Court Action o n Bus Disputes
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A N action between two big bus ./"X operators, who were suing on their own behalf and on that of other bus companies represented on the National Council for the Omnibus Industry, and certain trade unions and the Minister of Labour, was expected to come before the Chancery Division of the High Court on Tuesday. In fact, it was not heard, although The Commercial Motor understands that the matter has not been settled. On Tuesday evening no date for the hearing could be ascertained.
Last Friday, Mr. Justice Upjohn, in the Chancery Division, gave leave to the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., and Wilts and Dorset Motor Services, Ltd., to serve notice of motion for Tuesday on the Transport and General Workers' Union, National Union of Railwaymen and other unions, and union officials, and on the Minister of Labour.
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Their object was to prevent the Minister from referring, and the unions and their officers from trying to refer, certain disputes to any tribunal other than that provided by an agreement between the companies and the unions.
Mr. W. T. Wells, for the plaintiffs, said that the Minister had stated that he would refer the matter to the tribunal unless it was settled by last Friday. The plaintiffs therefore wished to obtain injunctions as soon as possible.
Mr. Justice Upjohn accordingly gave leave to serve short notice of motion for Tuesday.
It is believed that the disputes concern wages (see column three).
Some bus companies are claiming the right under the constitution of the National Council for the Omnibus Industry to have the application of the workers for higher wages settled individually by the companies (The Commercial Motor, December 4).