AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

How to Found A Drivers' Association

3rd October 1941, Page 39
3rd October 1941
Page 39
Page 40
Page 39, 3rd October 1941 — How to Found A Drivers' Association
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Summing Up the Most Interesting Suggestions and Criticisms and Giving Broad Details of the Aims, Objects and Organization of the Proposed Body REGARDING the proposed association for drivers, much correspondence has been forthcoming and • the general views expressed are in favour of the formation of some such body. I understand that so many letters on the.subject, from all parts of the country, have been received by the Editor of " The Commercial Motor" that it is quite impossible to publish the whole of these, but there is evidence throughout of deep and widespread interest irethe subject, as well as promise of active support.

Before summarizing the position I would like to deal ffi'stf with the points raised by various correspondents. It may be remembered that, in a former article, I endeavoured to emphasize that a drivers' association such as that under review would, in character, be supplementary to the trades unions and, in no wise, competitive or antagonistic. I reaffirm now that such an organization should serve to bridge a gap which at present exists and cannot be filled by the trades unions. This view is strongly confirmed by the correspondents supporting the scheme.

It is generally agreed—having regard to the large number of employers—that it is. physically impossible for the unions adequately to institute a check regarding the loyal observance of statutory obligations, wages and conditions. A drivers' association would experience no difficulty in providing a medium for the necessary information hi such cases and which, in fact, could be used advantageously in conjunction with the unions. Further,ethere is the personal and domestic factor which the unions could never provide. Taking the long view, then, it would seem that the unions themselves should welcome rather than seek to obstruct the formation of such a body.

Some Points Derived From Correspondents

Now as to the correspondence : Mr. Parris—who is a strong advocate of the proposal—suggests using the C.M.U.A. and the A.R.O. for organizing purposes. This, I consider, would bring about disastrous results, for it would be neither tactful nor practicable to have one• organization embracing the employers and employees. Moreover, with but little imagination, one can visualize pressure being brought to bear in certain circumstances and the introduction of the competitive element as regards membership, both of which eventualities are much to.be.deprecated. The other points made by Mr. Parris are extremely good and worthy of consideration if and when the time arrives for the framing of a . constitution.

The correspondent with the nom de plume " Instructor," supports the suggestion regarding the grading of drivers 'according to efficiency and record. This is interesting, as his calling and experience qualify him to speak with .both knowledge and authority. It is noteworthy that Mr. Chapman—despite his former unfortunate experience and that of his colleagues—is in no way daunted and is. apparently, a strong suppofter of the movement. " Aclolad " states his views forcibly

and clearly in giving. his unqualified support. I like very much his point regarding the possibility of the standard of a driver's work being governed by domestic influences, also I endorse his expressed desire for the existence of a better Understanding, between employer and employed which, of course, is a synonym for "team-we/1'k." As to the suggestion respncting the inclusion of transport officers and executives, this would not be in the•true interests of the parties concerned. In effect, these individuals occupy positions similar to those of employers, inasmuch as they customarily are endowed with disciplinary power • and engage and discharge employees. My plea is that if anything in the nature of the proposed association be formed let it be first and last for the drivers themselves. Already there is in existence an organization, specially constituted for transport managers under the title of the Industrial Transport Association, so to include them also in a drivers' association is unnecessary and superfluous.

The Position of the Trades Unions

Reverting to trades unions, a tribute must be paid to Mr. Corrin of the Transport and General Workers' Union for his lengthy and spirited contribution, and in no less degree to Mr. Francis of the United Road Transport Workers' Association, The very nature of their remarks, however, would seem to indicate some degree of apprehension in the matter of the proposed scheme. Whilst I heartily endorse the views regarding the comprehensive, scope of the unions and their wide field of usefulness and value to drivers, I still stress the need for an association designed especially and solely to meet the needs of drivers, and here I would remind Mr: Corrin and Mr. Francis that there are considerable numbers of drivers who are not at present members of their respective unions and are never likely to seek membership. This point is worthy of consideration. I cannot remember any criticism or opposition on the part of the unions towards the Bedford Drivers' Club, which was never regarded as competitive, and I repeat, with emphasis, the statement which I made previously in these columns, that should the proposed new organization for drivers be formed it is• not intended to be a competitor of the unions. No contributor has even hinted at such a suggestion. It may well be that if from the outset the word " club" had been substituted for "association ". the matter would have aroused little comment from the unions.

