Overnights under scrutiny
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A RISE of E1.25 in drivers' subsistence rates in the Leeds and Bradford area does not crack the pay code, according to the Transport and General Workers Union.
Following a request from the Department of Employment for justification of the increase (CM March I I) TGWU official Mike Davey told CM that the settlement was a special case.
And he firmly rejected claims by the Road Haulage Association that drivers from other areas would try to jump on the bandwagon and claim higher subsistence rates.
Mr. Davey, Leeds regional trade group secretary, said: "The pay code is quite specific that there are certain norms which should not be exceeded. But it also says that if circumstances have changed since the last award then adjustments above those norms are allowed.
"We would say that Leeds is such a case. Changes to the motorway network mean that drivers now have to use motorway service -areas, which are more expensive than the traditional cafés.
"There is absolutely no evidence that other areas will try to jump on the bandwagon. For starters they should have to prove, like us, changed circumstances and also most of the other agreements have already been concluded for this year."