Syndicate's proposal for training levy
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SYNDICATE sessions have become a popular feature at recent conferences as they give small groups of delegates an opportunity to sit together and hammer out the fundamental issues for the future. This year, four sessions took place, two of them dealing with association business and two with wider matters.
Former national chairman Ken Rogers chaired a session on the future of training. Inevitably, harsh words were spoken about the present Road Transport In dustry Training Board, with references to arrogant senior officials who have lost all credibility with the industry. Members also were disturbed that the Government is unwilling to bear the cost of splitting the board into two parts.
They want a haulage-only board which will employ none of the present RTITB staff but should employ a small training staff on the industry's own terms and conditions. The Motecs should be closed.
They want the scheme to be paid for by a levy paid along with vehicle or operator licences, so that no one escapes the net.
An after-sales services session chaired by Cyril Bridge revealed widespread dissatisfaction, especially with the inconsistent performance of manufacturers' distributors. Perhaps it was inevitable that Leyland came in for most criticism and that foreign manufacturers are held in a higher regard. The members called for more field service officers to come to their aid.
Two sessions chaired by Glyn Samuel and Barry Hempsail looked at the projected restructure of the RHA's committees. Much debate then and at a subsequent open forum volved around the future of sub areas, and whether fu tional groups may play a grez role in the future. There appe to be some support for a spel one-day conference being cal next year to discuss the irnpli tions of the projected restr tura.
There was a widespread for better communications tween ordinary members a the association's top levels. 1 new membership services %NI generally welcomed, althou there was support also bunkering and lorry parki facilities.