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TGWU: haulage trade must change image

13th February 2003
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Page 10, 13th February 2003 — TGWU: haulage trade must change image
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

The haulage Industry should use the challenges posed by the Working Time Directive and Compulsory Training Directive (CT!)) to boost Its Image and attract new recruits, says the Transport and General Workers Union.

It says that while road transport is a modern Industry, the public perception of a

sector offering poor pay, long hours and inadequate skills, needs to be addressed to raise the status of professional drivers.

Officials told delegates at last week's TGWU East Midlands Transport Conference that the VITO will provide a better work-ilfe balance; this, alongside the

Introduction of the CID, which will improve drivers' skills, will attract more young people, women and ethnic minority workers to the Industry.

Jimmy Hill, national chair of the TGWU's road transport sector, says: "The transport industry has travelled far in recent times. The service it provides to manufacturing, consumers, and the British economy is clear. Over the next few years the transport industry has the opportunity to change its image. Out should go the long hours, low pay culture and In should come one that is based on modern labour standards and reasonable hours of work and pay, and which celebrates its highly skilled, professional workforce. That Is what the T&G will be campaigning for."

I TNT UK has launched a driver training programme for warehouse and loading bay staff to try and alleviate the driver shortage. In its first year the Trailblazer scheme will enable 80 employees to train for their HGV licence before completing their NVQ Level 2 In driving goods vehicles.

Speaking at the TGWU's East Midlands Transport Conference, Ruth James, TNT's group training and development manager, said: "The launch of this scheme will enable us to reward staff who have shown their commitment to the company with the prospect of a career change."

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