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May I please, by means of your letter column, seek to correct some misconceptions which have become evident in some managements' minds about the operation and structure of the Freight Drivers Register?
The Freight Drivers' Register was formed, in mid-1977, to provide a focal point for services to British professional freight drivers, and, via the marketing and publications divisions of the operating company (FDR Drivers' Services Limited), to provide specialist services to British transport operators.
Today, FDR has more than 11M00 enrolled members and growth exceeds 100 per week. However, the Freight Drivers' Register has no more sinister intentions within the transport 'industry than, for example, the Register of Architects' within the construction and civil engineering industries!
FDR is an association for British professional freight drivers, no more, no less. FDR gives to members such important services as exclusive and highly comprehensive insurances, international medical rescue, marketing of specialist drivers: guides, road atlases, general interest books, and other products, and, only incidentally provides for a small minority of enrolled members an exclusive employment register scheme.
It has come to my notice that, quite mistakenly, a very few transport operators have somehow obtained the idea that the Freight Drivers' Register is "out to get their men!"
This impression is totally wrong.
As a "workers' organisation'' FDR is able to maintain a list of some drivers who are open to offers of new, perhaps better, employment from firms who, for some reason or other, do not wish to advertise vacancies, but FDR is not, repeat, not, an employment agency, nor is FDR interested in obtaining a monopoly on -who works for whom" and for how much!
When our assistance is sought in filling vacancies, reference is made to our files for names of drivers who happen to be looking for new jobs. For one vacancy, as many as six names may be proposed, leaving the choice of interviewees entirely to the discretion of the firm.
DON CASTLE, The Freight Drivers' Register, Northallerton, Yorks.