Let the Drivers Advise
Page 30
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• A Plea for the Institution in Road Transport .Concerns of Organizations on Lines Similar to Those of the Works Committees Which Have Proved Their Value in Industrial Establishments
By "Tantalus"
FROM time to time the road-haulage industry has been accorded considerable publicity in matters relating to organization, war-time difficulties, the question of
representation and various future. problems. All these several subjects have received attention and, no doubt, will callior yet further deliberation and discussion. There is, however, one section of the industry which—by comparison—has been neglected and that notwithstanding the fact that it is one of the most important. It concerns the drivers—the hard core of the industry—and the part they will play, or should play, in the post-war period.
The remark " Once a driver always a driver' persists, unfortunately, with the implication that the driver belongs to an inferior social stratum. This is entirely erroneous, and here it might well be emphasized that an appreciable proportion of the present fleet owners started as ownerdrivers. Their position in the industry to-day is a monument to their initiative and determination to make progress. despite all difficulties. The driver of to-day, however, is deprived of similar opportunities of becoming a " master " by reason of the acts, orders and regulations governing the industry; and it is almost certain that these will continue in the future.
In what way, then, can the status of the driver be raisedso that he may be recognized as an•individual too-valuable and intelligent to be regarded merely as a means to an end from the employer's point of view? Of all the lessons afforded by this war none stands out more prominently than that of the improved relationship established between employer and employee. It has, in fact, marked a new era in industrial history and, doubtless, will become permanent From .their inception the production and works committees have proved a marked.success. Nowadays they are becoming general, whereas prior to the War they were the exception rather than the rule. Moreover, the worker has begun to 'realize that he is an essential part of the industry and that without him the machine
would cease to function.
Good Results From Works Committees
There are many instances where lagging production has been 'stepped up. anwmic effort .stimulated, and friction and unrest banished through the efforts of works Committees. Also, there are on record innumerable examples of cases where worker's suggestions regarding assembly and .other methods,. the uses of . different types of tool and alternative material have been adopted with . the Most• gratifying results. Production has been improved at a minimum labour cost. Experience has proved that .production and 'works committees provide an excellent and unique channel for the reception of ideas and suggestions. By this means the worker is afforded an opportunity of effesing constructive and helpful suggestions -equally with any member of the executive staff.
Some time ago an important establishment with interests in this country and abroad—employing large numbers of workers—encountered serious production troubles. There was no apparent reason for this state of affairs and no
6;28 basic principles were involved, but friction and dissatisfaction rapidly developed, so that workers applied for release and the situation became alarming. The specific cause of the trouble could not be ascertained and—in an effort ' to get al the root cause—the chairman invited the works committee to meet him and his co-directors to discuss the position. At the meeting the members of the committee were asked to state their opinions vejth 'complete frankness and without fear of victimization. Free, speech resulted in the diagnosing of the trouble and suggestions from both sides followed and were adopted. Since that time smooth working has been resumed and production figures not only reached schedule but have been maintained ever since.
This matter of works committees has been stressed at some length because of its significance and importance in relation to commerce and industry ; because, also, there does not appear to be any reason why a similar policy should not be applied to the road-haulage industry It may be that some of the large operatats have set up such committees, but these are exceptional.
Trade Union Contacts Not Sufficient The purpose of this article is to suggest that—in instances where circumstances and conditions permit—it would be advantageous for employers in the industry to adopt some procedure on the lines indicated. It &ay be pointed out that already the trade unions provide the necessary link between the two sides, so far as the driver is concerned. This may be true up to a point ; but only in the matter of major issues, such as wages, conditions, etc. The connection falls far short of:the intimate and personal nature of conferences between management and committee which permit of the ventilation of grievances, proposals and suggestions and—most important of all—of decisions being made without delay.
There are many drivers, possessed of a high standard of intelligence, who are capable of discussing with credit matters of policy, organization and the operation of
vehicles. By the very nature of their occupation such drivers could. offer valuable suggestions 'regardingchanges in engine design: and body construction. They are not engineers, but they are as good as the next man when it comes to discussing the finer points of engine performance. In parentheses, those who were present at the " Get-together Luncheon " organized by "The Commercial Motor " will 'remember the impression created by the speech of the longdistance driver, with his decided views and practical suggestions.
The setting up Of some equivalent to production committees by employers in the industry would, in itself, raise the status of the driver. The latter at once would feel himself no longer to be a mere wage-earner, but, in reality, an active member of his concern. Accordingly he would seek to advance its efficiency and progress. It is obvious that suggestions from the driver would prove most useful, for who more than he has such an intimate knowledge of the problems and difficulties concerning road haulage?