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P&O subbies team up to fight for rates rise

11th December 1997
Page 7
Page 7, 11th December 1997 — P&O subbies team up to fight for rates rise
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

by Rob Willock • P&O Ferrymasters has sacked a driver after he formed an unofficial union to protest about the company's "subsistence" pay rates.

Stephen Avison co-founded Teesport United Contractors (TUC) in November to represent 18 regular subcontractors moving containers for P&O Ferrymasters out of Teesport. TUC is pressing for a 7p increase on the current rate of 78p/mile (48.5p1m).

Avison, who had worked for P&O Ferrymasters as a sub-contractor for three years, says his dismissal on Monday coincided with his nomination as spokesman for the group—P&O Ferrymasters gave him a different reason.

TUC had just rejected an offer from P&O Ferrymasters to discuss pay individually with drivers. "They are trying to divide and conquer us," says Avison, who plans to keep working for the group. "They don't want us to team up—it's got them worried." At a meeting last Friday union members discussed a number of options, including a work-to-rule, a strike or blockade action against P&O Ferrymasters. They are now considering action over Avison's dismissal, "A strike would cripple P&O Ferrymasters," says Avison. "It can't afford to lose the traction; it would lose business and I think that the drivers would be asked to come back within a couple of days."

P&O Ferrymasters' traffic manager, Scandinavian division, Jim Gilmour says Avison's dismissal has nothing to do with the TUC. He adds: "P&O doesn't recognise the Teesside United Contractors. Any correspondence from the group will not be dealt with."

TUC group co-founder Ritchie Johnson says that subcontractors hired "on spec" are paid far more and are being offered lucrative long-haul work.

"We haven't even had the increase in diesel costs covered," he adds. "We feel ignored and walked all over."

Other complaints made by the TUC concern the withdrawal of a freephone number for subcontractors to call in to the office; underestimates of up to 4.5% in mileage calculations; and the imposition of fixed handling charges at the port. • CM's Table of Operating Costs for a 38-tonne 3+2 attic estimates weekly standing costs of £350.96, plus running costs of 27.7p/km. Subcontractors on 78p/mile (48.5p/km) break even only after driving 1,692km.

Based on these figures, a typical driver running 2,000km in a week receives just £64 for his efforts, rising to £167 if he drives 2,500km and £270 if manages 3,000km.


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