Soton 'agreement on use of twistlocks
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from our industrial correspondent • The labour relations liaison committee at Southampton last week went some way to resolving the issue of twistlocks — first reported in CM November 17 — following the recent two-day strike at the port. Employers and the Transport and General Workers' Union jointly agreed that wherever possible vehicles equipped with twistlocks would be used for the movement of 20ft, 30ft and 40ft ISO containers.
The Code of Practice on Safety of Loads, recently published by the Department of the Environment, was discussed during the meeting, when it was noted that clause 5 in the section dealing with containers, says categorically: "Containers equipped with corner castings should, except in unavoidable circumstances always be carried on vehicles fitted with twistlocks."
Although the Code does permit containers to be carried on platform vehicles not fitted with twistlocks, it is quite evident from the detailed instructions given that the most careful precautions are called for. Loads transmitted by the securing devices must be finally absorbed by the vehicle's chassis frame.
I understand that provincial hauliers delivering containers to Southampton docks on vehicles which have no twistlocks will be warned by the TGWU that this is considered unsafe and must not recur. There will be no refusal to handle such vehicles the first time but on the principle that every dog is entitled to one bite, and only one, subsequent vehicles could be turned away.
The twistlock issue could easily spread to other docks, particularly if — as at Southampton — it is associated with disgruntlement over the pay freeze.
A further issue arising from container handling concerns customer firms at collection or delivery points. I gather that drivers are perplexed as to their responsibilities for assisting with loading or unloading. There have been instances at Southampton where a driver delivering a 40ft container has volunteered to help unload and has finished up by doing the bulk of the unloading personally. Some clarification of responsibilities is necessary. I understand that this issue would have been ventilated earlier but for the good co-operation between drivers and employers at Southampton.
The withdrawal of the freight wagon service at Southampton next spring could mean an extra 50 lorries a day.
Although it appears that Southampton road hauliers will soon enjoy some ex-rail wagon load traffic, the RHA should perhaps watch the position in case the Government's deep-seated review of rail operations leads to a reprieve for the docks rail freight service.