Security fears spark strike as military chiefs allegedly driven by uncleared drivers
Several MOD drivers have told BFBS Forces News they are set to strike over what they describe as "frightening" security concerns, claiming that the safety of high-ranking military personnel and top-tier civil servants is being put at risk.
Eight civilian drivers who make up A Troop, part of 20 Transport Squadron Royal Logistic Corps, are striking over those concerns as well as what they describe as poor working conditions, claiming there is a divide between civilian and military staff.
One driver said: "When things go wrong, we point it out, [the Army] don't take us seriously; in their eyes we're just civvies."
Speaking on condition of anonymity, several drivers raised concerns.
One said: "They are wasting public money hand over fist in our department with this car hire and there's this big security risk attached to that and, considering what's happened at RAF Fairford recently, all of that has to be taken into account and asked why is it happening."
They added: "20 Squadron are responsible for the planning of the transport... it used to be very rare for a hire car to go out but now it's normal."
A Troop are responsible for driving defence ministers, not including the Defence Secretary, and any four-star to two-star military personnel as well as their civil service counterparts working at MOD Main Building.
The drivers who provide this service possess advanced driving qualifications.
In addition to transporting senior officials safely and efficiently, they are entrusted with the secure movement of sensitive and classified government material.
They say they often step in to drive for the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the General Staff, First Sea Lord and Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff when their military drivers are unavailable.
One driver told us: "My main worry is some sort of security breach… there is the risk of attack, of having an accident."
They added: "Ultimately I believe it is putting their lives at risk" and said hire cars are being used on a "weekly basis".
Among the claims, drivers told us about a series of alleged incidents, including: "There was a former Chief of Defence Staff, a few years ago, we were restricted on our overtime so they hired stuff out.
"He got a hire vehicle to a service at Westminster Abbey... when he came out, the police had arrested the driver over having a bladed weapon in the car and he was also driving without a licence."
There was a three star military officer who had a private hire car pick him up from an airport late at night earlier this year who was "driving erratically and nearly crashed".
About a month ago, a two star civilian was left waiting for a private hire vehicle for two hours, late at night and felt unsafe.
A three star civilian was booked an Uber, it didn't pick them up outside the MOD, but they were asked a lot of probing questions by the driver and they felt uncomfortable.
Two years ago, a former senior civil servant used a private hire firm from MOD Main Building to Waterloo Travelodge – a journey of less than two miles – and it cost £350.
They are set to go on strike on 6, 7, 13 and 14 October.
The high-ranking individuals they transport are often referred to as principals.
One said: "This is not about the pay, we are quite happy about the pay, it's just how we are treated.
"They don't tell the principals the truth and this is about the principals' safety."
All the drivers were keen to stress how proud they are to hold such an important responsibility.
One said: "Nobody wants to go on strike, it's a great job, you meet great people."
Another said: "It's not about the money, we don't get paid the equivalent of a VIP chauffeur on civvy street but we are very proud of doing our jobs.
"It's about the delivery of the service we give and we are seeing it go downhill."
All of the drivers we spoke to said they've experienced situations where those they are driving have told them they've had to take journeys in private hire cars on days and at times when the drivers were at home waiting to be tasked with working.
They said they don't understand why the use of private hire vehicles is so prevalent when they have been free to undertake the job that was booked elsewhere.
We put all of these points to the Ministry of Defence.
In response, an MOD spokesperson said: "We greatly value our drivers' skill and dedication, and the important role their unions play in representing them.
"We have made progress in addressing concerns about terms of service and are working constructively with Unite to resolve the remaining issues together."
BFBS Forces News understands that contingency arrangements are in place to maintain the service during industrial action.
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