Protesting petroleum tank drivers associated with Rubis Energy Jamaica Ltd were reportedly given an immediate return-to-work order by the Industrial Disputes Tribunal.

The local gas distribution was potentially of being severly imapcted following reports of several sick-outs by the Tanker drivers at Rubis Energy.

According to reports, in a statement late Monday, the IDT noted that the industrial action should cease with immediate effect, starting with the 6 am shift.

It’s understood that industrial action began over the weekend, with the drivers staying home and calling in sick in protest over labour conditions, creating some ripples in the fuel supply at some gas stations.

The Jamaica Gleaner reports that “the dispute surrounds a claim by a former driver that he and others were forced to resign over allegations of fuel theft from company trucks.”

The drivers collectively are represented by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Association, an affiliated body to the Union of Clerical, Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE).