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We need a united front and a united effort
Page 20
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I have read with interest the many letters published in CM regarding the Working Time Directive and its implications for the haulage industry. I fully agree with the comments expressed by your many readers, especially Geoff Martin and Rachel Webb of the T&G. The WTD is a major source of worry to anyone involved with running trucks. It is no use just thinking you can ignore the new legislation and it will vanish into thin air, or you'll cross that bridge when you get to it. What we all require is full clarification of the WTD as a matter of urgency; in
fact we need to know just how we all stand NOW!
The T&G,FTA, RHA and all owner-drivers, large, medium and small firms must unite to lobby the government for the facts. We do not want a conflict of views, but we do certainly need to protect employment for all concerned. Haulage rates will have to increase if we are to be able to pay people the same, or more, for 48 hours instead of 60. Owners will pay the drivers flO per hour or any other sum if they are able to earn it in the shorter time. We all know drivers are well worth it and more, the problem is earning
enough with the vehicle to cover all the other costs of running. I should welcome a massive united effort from everyone within our industry to sort the problems of the WTD.
It is extremely sad to read several reports in CM recently of firms closing on account of the fears of WTD. No one really wants to close, and people still need jobs. Whatever the costs, goods and services will still be required, and after all, someone has to do the haulage — we cannot all just close down. J Sharpies Eardisley, Herts