COMPANY BUSMEN MUST WAIT, SAYS MR. GUNTER
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DESPITE another appeal by the unions this week, the 34per cent pay rise for 100,000 provincial company busmen has been deferred until July 1 by Mr. Ray Gunter, Minister of Labour.
Leaders of six unions saw the Minister last week to urge that the increase should be paid from March 1, as had been jointly agreed with the employers. They also urged that the increase met the productivity criteria and provisions for lower paid workers.
In a letter announcing his decision, the Minister said that it could not be accepted that there was a prior commitment and on other points raised he contended that they did not fulfil criteria for the current period of severe restraint, ending June 30.
On Tuesday, Mr. Gunter rejected an appeal from the unions. Mr. Frank Cousins, who led the delegation, said afterwards he was disappointed at a very unfair decision. Mr. John Foster, national organizer of the AEU, for the craftsmen, said they felt very bitter. "A little thing like this can set a light to the whole White Paper", he said.
The trade union side of the NCOI will consider the position at a special meeting next week.
Daimlers for Burton: Burton upon Trent Corporation Transport Department has ordered three new Daimler CCG5 27-ft. double-deck buses with Gardner 5LW engines, Guy constant-mesh gearboxes, and bodywork by Massey Bros. (Pemberton) Ltd., of Wigan.