tonnes of fuel annually, equivalent to around 500 million litres or €200 million in revenue.
The acquisition is "an important step in DCC Energy's planned expansion of its LKPG business beyond Britain and Ireland", the group said when announcing the deal in September.

DCC records first-half operating profits of 62m


DCC records first-half operating profits of 62m
Operating profits rose 9 per cent to €62.4 million in the same period. Earnings per share came in 12 per cent ahead at 52.24 cent. Profits before tax and exceptional items during the first half were up almost 7 per cent at €53.4 million from €50 million during the same period in 2011.DCC said that businesses bought by the group were responsible for about 80 per cent of its revenue growth during the first half. Commenting on the results, chief executive Tommy Breen said that operating profits and earnings per share were slightly ahead of budget.

More & More


DCC to buy BP's liquified natural gas business for €50m
DCC said yesterday it had agreed to buy BP’s lpg distribution business for €51.3 million in cash. The sale is due to be completed next month.


DCC has announced a further acquisition in its energy business with agreement to acquire the industrial LPG business of Statoil in Sweden and Norway.

DCC has agreed to buy BP’s liquefied petroleum gas distribution business in the Netherlands and Belgium in a deal worth €24.5 million.
The companies trade as Benegas in the region and supplies LPG

The Office of Fair Trading-GB oils, Scottish Fuels, CPL +


ONE OF DCC’S largest subsidiaries, oil supplier GB Oils, have been compelled to change its oil contracts with customers, following an inquiry by the Office of Fair Trading in Britain.GB Oils Ltd was found to be in breach of British consumer legislation in relation to its charging mechanism, whereby customers could be charged one price on ordering oil, and then charged a higher price on delivery.
The Office of Fair Trading has now secured legally binding undertakings from GB Oils to change its terms and conditions; ensuring prices quoted at order remain fixed until delivery.It comes on foot of a two-year probe by the British regulator into the off-grid energy market in Britain.
In a statement, GB Oils said that, while a clause permitting price changes between the time of order and delivery existed in its terms and conditions, and was intended to cover exceptional circumstances only, it was never used.

Thursday

Is it time for a new Union ?

perhapes what all tanker drivers in the uk should do is start their own union up may be we could call it N.T.U the National Tanker Driver's Union, we could recruit every driver in every sector of the industry as long as the driver's stuck together every time an employer behaves the way gb oils behaves. "Everyone's out the door". Then wouldnt the big oil companies soon get pissed off with paddy o fuels. Unite dosn't care and its no good people coming on here saying its not the union's fault its the drivers not sticking together the common worker needs leadership not vast amounts of money lifted out of their pockets by a union that stands back and allows all of these companies to act the way they are acting, in fact lets stop coming on here winging lets start a campaign to set our own union up,, Ive spoken to a lot of main fleet drivers who feel the same way, and they would be interested in a union that deals with our problems and not every-body else's. Are you with me? or will someone come on here issuing me a load abuse trying to justify the fact "unite are shite". We need leadership and we need it going in to this winter before more damage is done to your jobs, and now with Total Butler coming in to the company they will be getting rid of more and more drivers and guess what no one will be able to get hold of that lazy "B" Matt Drapper. Can we start a new link on here?, to debate the fact that the union does sod all for us and we now want to start our own at the vary least it will frighten the shit out of unite and our employers. Also Ive looked into the logistics of starting a union and its alot easier they you might think I've approached some top employment barristers and they will provide a lot better legal service then unite will. The money taking in for this new union would be for admin and the driver's welfare not great big salary's for people like Drapper who can't even be arssed to answer his phone. Thank you for taking your time to read this. "Its time to give dignity back to the driver".
 disgruntled ex shop steward

Tuesday

GB Oils/DCC deal referred by OFT

DCC’s  GB OIls acquisition of a number of businesses from Total Downstream UK has been referred to the British Competition Commission.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) said made the decision as it was concerned the merger would remove a key competitor in the supply of oil products to non-bulk customers in the UK.
Full story http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0405/breaking28.html

Saturday

Gb oils is it bad Drivers, bad Mangers or a bad Union

GB Oils is it bad Drivers,Mangers or a bad Union.


