East Anglian haulier under Unite scrutiny
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By Chris Tindall
UNITE IS compiling a file on an East Anglian haulier that it believes has been regularly breaching working time regulations.
It said a clash between the Working Time Directive and drivers’ hours rules had created “a vague area” , which is being exploited in order to make drivers work longer hours.
The union raised its concerns with MP Maria Eagle in May (CM 24 May) and is now preparing to hand over a dossier on an unnamed firm, which has been compiled using evidence provided by its own drivers, to the Office of the Traffic Commissioners.
But Unite regional officer Mark Plumb also said it believes the issue was not restricted to one company.
“It’s quite a widespread problem within the industry as a whole, this vague area,” he claimed.
“Drivers can be intimidated into taking their rest periods while they are in traffic jams – that’s really the crux of what we are trying to get to the bottom of.” He added: “We just need to get further evidence. We are really trying to get to grips with the problem and stop hauliers intimidating their [employees] into carrying out these practices.” Vosa chief executive Alistair Peoples wrote to Eagle in June providing clarification about working time, rest periods and periods of availability.
In the letter, Peoples said: “When the working time rules for mobile workers were introduced, it was agreed that [Vosa] would enforce the rules by responding to complaints received.
“Any driver who has reason to believe their employer is forcing them to work against the rules should inform Vosa.” A spokesman for Eagle said: “Maria is aware of the issue and will make further enquiries.”