A Problem for Psychologists
Page 30
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NEWS of the activities of private, municipal and nationalized passenger-vehicle operators in this country seems nowadays to be concerned difficult with the di'cult financial position into which inflationary tendencies have forced them. While grappling with rising costs and failing revenue, the managements of such undertakings have also to deal with a growing staffing problem. At the end of January, the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., stated that at its garages there was an o.verall shortage of 520 drivers and 400 conductors. Many of the existing staff were working more than 60 hours a week to maintain schedules.
Newport Corporation, short of some 50 drivers, conductors and conductresses, found, during the month, that some 14 per cent. of the staff were on the sick list—a quite difficult situation in connection with a comparatively small fleet. Another municipal undertaking, Bury. required 60 conductors at the end of last month.
London Transport Executive, which has had some success at recruiting new staff from almost alien sources—including Northern Ireland and the Scottish Highlands, experienced, a slight increase in recruitment after the announcement of pay in creases for bus workers. Now, however, it is reported to have been taking on men over 40 years of age for training as drivers and conductors, at a rate of over 50 new men a week. Manchester Corporation has had the same experience and welcomes the more responsible over-40s.
Fortunate although this circumstance may seem if services are to be maintained, it is unfortunate when it is recalled that this solution merely postpones the staffing problem until a later date, when many will have to retire. It is to be hoped that some solution can be found to the problem of making the passenger-transport industry more attractive to the right kind of recruit. Irregular hours are often considered to be an unfortunate necessity in the industry, but to the individualist may be more welcome than the clockwork regularity of the factory.