I have been asked by a few driver just when is the Union going to get of it's backside and help? the workforce that pays their "fat wages



(Driver One)
I would just like say what a shower gb oils are recently took a winter relief drivers which was supposed to last 5 months, 2months in, the board whoever they may be decided in there wise wisdom due to current conditions to finish the contract leaving me high and dry. I am just wondered how many people would take a job for 2 months not many i would suggest they also seem to have a habit of getting rid of shop steward s perhaps they something to hide but my sympathy lies with all you guys that are left because they have no value of drivers who are experienced or otherwise. What a ruthless shower for such a big company with such a narrow vision anyone wishing to contact me feel free and i will tell it how it is.
(Driver Two)
I was a driver at F Peart Co for 15 years till this monster came in and turned the place upside down,like above i was driving a wagon that had been apparently scrapped 2 weeks before,so i was driving a veh which was declared scrapped,yet they claim to be realy strict on vehicle roadworthyness lol!!they treat me like shxt for my last 2 mnths till i left and went to an independent company.nearly all gb drivers cant stand who they work for now,they are also worried that 1 mistake and your out the door if they so wish.i hate this company and so do many others,goodluck gb oils drivers.....

Thursday

DCC pays €22.7m for Swedish fuel distributor Swea EnergiINDUSTRIAL SERVICES group DCC has acquired Swedish fuel distributor Swea Energi.

INDUSTRIAL SERVICES group DCC has acquired Swedish fuel distributor Swea Energi.
The listed group will pay €22.7 million upfront in cash for the business which is owned by Lennart and Viviann Hansson and is debt free.
A further €6.6 million may become payable depending on the performance of the group between March next year and the end of March 2013, possibly bringing the final cost to €29.3 million.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/1221/1224309337706.html

Saturday

Another computer error for DCC GB oils ?

Maxol Direct 'sorry' for double-charging 2,200 customers

Home heating company Maxol Direct has apologised to customers for the error
The home heating company Maxol Direct has apologised to 2,200 customers who were charged double by mistake.
The firm has blamed a computer error for direct debit payments being taken twice. It said all customers will be refunded within the next few days.
The heating oil company was recently taken over by DCC Energy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15903040

Sunday

Profits good and shareholders get 5 per cent more than last years payout at DCC

DCC said yesterday that operating profits was €58.3 million for the  six months ending September 30th
DCC earns the bulk of its revenues and profits in the second half of the year. Yesterday it reported that sales for the first six months were up 11 per cent at €4.4 billion on the €4 billion it reported for the same period in 2010.
Chief executive Tommy Breen said DCC was “keeping its fingers crossed” that its main markets – Ireland and Britain – would experience similar conditions this year, but the group was operating on the basis that normal, milder winter weather would prevail.
The group is proposing to pay an interim dividend of 27.42 cent which is 5 per cent more than the 26.11 cent it paid out to shareholders at the half-way stage last year.

Island fuel protesters pump up pressure for fair prices

The head of GB Oils - the parent company of Scottish Fuels – ran a gauntlet of protesters outside Council Offices in Stornoway this morning as a vocal group had gathered to declare their disgust at the rise in the oil distributor’s fuel prices, which has a direct impact on pence per litre at the pumps.


Managing Director of GB Oils, Sam Chambers had agreed to meet privately with Western Isles councillors, MP Angus MacNeil and MSP Alasdair Allan to explain the company’s position.
Following the price hike two weeks ago Scottish Fuels had went on the record to say: “Our prices are determined by looking at the price in the market over the previous five days, taking an average and then setting our price at that for the next five days.
http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/local-headlines/island_fuel_protesters_pump_up_pressure_for_fair_prices_1_1897982

Tuesday

We are GB Fuels, not GB Oils

We are GB Fuels, not GB Oils

Throughout this tough winter period, GB Fuels has always striven to provide the best level of service, treating all its customers with the same level of care and consideration. This service is provided by GB Fuels, an independent, family-owned and family-managed business, which is not part of GB Oils Ltd.

You may have read articles in both national and local newspapers about an Irish company, DCC Plc. They operate in the UK as GB Oils Ltd. This subsidiary was formed in 2004 and I would like to stress that it has no connection whatsoever with GB Fuels, which is an independent, family-owned and family-managed company, founded by my great-grandfather in 1877.
As such, we are currently in dispute with DCC Plc over the use of the GB Oils Ltd name. Through this name, they have acquired numerous oil companies and, in the North East, now have what is approaching a supply monopoly. The companies they have bought, which operate in the North East, include: Brett Fuels, James D Johnston, F Peart & Co, Charter Fuels, Bayford & Co, Emo, Noble Fuels and CPL Petroleum.
These companies continue to trade under their original brand names, despite being 100% owned and controlled by DCC Plc. We advise all our customers to note that, in the North East, truly independent fuel supply companies are now rare and we are proud to be one of the few remaining.
GB Fuels has over 130 years of experience in the industry and region and we pride ourselves on our independence, which we believe allows us to provide a friendly, professional service, at competitive prices.
DCC Plc has also been acquiring heating oil price comparison websites, including Boiler Juice.com, which provides supposedly the lowest quotes from several companies in the area. In an area like the North East, these quotes are, of course, mainly from their own companies and, as stated in numerous recent press articles, do not always offer the lowest prices.
Featuring on the BBC TV news in mid-December, I explained the problems which the industry faced in the adverse weather conditions and how we were trying to make sure all our customers had enough oil over Christmas. I am proud to say that, although we had to turn away many non-customers due to industry supply issues, we were able to quote and supply the vast majority of our customers over this period.
The prices we quoted to all our customers were always among the lowest of our competitors and remained so, despite national heating oil supply problems in December - and in contrast to some companies, which were subject to ‘profiteering’ allegations in the press.

