More Storms Ahead for L.T.B.?
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LONDOLONDON busmen, still up in arms over proposed winter timetables which were due to come into force on Wednesday, only narrowly . defeated a move to organize another overtime ban and work-to-rule campaign, such as crippled services just a year ago. But unofficial action at some garages, starting from tomorrow is still virtually certain, writes our Industrial Correspondent.
The timetable rumpus, which the busmen say will worsen week-end services to the public and hit their own pay packets, was thrashed out at an all-day meeting of representatives from London's 99 bus garages. The first proposal for Saturday and Sunday strikes was ruled • out oforder as " unconstitutional " by the standing orders committee. The second, for a ban on overtime, was eventually defeated by 53 votes to 42 with four abstentions.
Some of the militants complained afterwards that the vote was decided by the 29 representatives from country garages, which were already working the winter schedules. Only four or five of them Voted in favour of a ban. This left .a 'majority of central garages in favour of
• a.,ban, but powerless to win the vote. However, to save face, the negotiating committee then worked out a three-point plan to put to London Transport, In the first place they want to make sure that average earnings will not, as a result of the cuts, fall below those recommended by the Phelps Brown Committee of Inquiry earlier this year. Next they want the 40-hour week introduced early next year, instead of waiting until mid-July as planned at present; and thirdly they want a systematic reduction in the amount of overtime being worked.
London Transport is believed to be ready to negotiate on compensatory payments for the loss of week-end work, which is paid at enhanced rates. But with dissatisfaction rife once more among the crews, another stormy time seems to lie ahead. Two garages have announced their intention to strike every Saturday, notwithstanding the decision of the delegate conference. A third has decided to strike every Saturday and Sunday.
improved Sick Pay for L.T.B. Staff : London Transport has announced that, after agreement with the trade unions concerned, an improved sick pay scheme will he introduced for the Board's wage-earning staff as front January 1, [965. Under the new scheme, which is non-contributory, the minimum amount of sick pay an employee will receive is 40s. a week. No benefit will be paid for the first seven days of absence, and the maximum entitlement in any calendar year will be seven, 10, 13 or 18 weeks according to length of service.