We're right the way we are, NFC tells Mr Mulley
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• Closer consultation with the trade unions; a firmer linking of the parcels companies; and the possibility of a grouping of the tank haulage companies, are the only significant changes in the organization of the National Freight Corporation proposed in a report made to the Minister of Transport in December and published this week.
The report is called for under section 45(1) of the Transport Act 196 8 which required the Corporation (and the Railways Board, separately) to undertake a review to determine whether the carrying on of its activities, "so far as regards the direction thereof", was organized in the most efficient manner.
In general, the report tells the Minister that the NFC wishes to continue on its present familiar lines, which are very close to those developed and proved by the Transport Holding Company. In particular, the value of the National Freight Federation structure is emphasized. The structure of the NFC is to he very much on the lines forecast by Commercial Motor in a special feature in January 1968.
Nine trade unions with substantial membership in the NFC companies were consulted during preparation of the report, and the document itself says of the NFC's relationships with staff and unions that these are a matter of fundamental importance, adding: "It is our aim to achieve the closest possible consultation and co-operation with all concerned at all levels of working. Notwithstanding the possible differences of viewpoint between the various unions involved, we are confident that a coherent and effective relationship can be established in due time and order",
The report emphasizes that close formal and informal contacts will be established to consider and watch over the gradual evolution of a management-staff relationship which all wish to see. The actual negotiation of wages and conditions is a separate matter, says the report, but the gradual
reshaping of the machinery for this, and the steady progress which is so desirable towards new attitudes and relationships in the joint endeavours of the corporation and its employees at all points and levels, are matters which in the long run depend on contacts through which mutual trust and understanding can be built up.
The report emphasizes that while .the NFC has a statutory duty to promote integrated Services by road and rail, its basic objective is to provide for the carriage of goods on a commercial basis in several rather different and highly competitive fields. There is more than one business, and there is no monopoly, says the report; the NFC is not a "nationalized industry". Flexibility and individuality are essential from unit to unit among the operating undertakings. The NFC feels that the nature of its business demands a simple organization, and it believes that, by and large, the present structure meets this need.
It therefore recommends continuation of the present establistunelt. This involves a board on which only the chairman and the chief executive are full-time members; and which directs general policy and oversees performance; the board is served by a small headquarters administration staff to ensure implementation of policy and