BUSMEN WON'T BUDGE ON BAN
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FROM OUR INDUSTRIAL CORRESPONDENT IN spite of the " suggestion " of pay .1 rises ranging from 15s. to 8s. a week, made by the London Transport Board to the Phelps Brown Committee of Inquiry. London busmen refused to lift their live-week-old overtime ban at a delegate conference lash,week-end.
In fact, the men's leaders blamed the Board for the decision, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Harry Nicholas, the T.G.W.U.'s assistant general secretary, who tried in 'vain to persuade the men to change their minds, said after the meeting: " There is no doubt that the reaction of the delegates to the statements made before the committee of inquiry by the London Transport representatives is responsible."
There were three objections—to the size of the offer and the increasing differential proposed between drivers and conductors; the hint that the
Board would be influenced by whether or not the ban had been called off; and the suggestion that the pay rise would be dependent on the men agreeing to productivity proposals, such as one-man buses, larger Routemasters and " standee " buses on certain routes..
The ban is now expected to continue until the committee publishes its interim report. This was expected shortly after Wednesday's resumed hearing. It was uncertain what form it would take, but it was expected to contain detailed proposals for raising the pay of drivers and conductors. In spite of their reservations, the L.T.B. will be morally bound to agree to pay rises at least as high as the committee suggest.
Meanwhile the overtime ban was strengthened this week by a work-torule campaign by Highgate Garage.