TGWU throw out tHA liaison plan
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IE TRANSPORT and General Workers Union has thrown It a plan for a joint national liaison committee with the Road 'Wage Association which would have dealt with matters tier than wages and conditions.
Following consultations oughout its regions, the ion has opted instead for se matters to be dealt with by existing Joint Industrial uncils.
The RHA has described the WU move as "a setback for road haulage industry", and s that the committee could re commented with authority such important national mat; as the Armitage Inquiry. It hoped too that the committee could have dealt with such domestic issues as overnight accommodation for drivers, and for services on the • road, and it was keen for some form of concilation and arbitration service to be available so that problems could be solved jointly before anyone had recourse to industrial action.
Similarly, it believes that there is scope for a joint approach to problems created by controversial EEC legislation.
Reacting to the move, the RHA says: "We regret the turn of events which has brought the smoves on these lines to a halt, but remain willing to liaise at national level at all times."
It believes that there is scope for a national joint industrial council which could establish standard conditions for most aspects of employment. But it is still prepared to negotiate wages at a local level.
While CM has been unable to contact any TGWU representatives this week, the signs are that the Union is worried in case a national committee might weaken the strength of the local JICs.
By widening their scope, they would meet many of the objectives of a national committee without undermining the bargaining power which they wield at wage negotiation time.