NODA is to fight construction cuts
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• The National Owner Drivers' Association is fighting the growing trend of construction firms cutting their ownerdriver haulage rates.
NODA chief Mick Binns is meeting his solicitor this week after his members at Pioneer Concrete, its subsidiary Mixed Concrete and Tarmac have complained of haulage rate reductions as high as 8%.
He hopes his solicitor, who already has copies of the ownerdrivers' contracts, will find a way of challenging the cuts which are believed to amount to about £2 on the average £25 load payment.
Binns reckons about 70 of NODA's 750-strong membership will be affected by the cuts at the three firms, and says some drivers' contracts are so "disgusting" he doubts they will be able to contest them. Pioneer Concrete (UK) and Mixed Concrete would not comment on how much it was cutting rates or whether both tipper and mixer drivers would be affected.
But it confirmed cuts are being made: "In view of the major downturn in the construction industry and the subsequent substantial reduction in profit margins Pioneer Concrete (UK) and subsidiary Mixed Concrete are currently reviewing ownerdriver haulage rates.
"However, the company is seeking to maintain the earnings of its owner-drivers, which will be brought about by fleet reductions. These will be achieved by agreement and as a result, increased business for the remaining owner-drivers will compensate for the marginal decreases in haulage rates," says Rob Raimes, assistant to company secretary.