Easy job on own account
Page 67
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In his letter (CM, April 6), Len Payne implied that unless those in the hire and reward sector were prepared to remain the poor relation, the balance will change in the methods of moving goods.
Is he not aware of the main reason why the haulage drivers went on strike earlier this year?
Does he not know the present day operating costs of heavy goods vehicles, even when they are run efficiently?
Haven't his colleagues ever informed him of the costly delays involved in making deliveries to concerns such as J. Sainsbury, or their distribution contractors?
Before making comments about the hire and reward sector, Mr Payne should take a closer look at the situation. In doing so he will find that drivers in his own-account sector are paid higher wages for doing a far easier job than their hire and reward counterparts.
If he gives this some thought he will understand that it is only human nature for a person to seek a higher reward for a more difficult task.
I also suggest that he does a thorough costing exercise on his company's fleet and adds to this the cost involved in the delays experienced by hire and reward vehicles at their premises.
When he has done this he will immediately sanction an increase in rates paid to hauliers, otherwise he will foresee thai there will be no vehicles to cal upon if they continue to run at E loss in the future_ Mr Payne and his Compan} are by no means alone in theii attitude towards the hire anc reward sector. I suggest the put their own houses in ordei before making furthe comments.
In doing so they will con tribute to a far more efficien haulage industry which will La able to contain the costs of am future wage claims.
MIKE WELLS, Egharn, Surrey