North-Western Wages Progress
Page 49
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THE long-standing wages dispute in the North-Western Area was brought a step nearer settlement at a meeting. on Wednesday of last week, when representatives of the unions met delegates from the employers' Lancashire and Cheshire Road Group.
It was agreed that the employers represented (members of associations covering much of Lancashire and Cheshire) should operate the " higherrating " clause when running into Grade 1 areas (Manchester and Liverpool districts), where the associations concerned have already accepted the top wage rates. The whole of the conditions at present specified in the interim agreement, including the guaranteed 48-hour week and holidays, were ratified, and the question of final grading for districts outside Manchester, Salford, Trafford Park and Liverpool was remitted to the Area Board. Difficulties have recently arisen through the employers' side of the North-Western Board refusing to accept the decision of the National Board's appeals committee, but an undertaking was given at this meeting that the employers' panel will accept the findings of the National Board if it be necessary for that body to be called in.
Negotiations are now proceeding with regard to North-West Lancashire, North Wales and parts of Cheshire, which are the only sections of the area
uncovered by the agreements. The next steps lie with the North-Western Board, and, in view of the progress already made, it is expected that all arrangements will soon be completed.
The Conference of Liverpool. and District Road Transport Employers, which embraces representatives of eight associations, has issued a notice deal ing with wages and conditions, following the decision of the appeals committee of the National Board to place Liverpcol, Birkenhead and Merseyside in Grade 1. Negotiations are in progress between the Conference and the Liverpool and District Carters and Motormen's Union upon amendments to be made to the Merseyside agreement as a consequence of this decision.
Pending a full settlement, it has been jointly agreed that the drivers of multi-wheeled vehicles of over 12 tons laden weight, and tractors drawing trailers over 12 tons laden weight, shall be rated at 70s. per week as from the first full pay period in this month (April). Overtime rates have been fixed proportionately.
It is understood that in cases where a rate of 70s. or more has hitherto been paitl in connection with these types of vehicle, this decision involves no reduction. The question as to whether this rate is also applicable to the drivers of goods vehicles drawing trailers is under consideration.