Tippers in strike threat
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Northern tipper operators are threatening to boycott Tarmac, one of the country's largest construction firms, if it does not increase the rates it pays to hauliers.
One operator, who does a lot of work for Tarmac Roadstone, says a group of hauliers and owner-operators have sent the construction giant a letter demanding a 20% increase.
He claims that rates have not risen for seven years and says the group have given Tarmac a month to meet their claims.
"Some hauliers are getting very militant and say they would consider strike action if no rise is forthcoming from Tarmac," he says. Other tipper operators have complained about some Tarmac regions cutting rates. Tarmac will only say: "Tarmac Roadstone has not reduced scheduled rates and all special rates are negotiated on a job-to-job basis."
High interest rates and the economic climate have put pressure on many construction firms. Only last week Wimpey, the UK's second largest house builder, saw its profits slump to £134.7m. Last month English China Clays cut its haulage rates by 2.5%, saying that difficult trading conditions had made the move "regrettably necessary". Hauliers said then that ECC had hinted at further cuts if economic conditions continue to deteriorate.
Many tipper operators predict that a continued recession in the construction industry will force other major building firms to cut haulage rates: 25% of HGV chassis sold in the UK are used in the building and civil engineering industry.