Two-tier 111111?
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The RHA is concerned about its public image. That's hardly surprising because the people up at Woburn Place have been getting more than their usual share of criticism recently.
Some of the criticism is justified, some less so, some not at all, but when the mud hits the fan it flies off in all sorts of directions.
Our own piece by John
Darker (CM, Feb 24) did not go without comment, and most callers agreed with his opinion. Indeed, there was only one who spoke up in defence of RHA and then he pleaded mitigating circumstances.
There is no doubt the RHA is becoming more sensitive to criticism and more responsive to it. It could just be too late. The growth of the owner drivers' associations and their concept of self-help looks very much like the Wells Report coming to life outside RHA.
Wells suggested a two-tier membership and although RHA rejected it then, it is now ready to accept that there is a place for the small man.
But he is now not willing to be courted, he has found new chums and is doing very nicely.
Nor does the poor old RHA have many friends in high places at the moment. Their placid acquiescence to the West Midland pay demand has not endeared them to the hearts of the men of Westminster.
What is the doctor's cure for the patient's ills? Become more commercial, more aggressive, let the world know you're there and don't be afraid of your shadows.