Boilerjuice to regain its Independence?

After a colossal volume of criticism about its impartiality and opaqueness, Boilerjuice may become independent once again.
In 2005 Paul and Sarah Ward formed Boilerjuice as an independent group buyer for heating oil consumers, and sold it to oil distribution conglomerate DCC Energy around 2008. Ever since then, the service has come under suspicion of favouring the many 'brands' that DCC owns, and of only really being a sales front rather than a price comparison and group buying service.
The Daily Telegraph now reports that DCC is selling Boilerjuice back to its managing director, Paul Ward. In the report by Rowena Mason on 4 October 2011 [DCC to sell heating oil price comparison website Boilerjuice after OFT criticism], the company made the following statement:
Boilerjuice was, and remains, an independent price comparison website, comparing our prices and those of hundreds of independent suppliers to offer buyers the best prices in their area. Unfortunately, this independence was questioned by some quarters of the media, albeit incorrectly, because of our ownership of the site. We have therefore sold Boilerjuice to its managing director, Paul Ward, and wish him continued success at giving consumers a truly independent means of finding the best prices.
Clearly DCC Energy played its game with Boilerjuice as long as it could, but with the OFT report looming on price fixing and lack of competition in the domestic market, it must regard its position as untenable. At the very least, DCC is just trying to defelect attention away from the fact that it owns 40 or more heating oil supplier brands.

Friday

DCC plc Acquires Heating Oil Distributor, Total Butler

DCC plc Acquires Heating Oil Distributor, Total Butler

23rd September 2011

Acquisitive Irish commodities conglomerate, DCC plc, has reached a conditional agreement with Rontec Investments LLP to acquire oil distribution assets in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, including heating oil distributor Total Butler.
The acquired businesses together employ 550 people and sold 1.5 billion litres of fuel in 2010. The key components of the businesses are:
  • The trade, fixed assets, stock and goodwill of fuel distributor Total Butler, which had sales volumes in 2010 of c.670 million litres. Total Butler has a network of 40 distribution depots across England and Wales, with a fleet of approximately 200 tankers.
  • Contracts to supply transport fuels to around 300 Total branded retail forecourt sites. Volumes sold under these contracts in 2010 amounted to c.710 million litres.
  • The entire issued share capital of Total's oil distribution and retail service station businesses on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. In 2010, together these businesses sold c.120 million litres of fuel.
see the rest at http://www.oilfiredup.com/site/news/item/1391

Tuesday

DCC to buy Total assets

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0923/breaking8.htmlDCC has agreed to buy oil distribution assets owned by Total in Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands in a deal worth €67 million.
The company is to buy the assets from Rontec Investments when it completes a deal it struck in the summer with Total.

The deal includes trade, fixed assets and stock of transport, commercial and home heating oil distribution business Total Butler, the share capital of Total's oil distribution and retail service station businesses on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, and contracts to supply transport fuels to about 300 dealer owned and operated retail service stations that are currently branded Total.

Tuesday

Call for inquiry into isles' fuel price rises "Scottish Fuels"

Call for inquiry into isles' fuel price rise

Published Date: 20 September 2011                              
A SCOTTISH Government minister wants MSPs to carry out an investigation into petrol price rises in the Western Isles.
It follows pump prices rising by up to 5p a litre in the islands as fuel duty is due to be cut by a similar amount. Alasdair Allan, the islands' MSP and minister for learning and skills, has asked the Scottish Parliament's energy committee to conduct an inquiry.

The Treasury announced last week that it was planning a 5p a litre fuel discount scheme for the Hebrides, Skye and Orkney after receiving European Commission approval. However, Western Isles Council said forcecourt prices had since risen by at least 3p a litre on Lewis and Harris.

Mr Allan wants an inquiry to look into an apparent monopoly on fuel supply to the islands.


Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 19 September 2011 9:15 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh

Sunday

Reprimand for DCC over fuel website

Reprimand for DCC over fuel website

THE UK Office of Fair Trading has found DCC was not transparent in outlining to consumers the links between the company and a price comparison website it owns.Boilerjuice.com is a popular home heating oil price comparison website in the UK which is owned by DCC.
The Irish company is also the biggest heating oil supplier in the UK, operating through a number of brands including GB Oils, the largest heating oil distributor in the UK.
See the rest at
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0910/1224303849836.html

http://www.oilbuyer.co.uk/news/oft-heating-oil-update-fuelfighter-cheap-heating-oil-dcc-heating-oil-investigation/123

Tuesday

.DCC subsidiary GB Oils fined for overcharging

A SUBSIDIARY of Irish company DCC has been fined £51,000 (€58,000) by a court in Wales for breaching consumer regulations.




GB Oils pleaded guilty last week to 17 offences relating to overcharging, arguing that it was due to a breakdown in the company’s system during a period of unprecedented demand in the winter of 2009-2010.



The company was fined £3,000 for each offence.
See full story at http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0822/1224302805508.html

Thursday

DCC considers moving main listing to London

DCC CHAIRMAN Michael Buckley has said the company is “actively monitoring” the possibility of moving its primary listing to London and switching its reporting currency to sterling.
DCC’S three executive directors shared remuneration of €2.81 million in the year to the end of March 2011, down almost 12 per cent from €3.19 million the previous year.
The industrial holdings group’s chief executive, Tommy Breen, was paid €1.41 million for the period, down some 16 per cent from €1.67 million the previous year.
Finance director Fergal O’Dwyer was paid €753,000, down 5 per cent from €792,000, while Donal Murphy, the managing director of DCC Energy and an executive director of the group, was paid €651,000, down 9.6 per cent from €720,000.
DCC chairman Michael Buckley got a total fee of €190,000 for the year, down from €225,000.
That's it boys come to the UK you will get more cash over here. If you are looking for a sub the drivers can have a whip round to make up the loss that you have to suffer.Hahahah!!!!!!!

Friday

Another one bites the dust

Another one bites the dust
Will a lot can go on in two weeks holidays. Yes you have lost another senior shop steward. Ian Gill from Grangemouth was paid off.  Ian was of sick for the last few months with a brain haemorrhage , Ian was asked to attend an interview but was unable to go. So the company held the meeting without him and paid him off.

Good luck you will need it.

Thursday

DCC subsidiary buys Oakwood Fuels

INDUSTRIAL HOLDING group DCC said yesterday its subsidiary, DCC Environmental Britain, has acquired Oakwood Fuels for as much as €33.3 million.DCC is to pay an initial €10.8 million for the company with a further €22.5 million payable based on Oakwood’s profits in the three-years to the end of March 2014.Nottinghamshire-based Oakwood, which employs 105 people.

GB Oils Victimisation "Shop Steward picked off"

Dear members once again the company has picked off one of our senior shop steward of the NNC Chris was sacked after is tanker was broken down on a main road, It was a new Scania you will know if you have had one the fault with them you a driving along and you lose all the power and electric and just die on the road on you. So no power, no phone, stuck on a  main road. Chris called is depot on his own mobile that he carried switched off and in a sealed box in the meter box. The Yard  got the police out, truck of the road and on to a garage. Well that seems okay but on is return to the yard  the bastards suspend him and then sacked him for having the mobile in is tanker Oh not in is cab???? Well where did we here this before? Oh yes, Scotland another senior shop steward sacked but the bastards did not have the balls to go to Court with him.

So what are you lot going to do about it are you going to sit back? Or are you happy to let it go till you have no good men left fighting for you. We now that is company has it fair share of yes men and ass lickers that would do anything to get a new truck. But it also has a lot of good men that are not appreciated by the managers. Well when you have such bad leadership from the top what else can you expect.

Oh by the way Chris was picked for redundancy three days before this happened.

SO IT’S UP TO YOU!!!!! IT’S YOUR FIGHT!!!!!  IT’S YOUR FUTURE!!!!! SO START THINKING

Monday

Tomorrow is the 63rd birthday

Tomorrow is the 63rd birthday of the NHS - but it's fighting for its life.

Despite the sham "listening exercise" and resulting cosmetic changes to the NHS Bill, the government's privatisation plans are still on track. It's up to us to stop them.

If you want our NHS to live to see 64, please send your MP our birthday e-card today, asking them to oppose the Health and Social Care Bill:
NHS Birthday Card
Without any action, Cameron's "birthday present" to the NHS will be one that keeps on giving: cuts totalling more than £20bn in the next four years. Already this has meant 50,000 job losses, reduced clinical services and rising waiting times.

You can stop this happening. Please take just a couple of minutes now to send your MP an e-card and save our public health service.

http://nhs.unitetheunion.org/nhs-birthday


Before the election, David Cameron promised that the NHS would be safe in his hands. It's clear now that's not true - and it's down to us to protect it.

