BRS drivers call for strike
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THE leaders of 600 drivers at the Birmingham depots of British Road Services are calling for an official strike, a union leader said this week.
Mr. Alan Law, Midlands commercial trade group secretary of the TGWU, said the strike call was being referred through appropriate union channels. The dispute is over an alleged refusal by BRS to discuss a union request for an incentive bonus scheme being applied at Bromford and Oldbury depots to be introduced at the Cheapsides, Burtonon-Trent, and Tun stall depots.
"A meeting of the appropriate joint committee on Friday was adjourned after BRS refused to discuss the matter of incentives bonus schemes", Mr. Law claimed.
"Basic wages rates are negotiated nationally, but there is provision for local negotiation on incentive bonus schemes. By refusing even to discuss the union's request, the management has failed to observe the agreement."
Mr. Law said that BRS drivers were the lowest paid in the Birmingham area. They received £2 5s. 2d. less than drivers employed by private enterprise hauliers for an average 55-hour week.
"Our members employed as drivers by Birmingham factories are accusing BRS of employing cheap labour", he added.