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'Signing on is the most degrading thing I've done'

21st May 1992, Page 52
21st May 1992
Page 52
Page 52, 21st May 1992 — 'Signing on is the most degrading thing I've done'
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

(IP feel that it is time • ▪ who have had their

trucks repossessed should get themselves united. Owner-drivers are the backbone of the road transport industry and many have lost their vehicles and homes because of the recession and the sheer pigheadedness of the Government.

During the election campaign John Major said that small businesses were very important. But what has the Government done or is going to do to help us now? Absolutely nothing.

I have worked for companies which promised regular, prompt payment and good rates. In reality they expected me to run totally illegally and wait 60 days, 90 days, or even longer for payment, or in some cases forever because the company went bust. Would supermarkets allow customers to take goods and not pay for 90 days? They most certainly would not.

Because of the problems of getting paid, I, like many others, have lost everything; my home, my business, and my self-esteem. I have to "sign on" which is the most degrading thing I have ever had to do. I am expected, at my own expense, to apply for at least two jobs each week and very few companies bother to reply.

CREDIT RATING When 1 phone companies I am often told that they are looking for owner-drivers, so as soon as I get my truck back I can work for them. But how can I do this when my credit rating is on the floor? Major tells us we should borrow from the financial institutions in order to kick-start" the economy, but the finance world is just not interested in loaning money to me.

So, like Mike Pickering who recently set up UNIT 91 for owner-drivers who are lucky enough to still have their trucks, I feel that owner-drivers like

myself who have lost their trucks should get together.

We have suffered through the arrogance of the Conservative government and should now consolidate ourselves and stand firm in a demand for government compensation or aid to have our trucks returned to us. Our employers should be forced to give us written contracts guaranteeing sensible rates which are index-linked, and guaranteeing payment which is on time. I want my truck back so I can take up the offers of work that I have had. I no longer want the Government to expect me to put up with my fortnightly pittance.

El If there are any other owner-drivers who have had their trucks taken away from them and are interested in helping set up a self-help group they can call All Buckman on (0304) 823370.

Cl If you want to sound off about an issue that's bugging you, call features editor Mary Williams on 081-652 3678.


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