... and New Ove
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
rtime Ban Looms
nANGER that the overtime ban by I-1 London busmen, which disrupted services and took 1,000 buses off the roads at the end of last year, would be re-imposed loomed nearer this week. It seemed that only a last-minute climb down by the London Transport Board could avert another major dispute with their men.
When the last ban was called off following the offer of interim pay rises, three garages—Shepherd's Bush, Crawley (Sussex) and Hemel Hempstead (Herts)— continued the ban for two extra days until meetings of the bus crews could be held. For this action London Transport deducted 4s. of the increase for conductors arid 6s. for drivers.
Although the total amount 'involved for the 840 employees was less than £200, 1.c busmen were furious. They maintained that it was part of the men's basic pay and should not have been deducted on any pretext. Besides, they added, overtime was voluntary and some of the men affected were not even due to work' overtime. If this "fine" were accepted it would be tantamount to making overtime compulsory.
London Transport. for its part. said that the agreement to pay higher rates was reached on condition that the overtime ban was withdrawn. In the case of the three garages, it said, it merely delayed applying the agreement until they observed it.
A first approach by the union failed to alter the L.T.B. decision. Now. with the Central Bus Committee and the men's Negotiating Committee backing the re-imposition of the ban, Mr. Harry Nicholas. assistant general secretary of the T.G.W.U., and Mr. Sam Henderson, the union's passenger group secretary, are to have another try to get London Transport to change its mind. If it does not do so, a special delegates' conference is virtually certain to re-impose the ban.
Bus Trailer Trials NEXT Monday the Minister of Transport is to watch a bus trailer demonstration at London Transport's Chiswick Works. The towing vehicle will be the front-entrance Routemaster, the tra:ler being the prototype of a model which British European Airways is eonsider:ng for its services to London Airport. though it could well be applicable to rural bus use. Manchester Corporation is understood to be interested in luggage trailers for its own airport routes.