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Drivers aren't the enemy

10th March 2005, Page 28
10th March 2005
Page 28
Page 28, 10th March 2005 — Drivers aren't the enemy
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

I READ WITH INTEREST the recent press publications regarding the road transport directive on working time.'The normal hostile relations between PTA and RHA seem to have been put on hold while they jointly beat up the drivers of the UK haulage industry.

The WTD was originally social legislation introduced for safer working practices and a sensible reduction for staff working too long hours —truck drivers of course do work long hours and road safety must be a priority.Typically we work 55 hours plus per week in charge of machinery and it can get tiring towards the end of the week.

The PTA in particular has been claiming victories all over the UK at their road shows' for gaining periods of availability (POA) out of the road transport directive.

POAs (known waiting time) will highlight the inefficiencies of road transport but ironically this is the fault of corporate management not the driver, The driver will be the unlucky victim, especially if lower hourly rates are introduced for POA time.

Certain 50-year-old plus drivers would like to work 48 hours a week in total. Perhaps if the mortgage is paid for and the kids have left home, money becomes less of an issue. Rather than "you can't opt out" a compulsory "opt in" should be considered. By this! mean the opportunity for a driver to choose to work 48 hours max could be introduced by agreement.This would be a two-way compromise.

How about the PTA & RHA preparing a lorry driver's"good employer's charter"?

Many of my driver colleagues are thinking of boycotting the PTA & RHA tachograph and vehicle inspectors in protest.

Messer's-I-timer and King: please don't kick us ... who will move freight without us?

Cliff WrigM West Midlands

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