Welsh wage confusion
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TRADE UNION officials in South Wales this week claimed victory in their campaign for a £90 basic rate for drivers of 32.5 tonne lorries, but there is still some disagreement with two West Wales companies.
TGWU officer Geoff Jacob told CM on Monday that the "prospects were looking good" for establishing the £90 top rate in South Wales, and that he had reached agreement with 60 employers.
He said no settlements had been reached in Cardiff, although the Road Haulage Association claims that employers there have agreed 3.52 per cent (£88) wage rates.
RHA assistant district manager Peter Webb said some of his members had been told by union representatives that they need not pay the £90 rate, even if they signed agreements with the TGWU.
According to Mr Jacob, most one-day strike action against employers had "fizzled out" by Monday, and there have been no reports of it affecting any companies other than Mordave Coal Company and Williams Brothers (Crosshands) (CM, May 14).
Jack Davies, managing director of Mordave, told CM on Monday that his vehicles were still being blacked on Mr Jacob's instructions although he had agreed a £90 (6.09 per cent) rate.
He said he was told that the blacking would not be lifted until he had signed an agreement with the TGWU, and he had not received any documents from Mr Jacob. Mr Davies added that he was prepared to incorporate the £90 rate in drivers' contracts of employment.
Mr Jacob said he was "not interested" in what Mr Davies said, and claimed that he had handed a draft agreement to Mr Davies in the presence of 16 witnesses.
Mr Davies said that if the action is not lifted, he will have to close his business,