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Delay . May Mean Disaster If the National Road Transport Federation

4th February 1944
Page 21
Page 21, 4th February 1944 — Delay . May Mean Disaster If the National Road Transport Federation
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

and Its Constituent Associations Do Not Move Quickly • They May Be Too Late to Save and Serve the Industry

By "Tantalus"

IT happens sometimes in tubes, trains and buses that fragments of conversation are Overheard by fellow travellers for whom the information is not intended and, on 'pension, the experience may prove intriguing and even ?nlightening. This occurred recently in a public-service vehicle, when two men, deep in conversation, revealed, quite unintentionally, to a nearby passenger that they were engaged in the haulage industry.

The general position as affecting road haulage was discussed. -No mentionwas made, however, of associations; neither was there any reference to individuals. The topic of conversation centred chiefly around the subject of representation, with particular regard to,the National Transport Federation. One participant expressed himself as being puzzled and bewildered by the state of affairs prevailing and went on to say that he was at a loss to sort out the position.

Touching upon the Federation, this subject was discussed by them from the moment of the first announcement that such a body was to be created, right down to the most recent statement respecting the appointment of certain executive officials. There were recalled the many long and weary months spent in negotiations and it was debated as to whether the promoters have any intention of operating the scheme during the war period or whether it is intended as a post-war measure, \ It was argued that the thne expended upon negotiations has been more-than sufficient to render the Federation an active force by this date. Further, that if those responsible really want business and Were driven forward by a compelling purpose immediately to aid the members of the industry loyally and sincerely, some, at least, of the difficulties and troubles which have presented themselves might have been eliminated. .

So far as these two particular operators were able to judge, they estimated that the starting point, as yet, is not even in sight. From further remarks made they revealed themselves as being disgruntled, disillusioned and blanketed in pessimism.

Operators are Feeling Frustrated.

It is more than likely, were it possible to record similar discussions between hauliers, that Opinions would be expressed in like, vein and, probably, in some instances at least,language more forceful in c.haracter. Sympathy must be extended to those operators who are confused and frustrated, for they have good reason for such turbulence of outlook.

Whilst the S.J.C. is the officially recognized body for the hatilier, the industry still lacks the service's of a coordinated national representative medium, possessed of full powers to negotiate and to formulate constructive policy. Until such Medium be brought into being the voices of dissatisfaction will be heard from the associations and private individuals alike.

Reverting to the–remark 'made concerning the date at which the Federation is to become an operative body, this merits serious contemplation. There may, in fact, be a modicum of truth in the suggestiOn .that, possibly, it is intended as a post-war measure. When it is recalled that, for more than two years, the reputed "brains " of the industry were engaged in the task of planning—admittedly no light one—and that the two major national organizations, as well as other representative bodies, endowed the proposals with their blessing, the delay in the launching of the ship is difficult to comprehend.

. Surely the turbulent seas through which the industry has passed, not unscathed, combined with the vista of dangerous rocks ahead, should have impelled those in charge of affairs to go full steam for the shore. Thus might they have been enabled to pilot the members of the industry into the calm waters of security. Unhappily, there is no evidence of such forethought, and road haulage continues to be tossed about like a ship without a skipper and with the prospect of rougher and more troublesome seas to negotiate in the future. It would appear almost as though the industry, or at least part of it, is being left to drift until it becomes wrecked upon the cliffs of inertia, and selfish • interests.

Haulage Controlled by Bureaucrats The position, as it stands to-day, is that instead of being ruled by a virile representative body, composed of men with hearts stout and true, road haulage is being directed, controlled and restricted by a powerful bureaucracy. If the industry were able to pursue the even tenor of peacetime conditions and were there not so many problems demanding solution, it is possible that there would not have arisen so much comment regarding the long and tedious preparatory work in connection with the Federation. This would have been regafded merely as a continuity of normal procedure and no. precedent would have been created. Present-day circumstances, however, present a totally different picture. . The troubles and difficulties are many and they necessitate immediate attention and action, Tiperefore, if the Federation does not commence to function at an early date, the finest opportunity of service to the industry will be lost irretrievably.

Do not the proposals to reduce the small operator to the level of a local " porter " mean nothing to them?. Are they not anxious to.ensure that the ex-Servicemen are given a square deal, when they return to civilian life, by unfettered re-instalment in the industry? Is the question of the postwar status of operators to be decided without the voice of the industry being heard?

• Surely the planners must realize that now is the time to -be moulding and shaping the future if the hauliers are to be safeguarded. When are they going to move from the base and commence operatiOns in the front line where the actual battles -are fought and won?


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