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Dispute over differentials
Page 14
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A Somerset firm has been hit by its employees' first industrial action in living memory. Guy Sheppard reports.
MORE THAN 30 drivers were this week due to start a work-torule in a row over pay as CM went to press on 9 November.
Bosses at Somerset-based Caxton Transport say it will be the first industrial action by any of its employees in living memory.
But Malcolm Williams, regional officer for the United Road Transport Union,says an overwhelming majority of its 33 members at the firm have voted in favour of action, including going on strike.
He adds that a consultant brought in by the company to resolve the dispute has actually hardened the mood of defiance among drivers.
They will initially refuse to work more than their 50 hours each week and Williams warns that the action may be stepped up later this month if no settlement is reached.
"It hinges on getting an increase of equal value across three grades of employed people there," he explains. "It is differentials that have created the problem."
A statement from the company blames a small minority for instigating the action, saying: "We are surprised and disappointed that they have decided to take this course and we hope they will reconsider their position.
Highbfidge-based Caxton does most of its work for a sistercompany, Woodbury Brothers & Haines, which manufactures furniture.