I'd tell these MPs by a driver's wife
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How I envied the people (CM February 20) who met a group of MPs at Westminster to discuss the road haulage industry. I would not have wasted that opportunity by discussing TV programmes.
I could have asked, for instance, that existing legislation be enforced, to maintain safety. Why is present legislation so lax ... ? If it was not, this would perhaps solve unemployment in some areas.
In Sweden, faulty vehicles are towed to base at the driver's or operator's expense, and for faults including damaged bodywork, mirrors, horns, as well as exhausts and rust, the owner is heavily fined.
I would have pressed that wages be standardised and that the basic wage be raised. Do they realise that many drivers, on basic pay, are entitled to family income supplement ? It is ludicrous and demeans that person. Basic wage for unskilled factory workers is £40.40 in this area, and that's a low factory wage for 40 hours.
I would have mentioned, that Mr Marks, the Environment Secretary, predicts a saving of £61m on proposed Government law on safety belts, in such areas as medical services, ambulance work, "pain, grief and deprivation." Why not have compulsory fitting of laminated glass in all vehicles, for the same reasons ?
I would have inquired why health and safety laws are not enforced at all sites, not only at the plush address on the operator's licence.
I would want to know why operators are not compelled to give contracts of employment to all employees, and put it to MPs that with unemployment rising, a hungry man is not in a position to dictate the menu I would have asked how MPs could support a family on a basic wage after stoppages of £23-£24 I I would listen carefully to their replies, as all tips help. I would state that no man works 40 hours per week for £40 take-home pay for fun.
I could tell MPs that every operator who expects and drives his employees to work long hours and otherwise engages his work force to break a law, is a rogue operator. I could tell MPs that drivers have their licences endorsed, and are fined, for misdemeanours that are primarily the responsibility of operator.
I could say that operators have discovered another means to exploit drivers, and here they are in a cleft stick, because some operators are insisting on drivers working over hours. A certain amount of overtime is paid, but not all—so drivers, you have been warned I For every man leaving a job, there is a long list of others to take his place. Also, when a firm is taken over, make sure • the "plate" is in the new frm's name, even within two weeks. Otherwise, you will be fined.
I would mention the lack of washing and toilet amenities; and that when you have a large vehicle you may be forbidden to go in to the town centre where the toilets are; the lack of lorry parks and decent bed and breakfast accommodation and the fact that the allowance somehow involves the driver being out of pocket.
I would like to tell MPs that employees in road haulage are organising themselves, they are agitating for reforms, that they want recognition of their very important services. That pressure for wage review and a demand for better safety and health standards are imminent. That if no one else will give them the status and recognition they deserve they will insist that these are given —however grudgingly.
Why don't all drivers wake up ? You are abused, exploited and are virtually slave labour ! Your status is lower than that of a peasant of yesterday. You are being conned; now and again, you receive a pat on the back; throughout history, patronage by certain persons has quelled a disturbance by the age-old method of mixing with the masses.
Discussing and comparing elite vehicles is all very well, but there is time enough for that, when you realise that this sort of thing is the carrot for the donkey.
There is unrest among you; there has been enough hot air spent—organise yourselves, get some solidarity. You are all entitled to comfort, safety and a decent wage now.
I don't understand why you choose this profession, but I think in the circumstances that you do a fine job. I hope you continue to do so and will keep your independence and enjoy the roads and routes you travel. "A DRIVER'S WIFE," Middlesex.
(Name and address supplied.)