Why a Drivers' Association is Needed
Page 22
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WITH reference to the article, " The Value of the Trade Unions to Drivers," by Mr. J. E. Corrin, I quite agree that there are many points covered by such unions.
I was a member of the Transport and General Workers' Union in 1920, when in the employ of a large catering firm in London., On one occasion, while waitingin my cab for my turn to unload, another driver knocked off my cap. For this "offence," which was certainly not my fault, I was given six weeks' suspension without pay or unemployment benefit. I applied to the Union for advice, and was told that it could do nothing in the matter. At a later date our pay was reduced by £1 per week; again, the Union could do nothing.
I rejoined it in 1936, when I was employed by an important sand and ballast company in the London area, and at that time the National Conciliation Board was dealing with the matter of wages for drivers .of A and B vehicles; we were 100 per cent. union men. We asked our representative in the Hounslow area to arrange a meeting with the directors of the company, but, once more, nothing was done, because there were— and always will be—plenty of so-called drivers waiting to take our jobs.
What the drivers really need are representatives to protect. their interests and to stop the " one-day-aweek " men from barging in.
As I stated in my letter of August 15, an association for drivers is the only way in which they can really protect themselves. That there must be beginners to follow the experienced men is, of course, realized, but who are in a better position to follow than the mates or trailer boys? If we do not have an association to keep up the standard of experienced drivers, matters may be the same as after the war of 1914-18, and we shall lose our self-respect.
Let us show the country that a real lorry driver is in a class of his own. My suggestion, as contained in my first contribution, is that higher rates should be paid to efficient men. This would maintain the standard and make every driver aim to attain that favourable position. in the industry.
Lichfield. E. E. CARTER.