/ drive a four-wheeled tipper (4 ton
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18cwt tare weight) and have for some time been paid a basic wage of £12 3s 4d for a 40-hour week with no bonuses or extras. Whenever I ask for a rise our manager states that I am already receiving over the proper rate. New drivers only get 5s 9d per hour. Would you please advise me? And how will! stand when the working day is reduced by law?
AYour employer is correct. In Road
Haulage Wages Council RH(88), the Schedule of Statutory Minimum Remuneration gives the rate for a vehicle of between 5and 10-ton carrying capacity as 227s 9d for a 40hour week (232s 9d within the designated London area). As they work in the provinces. the new drivers are also getting above the minimum at 230s per week.
We would draw your attention, however. to paragraph 15 of RH(88) which covers guaranteed minimum remuneration. This provision was dealt with in 0 and A on October 4 and is vitally important if your rate is near the statutory minimum and your overtime is limited.
As for the shorter working day, one assumes that a productivity deal will be concluded with your employers so that your level of earnings will at least be maintained. An 11-hour day is still possible taking into account other work in connection with vehicle or load, but from our experience intensive tipper operation is almost 100 per cent driving.