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letters
Page 40
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Need for mates
I would like to see a lot more mates employed on lorries. They could do a useful job and this would reduce unemployment.
Within some five miles of where I live are about 12 hauliers and most of them use 40ft or 33ft trailers. Take the case of, say, an AEC Mandator with a 40ft trailer carrying a 20-ton payload: the driver of this outfit needs a mate to help unload.
I am 21 years old and have been unemployed since October 29 1971; I have been to a lot of haulage firms for a job and they have all said "Sorry". Also I think that for someone like me it is very hard to get an hgv licence.
W. JOHNSON, 14 Wakefield Avenue, Tutbury, near Burton-upon-Trent, Staffs.
Courtesy
I read with interest the Bird's Eye View comment headed "Courtesy" {CM March 3), because I have had very mixed treatment when applying for jobs in the transport industry.
I was made redundant last October, on a last in first out basis from Fodens. where I was a draughtsman. I worked previously at ERF Ltd, where I had my apprenticeship. and as my only interest as regards working is with commercial vehicles, I have tried for almost any kind of job so long as it is with them.
I have written to 105 firms within about a 30 to 40-mile radius inquiring about any vacancies. About one-third of these firms never even bothered to acknowledge my inquiry, whereas another third have written quite nice letters back saying that they are sorry they have no vacancies at the moment, but will keep my application on file for future reference. The remaining third are firms that have interviewed me, and three of these were a good deal beyond my usual radius, and I never got a penny off any of them.
I know the industry has had a rough time (that's why I am out of work), but firms could spare a little courtesy (maybe even sympathy for the out of work) when replying — if they can be bothered to reply that is. I have put ads in the situations wanted columns of a large circulation North West paper. and I did not get even one answer.
Keep up the good work with Commercial Motor — it is the only connection with the industry I have at the moment.
BARRY WILKINSON, Sandbach, Cheshire.
All-in licences
I note that Mr L. Pavitt, Labour MP for Willesden West is to press the Government for changes in the hgv licence regulations (CM March 31.
Could I suggest for the £5,000 per year we pay MPs that before they put up suggestions for changes, they should first get some knowledge of the subject they wish to raise? Doesn't he realize that an hgv driving licence is granted to a man to allow him to perform the skilled job of a lorrydriver, and this includes, in the test for entry into the industry, a considerable number of exercises and questions that are special to the industry, and not in any way contained in a bus driver's job?
In any case the test is there to prove the competence of the individual, so could I suggest Mr Pavitt arranges with Park Royal Motors, to send, say five psv drivers, without training for the hgv tests, as he seems to think they could do it. I could forecast the results. JACK WOOD, Group Training Officer, Manchester Transport Training Group.
Region 13 replies
In reference to the article (CM March 3' regarding Brother James R. Hoffa becoming honorary president of Region 13, surelyJohn Darker is aware that Bro. Hoffa was elected President Emeritus.for life by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in June of last year.
We reject the statement that this courtesy was "a direct snub to President Nixon . We of Region 13 have an understanding with thE President of the United States, he run: America, we run Region 13.
We would also remind John Darker that thi Guvnors' Rag — Fleet Owner — is hardly ar impartial observer of the alleged mismanage ment of the pension funds.
Of course, it could never happen over here as when our members are 65 years' old, the are retired — ie (they get the sack).
Our regard for Jimmy Hoffa is based or his proven success in improving the lot of thr truck driver — pay, pensions, conditions public image, etc.
Perhaps enough of us in this country whr have been A licence roamers, think that roai transport is as corrupt here as it used to I> in the United States.
My own most cherished possession is letter written by Mrs Jo Hoffa, when Jimm was sent to prison. This family has suffer& enough for trade union principles, and it i not my intention to make public this family' sorrow.
We are delighted Bro. James Hoffa ha been released. We are delighted he ha become our honorary president, we regrf that a body as big as the United State Supreme Court saw fit to persecute champion of organized labour in the wa they did in this case.
JOHN W. STEVENSOIN Region 13 Regional Office Central & Southern Divisio, United Road Transport Uniol [JD writes: The allegations as to malprai tices in the administration of Teamste, Union pension funds were too specific be dismissed easily. Perhaps John Stevens( could arrange for lengthy excerpts from ti Fleet Owner feature to be published URTU's journal Wheels, allowing equ space for a rebuttal by Teamster's Unit officials? URTU members and others have the right to hear both sides. — Ec