URTU and T&G make up
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• The two biggest transport unions look likely to put aside the differences that have soured relations between them since 1996.
Bob Monks, the new general secretary of the United Road Transport Union (URTU), has indicated that he wishes to "lay to rest" the divisions between URTU and rival union the Transport and General (TAG) and resume discussions with the Trades Union Congress.
The friction between the two unions dates back to late 1996 when URTU accepted some 250 ox-T&0 members from the Ford plant at Dagenham. The drivers had left the TAG after It supported seven black assembly line workers, alleging that the drivers were helping to operate a discriminatory recruitment policy.
DRIB subsequently resigned from the TUC, shortly before it was due to be expelled. Writing in the latest issue of the URTU magazine Wheels. Monks says: "I know that increased co-operation with the other unions and organisations involved in road haulage will lead to improved conditions for all working within our industry."
An URTU spokesman adds: "The main problem within the industry is that there isn't one body fighting for drivers so it's very difficult to get anything done. Co-operation is the only way of achieving the best deal for our members."
The TAG has also welcomed the move. Danny Bryan, national secretary for road transport, says: "If Bob is now saying that he's prepared to open discussions with the TUC it is in the interests of our members, their members and the union movement as a whole."