Wages Council halves unions claim
Page 11
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• The road transport trade unions' application for a general increase of £3.20 a week was rejected by the Road Haulage Wages Council last week. The Council intends, writes John Darker, to propose to Mr Robert Carr, Secretary of State for Employment, that an increase of £1.50 should be awarded to adult workers, together with an increase of 50p in the subsistence rate.
Night subsistence rates of £2.75 were sought by the unions. If the new proposals are ratified the night subsistence allowance will be £1.75.
Average weekly earnings in April 1971 for men in the industry were £31.40 and average hours worked were 52.2.
The new rates — subject to confirmation — will provide basic pay for 1-5 ton drivers of £18. The minimum basic pay for drivers of hgv in Birmingham. West Bromwich and Wolverhampton districts — Alan Law territory — is £23.50 (see page 4).