Sunday

GB OIls DCC capitalises on big freeze with 15% profit rise

LAST WINTER’S adverse weather conditions helped to boost DCC’s performance for the year to the end of March, with the industrial holdings group posting a 15 per cent jump in pretax profits to €189.6 million.
Revenues at the industrial conglomerate increased by almost 30 per cent to €8.7 million.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2011/0511/1224296698170.html

The Board is recommending a 10.0% increase in the final dividend.


RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS






Change on prior year


Reported
Revenue
8,680.6m

+29.1%
Operating profit*
229.6m

+19.1%
Profit before net exceptional items, amortisation of intangible assets and tax
214.8m

+18.0%

Profit before tax

189.6m

+15.0%

 

Thursday

"Scottish Fuels" Oil scare at Raigmore Hospital

SUSPECTED dodgy fuel oil sparked off a major alert at the Highlands' biggest hospital.
Despite being asked several times for a response about the situation at Raigmore Hospital, Scottish Fuels failed to comment.
http://www.highland-news.co.uk/News/Oil-scare-at-Raigmore-Hospital-6772079.htm

Sunday

Whats going on with GB Oils, Union and Blog

A lot of you have been asking about the lack of activity by the Union on the Blog well as you all know this blog does not belong to the Union!!! But at the moment due to the NNC losing a lot of members due to personal, sickness and sackings we have to get a new committee set up from all around the country and also get a new JCC up and running.


Now the company has got what they wanted when this happened by get there pay rise out to the workforce. As you all know the company has made a lot of money over the last few years so what you are getting is a drop in the ocean to DCC.

The workforce has accepted the poor pay offer of 4% so don’t moan to the blog or blame your Shop Stewards or the Union. You and only you guys got to vote on it.



More worrying is what is happing around the Country we have received a lot of e mails from Drivers that the Company is just doing what it wants when it comes to how different brands and Managers deal with incidents, spills, crossovers and all that comes with the job.

It has been told that in some depot’s some driver can get away with murder and in the same depot with the same incident another driver can end up with a written warning ? is the fair NO of course not it is victimizing the drivers that are willing to stand up for theirs self’s yet if you are a YES man you can do what you want and get away with it .

So what we are looking for is examples of incidents of spills, crossovers, RTA from all depots and all brands and the out comes so we can build up a bigger picture from around the Country.

We are doing this so that all the workforce have a fair place to come to work free from bullying and intimidation and its not just for the yes men.

The Union will be looking to recruit more shop stewards so its up to you guys if you want to help. You can contact Fraser on is e-mail or a shop steward.



As to some of the comments saying that the blog should shut down well that’s up to the workforce if you are not reading it then there is no a use for it ? But going by the figures there is still a need for it.

And if you are a driver asking for it to close then you must be up to things that you should not be. ( it will all come out in the wash )

Some have complained that what is said about the company is bad for jobs? Well its what the customers say that you should be worrying about.

The trouble is the truth hurts and know the customer now the truth it’s going to take a long time for the to trust the Company and its work force as we are all tarred with the same brush.

Yours Fraser

Sunday

Cold weather boosts DCC operating profit ahead of budget

DCC expects
operating profits ahead of target due to high energy demand
ENERGY DEMAND during the severe winter boosted revenues at
DCC, which now expects operating profits for its current financial year to come
in ahead of target.
The industrial holding group said in a third-quarter interim
statement yesterday that the exceptionally cold weather during the final six
weeks of 2010 boosted customer demand in its biggest division, energy, which
operates a number of oil distribution businesses. The energy business accounted
for 44 per cent of operating profits at the half year stage.
Cold weather boosts   DCCoperating profit ahead of budget
Extreme weather conditions helped DCC achieve strong results
in the third quarter, as icy conditions throughout northern Europe drove demand
at its energy division.
In an interim management statement this morning, the company
said it achieved very strong growth in revenue and operating profit in the
quarter ended December 31st 2010.
"With the
exceptionally cold weather conditions throughout northern Europe, particularly
in the last six weeks of the quarter, customer demand in DCC Energy, DCC’s
largest division, increased significantly," it said
Despite poor road
conditions and constraints on supply, volumes at DCC Energy rose by 22 per
cent, the group said.
DCC last month defended itself from claims that it had
inflated bills and “ripped off” oil customers in Britain.
The claims against
DCC’s British oil distribution business GB Oils were made by the Sunday Times ,
which alleged the company had billed customers more than they were originally
quoted, and had built up a “stranglehold” on the British home heating oil
market.
DCC described the
allegations as “misleading”. The company blamed rises in the price of heating
oil on constrained supply due to severe weather, increased demand and higher
costs. It denied deliberately overcharging customers.
However, it acknowledged that Carmarthenshire County Council
in Wales is looking into complaints concerning GB Oils’ business in south Wales
that arise from January last year. DCC has denied any fraudulent activity or
unfair trading concerning pricing.

