Welcome the Opportunity of Unity
Page 31
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Strong Approval of the S.J.C. Renewed Effort at Attaining Unity in Road-Transport Representation and Appreciation of the "C.M." Scheme for "Rotational" Committees By "Tantalus"
THE proposals of the S.J.C. for the reorganization of the road-transport industry are definitely convincing and bear the stamp of real stittesmanship. Because they are sound basically they should provide an adequate foundation for the building of a solid structure calculated to stand firm against the several vicissitudes which beset the industry. Furthermore, the acceptance of the scheme by all parties concerned should end for all time such association competition as that which has prevailed for 10 years or more Any such shadows of the past should not be permitted to influence or prejudice the present negotiations, which, it is hoped, may be accorded unanimous support. Never in the history of the industry was there a time when unity was so essential. Now, for the first time, comes an opportunity to set the house in order on the right lines.
For a long time past a considerable section of the professional earners has earnestly desired some such organization as that envisaged in the proposals. These individuals aim at the full control of their own affairs, free from interference by other sections of the industry. This attitude, surely, is fully justified and in no way extreme. To this end the opportunity now offered should be seized with both hands.
Opposition To Unity Must Be Expected
Based upon past experience, it is only to be expected that, sooner or later, the proposals will meet with opposition from certain parties concerned. There are always pessimists who cannot, or will not, see good in any project. Others may fear that under the proposed federation their own particular stars might be dimmed and their individual positions assailed. Then again there is always the opponent who is concerned primarily with destructive criticism. He it is who always seeks to obstruct and to destroy rather than build. In due course, no doubt, all these various types will voice their opinions. When that time comes it is to be hoped that the final issue will remain neither in jeopardy nor doubt.
Doubtless, wholesome and construclive criticism would be welcomed by the authors of the scheme in an effort to remove any weakness which might become manifest. Finally, the success of the scheme will depend entirely upon the spirit in which the contracting parties enter into agreement. If a sense of loyal service to the industry be the controlling factor, the ultimate issue must necessarily be one which will benefit all section; concerned and will, in fact, lay the foundations for a " New Order" for road transport.
There are, however, certain matters which, unless they are suitably dealt with in the initial stages, may everftually terminate not in success but in failure. Any such eventuality would be nothing short of calamitous and must not be allowed to happen. Predominant is the question of leadership, and the introduction of new blood is a vital necessity.
In reviewing the years following the passing of the Road and Rail Traffic Act of 1933, it cannot be maintained that the accredited leaders have brought the industry into ways of prosperity and security. It is true, that, from time to time, concessions have been obtained; but these have been of a minor character compared with issues in which the bread and butter of operators are involved. Since 1933 the industry has suffered restriction after restriction—a state of affairs which has served to stifle expansion and development. As for the position to-day, already so much has been said and written that further comment would be superfluous. Nevertheless,
the fact remains that hauliers find themselves in a:sorrier plight than has been their lot for many long years. If this be the outcome of the leadership of the past, the obvious remedy is a change of leadership; and the scheme provides an opportunity of such change.
In scrutinizing the various committees which, from time to time, have been formed in connection with road
transport (and including those set up by the M. of W.T.) it is evident that with but very few exceptions they are composed of the same individuals. So in the natural .order of things it is only to be expected that similar views and conceptions should repeatedly influence
debates and decisions. So excellent was the proposal contained in the issue of "The Commercial Motor" dated July 31, 1942, that repetition is amply justified.'
The suggestion was that the retiring 50per cent, of the members of the sub-area committees, the area committees and national council should not be eligible for re-election
for at least two years, and preferably three years. The significance of this is outstandingly. clear, and the con stitution might well be amended accordingly. Any such move would result in an ever-widening circle of active interest, finally embracing all 'Operators in every part of the country. Moreover, the complaint that associa tions are run by the "old gang" would be successfully removed. Another very important point is that any
elected representative who failed in his duties and responsibilities, by not carrying out the wishes of his constituents could be removed effectively at the appointed time.
Then there is the question of the inclusion of clearing houses in the scheme. However diverse may be the opinions on this subject, the fact remains that clearing houses form an integral and frequently valuable part of the road-transport industry. As such they cannot be
ignored in any reorganization of the industry. It is to be hoped that operators opposed to such inclusion will not permit prejudice to overrule sound judgment.
Many Operators Neglect Issues at Stake
The experiences of the past emphasize the fact that
operators individually exhibited sarprisingly little interest on occasions where major issues were at stake. Frequently they were completely ignorant of the details of the subject matter being dealt with; yet when the decisions reached were. not to their satisfaction they indulged in strong criticism. The fault, of course, was their own, as they had not troubled to interest them• selves sufficiently in the points at issue.
The proposals for a new federation, which are now before the industry, provide an outstanding opportunity to each and every operator to ascertain for himself all
details relating to the suggested scheme. It is profoundly important that professional hauliers in particular should fully comprehend the significant advantages to be
otbained therefrom. Present and future problems demand united action. Never was the slogan, " Unity is power," better illustrated than in this particulat instance.