Tippermen write for rise
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• Midlands tippermen who met quarry owner Tilcon last week to demand a 15% rate increase heard a discouraging response from the company which blamed the "current economic climate" for its inability to increase rates (CM 18-24 April).
However, the Ballidon, Derby-based company has asked the tippermen to write in giving reasons why they believe a 15% rate increase is necessary. Several have agreed to do so, although one operator described this move as a "stalling tactic" by Tilcon.
The operators writing in say they will defend their claim by comparing the expense of new vehicles, costs, tyres, fuel and wages with their earnings.
A group of 12 tippermen representing more than 100 operators in 10 Tilcon quarries met the company on 18 April.
Most of the quarries are situated in the Midlands with three in Wales.
The operators say no further meetings have been scheduled but they expect a response to their letters from John Winnard, Tilcon's general manager based at Ballidon.
Many of the tippermen are members of the National Hauliers Association which was served a court injunction by Tarmac after last autumn's strike. One operator thinks it unlikely the men would strike this time.
"We would prefer to talk our way to a rise — standing on a picket line goes against the grain," he says.
It is believed that operators working for other quarry companies in the Midlands are asking for increased rates.