Pay deals lead to new trend
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A TREND in pay agreements for drivers emerges from the Transport and General Workers Union agreement in Birmingham this month.
The latest agreement is in Manchester where drivers are almost certain to agree to a United Road Transport Union settlement with Road Haulage Association members for a five per cent pay rise and £5.50 per night subsistence allowance.
As CM went to press the men were being asked to agree to the settlement negotiated by URTU official Mike Durant and his team. "I'll be very surprised if they don't agree to it," he said.
The agreement follows the lead set by Alan Law and his Birmingham branch of the TGWU who were also awarded five per cent and £5.50 following negotiations with hauliers.
Mr Durant also said that a committee will be set up between the hauliers and the TGWU to settle claims over pensions and accident benefits.
The agreement takes effect from November 29 and will run for 12 months. The rises are to apply pro rata for juniors or trainees.
Road Haulage Association deputy secretary Mr Robert Entwhistle told CM that he thought the figures "reasonable". He saw the rises as following national trends.
"The five per cent was foreseeable and a foregone conclusion," said Mr Entwhistle.
But RHA national secretary Mr Eric Russell said: "It's within the Social Contract and the unions are honouring the contract, so it's really no surprise that they have reached this agreement."