Monday

Elderly couples have found prices for heating oil rocketing during the UK's cold snap. The OFT is to investigate

Boilerjuice DCC accused of heating oil profiteering

Heating oil 'price-fixing' during Big Freeze to be investigated by watchdog
http://article.wn.com/view/2011/01/25/Heating_oil_pricefixing_during_Big_Freeze_to_be_investigated/

Looks like the market has finally realised what a scam Boilerjuice, as an independent, really is.  See related article “Bolierjuice who”

Boycotting DCC / Boilerjuice.com
By Moneysavingexpert.com see article

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2971404

Is DCC’s / GB Oil’s grip on the UK heating oil market stronger than first thought

see article http://heating-oil.blogs-uk.co.uk/category/heating-oil/


The OFT wades in to the OIl Scam Debate have your say

http://swinny.net/House_and_Home/Oil%20Prices/-3994-The-OFT-wades-in-to-the-Oil-Scam-debate







:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1345624/Petrol-price-increase-David-Cameron-urged-honour-pledge-anger-grows.html?ito=feeds-newsxml












GB Oils National Wage Negotiations

Dear All
First of all A Happy New Year to you all, that work with the DCC Group

Well it's back to work for most of us.
From what i hear there is going to be a meeting in the middle of January 2011 in an effort to
progress the above negotiations and potentially find a way forward on a number
of matters.
In the last few months we have lost a lot of senior Shop Stewards due to Illness,personal and victimisation.
So it will be time for all of you to put your money where your mouth is and step up and fill the empty void the that has been left.
Now their will be a lot of posts about ass kissing with the company but this is the way big business works if they come back and propose a new deal, then the Union must look at it and then ask you the membership what you think.
We all know what money that the oil companys have made so we will just have to see what happens.
As we get the news we will update you, but the news is slow at geting back now so keep the faith.
One more time Happy New Year from all at the Blog








Thursday

What’s the problem?



The current problems with heating oil are twofold: firstly,
the price of oil has shot up in the past month, jumping from under 40p a litre
to more than 70p in some cases. However, the price of crude oil – which is
refined to make heating oil – has only gone up by around 10%, leading to
allegations that oil companies are fixing their prices.
In some places, suppliers have been charging as much as £2 a
litre, while in others the price has stayed at around 50p. This has led some to
suggest a few companies might be using the cold weather and the subsequent
increase in demand as an excuse to put up prices.
Secondly, snow is stopping oil deliveries getting through to
some areas. The Government has admitted the situation could become ''very
serious'' if we get more snow, with many homes having to wait up to four weeks
for oil to be delivered.
Price fixing?
Energy Minister Charles Hendry has told MPs that the Office
of Fair Trading (OFT) will now belooking out for any alleged cases of
price-fixing ''I have spoken to the OFT about the price of oil, as the
enforcement of competition consumer law is a matter for them,” he said.''They
have assured me that they are keeping a very close eye on the situation and are
keen to receive evidence from members about any market abuse they are
experiencing.''
Deliveries
The Government said it was also talking to suppliers about
rationing oil so that the estimated 660,000 homes, many in remote areas, don’t
go without. Some people have called their oil supplier to be told they won’t
get a delivery for three or four weeks, at a time when temperatures are
unlikely to rise above freezing.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said he backed
Mr Hendry to deal with the shortage.
He told the House of Commons, "In the last 72 hours we
have been trying to ensure drivers can work longer, that they can get heating
oil to the homes that need it.
"The energy minister has been in constant discussions
looking at any way in which those who need heating oil, and are short of
heating oil, get it. That is absolutely essential.”
The Government has also considered rationing to ensure there
is enough oil to go round. However, Pat Glass, the Labour MP for North West
Durham, said many oil suppliers were refusing to deliver less than 1,000 litres
and accused them of "utter exploitation".

Watch out for thieves
Rural insurer NFU Mutual has warned that rising prices and
predictions of fuel rationing could lead to a rise in fuel thefts in areas
where people rely on heating oil.

When it conducted its annual Rural Crime Survey earlier this
year, domestic fuel was sixth on the list of the 10 items most commonly stolen
from the countryside. With thousands of homes predicted to run short of heating
oil over the Christmas period, the insurer is concerned the trend will escalate
as heating oil becomes a lucrative commodity for thieves.
Local offices across the UK have reported incidents of
heating oil and diesel being stolen shortly after delivery, and it would appear
that thieves are even following tankers from the depot and making a note of
where fuel is delivered. This enables the thieves to return under cover of
darkness and help themselves to the contents of full tanks.


