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Unified union The road haulage industry is in a very

14th May 1998, Page 38
14th May 1998
Page 38
Page 39
Page 38, 14th May 1998 — Unified union The road haulage industry is in a very
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

poor state in relation to haulage rates, increased fuel costs, drivers' pay and conditions, health and safety, as well as public safety due to the hours drivers have to complete. There are directors, managers and leading personnel in union and transport organisations who appear to be confused and unsure why our industry is not attracting people to it— and indeed is losing competent people.

The short answer is, it is not an industry that is taken seriously. There is only the offer of a minimum wage for spending 60 hours-plus a week in traffic jams, and time off confined to a metal box in an unfriendly and inhospitable environment.

Drivers are forced to do the maximum 15 hours in a day or they will not qualify for subsistence payment. In the absence of comprehensive training, good operating centres, decent manmanagement, proper maintenance, health and safety and employee benefits (such as insurance and pensions), it is hardly surprising that people do not want to stay in, or come into, this industry.

The authorities are not taking the problem seriously enough. There is not enough highlighting of the problems drivers face because of fragmentation within the industry with regard to unions.

These problems could be overcome and achievements made by a single union.

I, for one, am very passionate about my vocation and the haulage industry to which I belong.

Speaking to other colleagues within it who are passionate too, the call I get from other drivers is: "If only we could be as one;'a drivers' union—one union for road haulage."

• I have spoken to both David Higginbottom and Ron Webb, who both agree in principle that it would be ideal. In fact the general-secretary of URTU believes this concept is the best way forward. I and very many drivers also support the concept Unfortunately some executive officers are somewhat negative when approaching the organisation and creation of such a union.

Drivers wonder if it is the position and status the current executive officers hold, and fear losing, that makes them negative in approaching the concept.

Executive officers must get together, resolve their interunion rivalries and take a positive approach in the debate on the organisation and creation of such a union.

Drivers, make it loud and clear. Forget the past, get together and step forward into a new dawn and debate the one-union concept. Not only would drivers welcome it; I feel sure the Traffic Commissioners, police, VI and employers, as well as the general public, would benefit.

The benefits would be enormous: having executive officers with negotiation skills coupled with industrial experience and the elimination of inter-union rivalries. It • would also allow for a unified approach to pay bargaining at national level. It would get rates up to an acceptable level, and it would help to eliminate cowboys and the bad practices that now dominate in our industry.

It would also improve facilities for drivers. There are so many other benefits to be obtained by one union for our industry. If you have the drivers' interests at heart you will take a positive approach to the matter of the oneunion concept.

There are two major union players in the business of road haulage: the T&G and URTU. Let us have debate, referendum and election of officers for a single union. Drivers require your attention to, and co-operation with this matter.

MB Baker, T&G representative, Ford/jam, Cambridgeshire.


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