Norm spreads
Page 5
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE WAGE round has moved a little closer to a conclusion with three more areas reporting deals in line with the national norm.
Metropolitan and South-east area drivers have agreed a £3 increase, taking their basic rate for Class 1 drivers to £81. Subsistence is up from £9.25 to £9.75.
In Devon and Cornwall, argeement has been reached on a £4 rise, which also takes the basic top rate to £81, with subsistence up from £8.75 to £9.25.
And on Monday this week, Teesside employers and unions finally agreed an increase of £3, taking top-rate basic to £80 for 40 hours, with subsistence rising 50p to £9. That deal runs from February 4, and not January 1 as the Unions had wanted.
Talks also were arranged for Tyneside hauliers on Tuesday this week, where employers were hoping to secure a deal in line with the Teesside agreement, although backdating remained a problem.