Be security conscious NFU Mutual suggests householders deter
thieves from entering their property by installing and using lockable gates and
by maintaining boundaries and perimeter fencing. It also suggests fitting a
locking cap to your tank and planting shrubs or installing fences to hide
exposed domestic heating oil tanks from opportunist thieves.

Worryingly, the insurer warns that if thieves have already
stolen fuel from your tank they may return to steal any replacement oil you
order – so be especially vigilant following any oil delivery.

Thursday

Colleagues,

 Clearly the snow and ice is dominating the headlines but also creating difficulties for workers getting into work or in some cases making work difficult or even dangerous particularly in outdoor, transport or logistics related jobs.
 I would be grateful if you could contact me  ciaran.naidoo@unitetheunion.com   if you are aware of any particular difficulties members/reps might be experiencing with their employers because of the snow and ice.
 If you have any examples - with a view to publication - of employers behaving unacceptably with staff because of the weather I would be grateful if you could let me know. Equally if you have any examples of good practice from employers or agreements the union has reached related to the weather conditions which might be worth publication could you also let me know too. Or any examples of workers doing great work in difficult conditions would be good too

UNITED-together we'll never be defeated

Breakdown of key RPI Statistics for October 2010
All items index for housing (excluding mortgage interest payments) up 4.9%

Petrol and oil up 11.9%

Vehicle tax and insurance up 33.5%

Rail fares up 8.1%

All goods up 4.5%

Oil and other fuels up 19.2% (DCC-GB Oils UP 33%)
Travel and leisure up 6.7%

Motoring expenditure up 9.1%

Well driver as you can see with this set of figures that you are not so well -off with your imposed 3% pay rise for the last two years.
 As you can see the only thing that has not gone is your pay and you have yet to get hit with the new vat at 20%

UNITED-together we'll never be defeated

Remember Dcc-GB oils profits UP Share holders profits UP cost of living UP Bonus to the fat cats at the top UP
YOUR WAGES IN REAL TIME!!! DOWN
And thay say that you are only going to get 2% next year no!!!negotiations with your Union just take it shut up and get on with it.
SO ONE MORE TIME IT'S UP TO YOU.

Monday

GB Oils 2009-2010 National Wage Negotiations (Preparation for a National Ballot for Industrial Action)

Dear Colleague




GB Oils 2009-2010 National Wage Negotiations (Preparation for a National Ballot for Industrial Action)



A National meeting took place today of Union representatives to discuss the continued disagreement with GB Oils on the matter of your National Wage Claim, National Bargaining Arrangement and the subsequent position that is being currently adopted by your employer GB Oils.
Following today’s National meeting of Senior Trade Union Representatives, I can advise all Shop Stewards and our members that positively preparation is in place to conduct and complete a legal ballot for industrial action.
I would genuinely ask our members to bear with us and be patient at this moment in time for it is absolutely essential for the Union to ensure that it completes thoroughly the ballot process that will comply fully with all legal requirements.
This is the first time that a ballot for industrial action has been completed involving our members throughout the whole of GB Oils within mainland Britain and therefore the amount of administration and the need for absolute exactness within this ballot cannot be underestimated. I fully appreciate the frustration that is being shown by our members within this matter as to the delay but all our members can be fully assured that we are wasting no time on preparing fully. Equally, I would ask our members to understand that if the preparation and the absolute detail that is required from the Union within this ballot is not complied with then this can present the employer, that of GB Oils, with the ability to legally challenge any such ballot. I have absolutely no intention of giving any employer the ability to challenge a legal ballot. Therefore the need for us to ensure that we absolutely do this by the book and that does mean receiving and ensuring that this process is completed exactly in accordance with the 1978 Employment Protection Act as amended must be completed.
In conclusion, I really do know the members’ frustration but please be assured that I have now received additional administrative resources to ensure that this ballot is completed as quick as possible.
In the meantime I would ask that our members bear with me and their National leadership so that we can complete this correctly and at the same time effectively.
I thought it was important at this stage to let you, the members, know that we are not dragging our feet and there is absolutely no delay within this process.

