Union firm on E10
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• The Transport and General Workers' Union is standing firm with its demand for a 210 a week pay rise in England and Wales, despite the decision by Scottish drivers last week to settle for only £8.
Drivers in Eastern, London and Southern regions have already rejected RHA offers of 26.50, £7 and £6.50 respectively. The TGWU has submitted its claim to the National Freight Consortium this week, asking for £20 for drivers at BRS, £25 at Pickfords Industrial and 10% at Tankfreight.
Midland TGWU boss Dennis Mills this week hit out at in dustry for exploiting the recession to force hauliers to compete against each other and tender for the lowest rates.
A low basic wage, unsocial hours, poor sick pay schemes, and no job security in the haulage industry, have all contributed to a shortage of HGV drivers, he says.
This year's round of pay talks will aim to reverse a worsening situation for drivers by vastly improving conditions and pay. Hauliers have fallen into the competitive trap encouraged by government and big business and are still charging 1984 freight rates, he adds.