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Dock strike dilemma for hauliers

24th July 1970, Page 19
24th July 1970
Page 19
Page 19, 24th July 1970 — Dock strike dilemma for hauliers
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• As the dock strike approaches its third week, it is clear that many hauliers besides those dealing exclusively in ports cargo, are being hit. But there are no indications that many drivers are likely to take action in sympathy with the dockers, and so long as there can be no suggestion of "blacklegging" most want to get back to work.

A dilemma facing hauliers is whether they may be compelled by economic circumstances to put staff off—and face recruitment difficulties later. An RHA spokesman said that a large number of vehicles were lying idle throughout the country; discussions with members were taking place. Companies which handle dock cargo exclusively were being advised on diversification.

A major haulier, Hilton's Transport Services, has said that about 100 of its vehicles normally used on dock work were standing by—the hold-up being estimated to cost the firm about £10,000 a week. There had been nothing but co-operation from the men. • This company, like others, points out that it is tricky to change schedules: they need to be able to return to present routes straightaway whenever the strike is over.

British Road Services said it had 60 vehicles standing idle; no men had been laid off.

In the own-account field there is, of course, more opportunity for a firm to transfer its vehicle from port to other work, and the FTA said that in fact there had been "no feed-back" at this stage from members. A large number of inquiries had been received as to the possibility of switching to roll-on/roll-off ferries—and the answer was: "No hope." However, the Association understood that a limited number of such ferries still operated for existing customers.

However, in the ports, even where the labour forces are not in dispute with their managements, pressure is, in some cases, being applied to get the workers out in sympathy. The Manchester Ship Canal Co, for example, is at a standstill despite its £20 basic rate.

Felixstowe, where there is also a local agreement, kept working until Tuesday, but was finally halted as a result of outside pressure on workers. Shoreham and Newhaven, also private ports where local agreements meeting the demands are already in force, are similarly affected.

British Railways' cross-channel freight services—Harwich to Zeebrugge, Dover to Ostend and Dover to Dunkirk—were operating normally at mid-week but a spokesman was unsure how long the services would continue. Only regular traffic was accepted in order not to aggravate the situation.

The question of diverted traffic caused difficulties at Continental ports. Belgian, Dutch, French, Swedish and Norwegian union workers were reported to be refusing to handle diverted ships, and vessels with cargoes for Britain were being declared "black".

Efforts were also being made by union leaders to stop the dairy produce traffic from Ulster to Portpatrick, in Scotland. Plans by the fishermen running the traffic, to operate at night to avoid picketing in the docks might be short-lived if TGWUmember lorry drivers refused to handle the traffic at this end.

A CM check on all the major ports this week revealed that there was almost a complete breakdown. The only traffics moving were petroleum products at most of the ports and some coal and coke from Newcastle.

Liverpool reported that 33 dockers had agreed to load the IoM Steam Packet Co vessel, Peveril, with essential food and medical supplies.

The PLA said volunteers were dealing with perishables at Tilbury, and donating their pay to a local charity. The remainder of the port was inactive but a spokesman believed a number of private riverside wharves, including Ford's, still operated.

The British Transport Docks Board reported a standstill at all its ports except for roll-on/roll-oil services, which continued to handle private cars and passengers but no freight. Southampton workers were . handling essential supplies for the Channel Islands on a voluntary basis. The petroleum traffics at Hull, Immingham, Southampton (Fawley) and South Wales ports were still moving and the fish docks at Grimsby, Hull and Fleetwood working normally.

The Docks Board reported that nearly 8,000 men were on strike at its ports and its loss of net revenue was £300,000 per week.

The Court of Inquiry was due to hold its second public sitting yesterday.

Just before going to press, CM learned that some traffic to the Continent was being shipped in small coastal vessels from Southend. Queues of vehicles were reported to be awaiting ships arriving on every tide.


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