As to Mr. Corrin's remark that there still remains much to be done to improve the welfare of those engaged: in the road-transport industry. With this I am entirely in agreement, and I submit that a drivel's' association could play an undeniably useful part in assisting to complete the unfinished work, even if only on supplementary lines.

It is very evident from the opinions expressed that there is a definite need for some such body. What then are the essential steps to be taken in the initial stages? In the first instance it is necessary to discover the mea sure of support which would be 'forthcoming from the general body of drivers, and it would seem that the persons best suited to obtain this information are the individuals who have so strongly welcomed the proposal to establish an association. If in their awn particular districts they would discuss the matter with drivers likely to be interested and report results to the Editor of " The 'Commercial Motor" with as little delay as possible,' he might then arrange to convene a meeting at an early date for the purpose of discussing the proposals in detail.

With reference to the aims and objects of the scheme they could, perhaps, be summarized as follow:— (1) Membership would be open to drivers of all classes of commercial vehicle.

(2) Provision for the co-operation of members and the expression of their opinions, and for the methods of securing and giving effect to the same.

(3) Provision for the advancement of the common interests of members, including general welfare, accommodation and catering.

(4) Elevation of -the status and dignity of members by placing them in a category similar to other skilled workers.

(5) Granting of proficiency certificates to be awarded by some elected body which would establish the standard of attainment to be reached by those qualifying for the award.

Giving the Driver a Better Status

. Doubtless valuable additions could be made to these suggestions, but they would appear to be the most important for consideration at the outset. In the matter of the elevating of the dignity of.members I would state that—judged from the standards of efficiency and knowledge required—drivers are at least the equal of any other skilled operators. Nevertheless one has frequently heard the unfair remark: "He is only a driver." This term is never applied to those engaged in, say, engineering or any allied trade, by whom it would, quite rightly, be considered belittling; and it is high time that. the driver be accorded the dignity which is justly due to

him in his work. •

As -CO the granting of proficiency certificates, this would probably entail the instituting of certain tests and, at the same time, would have regard to the " accident-free " record of the candidates. If developed it might be possible to obtain official recognition from the insurance companies with a view to securing more favourable terms for the employers whose drivers possess proficiency certificates, and in any such benefits the drivers themselves would,. naturally, participate. This merits. the interests of employers and employees. have in mind that at some future date there might be established, solely for drivers, an institution run on lines similar to the existing Institute of Transport.

Then there is the political issue to be considered and its application to drivers, as apart from the particular aspects for which the unions are designed.

Starting an 'Appropriate

National Organization The question of organization is the next to claim our attention. Obviously there, must be headquarters with a -responsible official in charge. As-the matter of finance is of supreme importance it is essential that expenditure be kept at the lowest level consistent with efficiency and service. I would suggest that the staff should consist of an organizing secretary and one clerical assistant. Branches should be established throughout the country, to one of which every member should .belong. It might he necessary, of course, for such branches to be divided into sub-branches according to their needs, and they should be formed in such numbers and areas as may he deemed necessary or desirable. It is difficult, at this stage to assess the amount of subscription,. but it should be kept as low as possible. There might be an entrance fee of, say, ls. with a weekly contribution of 6d. These sums would be within the means of all concerned. There should be regular quarterly audits of the accounts, and an annual financial statement should be circulated to all members. Every application for admission to membership should be considered by the branch committee concerned after proposal by a member of the association.

The foregoing is a broad outline of the suggested scheme. Whether or not such an association be estab

lished is entirely in the of the drivers themselves. It will be appreciated that no .progresswhatsoever can be made unless a large number is willing to give support to the proposals. With enthusiasm and interest there is little doubt that a great deal can be accomplished and, as previously stated, the Editor of this journal will render every possible assistance in an effort to further the scheme if the response justifies this action. To that end reprints of this article will be supplied free of charge in pamphlet form to those interested if the demand prove sufficiently general and the necessary supplies of paper be available. Applications should be made to him for the numbers required.


comments powered by Disqus