With best regards

Ron Webb

National Secretary, Logistics

Friday

dcc has capacity to spend up to €500m on acquisitions

dcc has the capacity to spend up to €500 million on acquisitions over the next three years, should the right opportunities arise, the group said yesterday.

dcc said yesterday that operating profits in the six months ended September 30th, the first half of its financial year, were up 20 per cent at €67.9 million from €56.5 million during the same period in 2009.
Earnings per share were up 15 per cent at 57.65 cent and the company is proposing to pay a dividend of 26.11 cent.
.The oil and gas distribution division, accounted for just over €30 million, or 44 per cent, of its operating profit. Sales were up 41.2 per cent at €4 billion, from €2.8 billion during the same period last year.
The group borrowed €284 million in March from US institutions, which increased its finance costs for the period to €7.4 million from €5.2 million.
Chief executive Tommy Breen said yesterday that it has cut its working capital requirements over the last 18 months. It also has a strong financial position. At the end of September, its net debt was €98.6 million while it had total equity of €852.8 million. Mr Breen said this means it has the financial scope it needs to continue to buy other existing businesses.

In May, the group bought Pearts, a fuel distribution business in northeast England, for €15 million. well that's what they saved by not giving you a pay rise
UNITE UNITE
Or you will all be lost to the beast that is dcc-GB OILS

Tuesday

GB OILS-DCC lifts full-year outlook, Operating profit up 41.2% for the first half of year

DCC Energy, which saw sales rise by 31 per cent, sticks two fingers up to the work force today.



YES THAT’S YOU.



The group is expecting a "mid to high single digit percentage increase" in operating profit for the year, which ends on March 31st 2011. Group operating profit grew by 16.5 per cent for the first half of the year.


IT’S GOING TO PAY THE SHAREHOLDERS



An interim dividend of 26.11 cent per share, representing a 10% increase on the interim dividend paid in the prior year.



BUT YET IT’S ONLY GOING TO PAY YOU 3% FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS.



Shareholders for the first six months of this year are worth a increase of 10%



WORK FORCE 3% TWO YEARS


?????ARE WE MUGS OR NOT?????

Now is the time to stand up and say

NO MORE!!!! WE WANT A FAIR PAY FOR A FAIR DAYS WORK

Friday

DCC Plc-GB oils only respect the Shareholders and not the Work Force

Dear Member

GB Oils 2009 2010 National Wage Negotiations

You will know that your Union, that of Unite, has strenuously represented your views with that of your employer GB Oils. You will equally know that we have communicated with you on two occasions in two ballots. The first ballot was on the matter of your employer’s offer of which you resoundly rejected in a democratic ballot. The second ballot involved you and our members balloting in a consultative ballot for industrial action. Again, you the members overwhelmingly voted to authorise your union to proceed to the next step for a legal ballot for industrial action.

After I received your democratic ballot result in the consultative ballot for industrial action of which was to overwhelmingly support a legal ballot for industrial action, I advised your employer of this position and invited again your employer to come back to the negotiating table in a strenuous effort to achieve an improved offer for you. Unfortunately their response to the Union’s two democratic ballots and therefore you and your union, was to ignore totally this democratic process, to reject your ballots and again your view, dismiss them out of hand of which now your employer GB Oils has informed Unite of their intention to arbitrarily and without your union’s agreement, to move forward and implement a 3% wage award that has been rejected in two previous ballots.

Again, can I remind you that this 3% merely represents 1.5% increase for last year and 1.5% for this year. This is your employer’s response to the constructive position that you and your union took last year with regard to a wage freeze. Notwithstanding this, we have demonstrated on a number of times that even in the current economic climate your employer has economically done well and can ably afford more in your wage packet. Therefore in return for your constructiveness for last year and equally your union’s, their response unfortunately is to attempt to break the union’s position on this matter which means your position. I can assure you that we have throughout this
whole process done what we are supposed to do and that is TO LISTEN TO YOU of which we have done and PURSUED ON YOUR BEHALF YOUR DEMOCRATIC BALLOTS AND VIEW within this matter.


The Union is now actively involved in making arrangements to ballot you on the matter of industrial action and we hope to have this in position within the next few weeks. I have written to your employer in response to their conduct and have informed them irrespective of them attempting to implement their 3% offer, that a lawful disagreement and trade dispute would continue between us.
Therefore we will strongly continue with this campaign.
Therefore in the meantime it is extremely important that you and all our other members DO NOT AGREE in any way, shape or form their unacceptable offer of 3%.
The Unite Union is determined to continue in its campaign to achieve better wages and terms and conditions for its members of which your Company, I can assure you, can aptly afford.
We will in due course be contacting you again once we have advised your employer in accordance with the law of our intention to ballot for industrial action.
I look forward to your continued support in supporting your union, that of Unite but importantly supporting yourself and your families in your just claim for more monies.
Yours sincerely

Ron Webb
National Secretary, Logistics


SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR EMPLOYER:




• YOU WILL TAKE NOTE OF MY DEMOCRATIC BALLOT



• YOU WILL TAKE NOTE AND RESPECT MY VIEW



• YOU WILL CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE WITH MY UNION