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Union extension denied
Page 9
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• by Guy Sheppard A call to extend union recognition rights to thousands of drivers employed by small and medium-sized hauliers has been rejected by the government.
Union leaders wanted the rights to be extended to companies employing fewer than 21, claiming the potential for mistreatment was far greater than in large companies. But a review of the Employment Relations Act 11999) undertaken by the government says there is no evidence to suggest the exemption needs to be lifted.
Ron Webb. Transport & General Workers Union national secretary for road transport. estimates that only 30% of smaller hauliers recognise his union, compared with 70% recognition among big operators. "Small companies are not
always observing the laws of the land or proper safety standards, and many don't provide proper employment rights," he says. it's difficult to see why the government shouldn't take the next step and extend the Act to cover smaller companies as well."
Mike Billingham, regional officer in the United Road Transport Union. says its research shows that non-unionised drivers face more pressure to break drivers hours' laws than unionised drivers.
But Mike Farmer, Midlands and Western regional director of the Road Haulage Association, says: "We are trying to minimise any form of additional administrative burden on smaller operators. Whatever way you look at it. entering into formal negotiations about union recognition adds to their administrative burden."
He points out that the West Midlands joint industrial council agreement, which covers hundreds of smaller hauliers In the region, negotiates recommended levels of pay and conditions. "It is very well thought of and the TeX is part of it," he says.