DEAR
Page 27
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SIR
WOMEN'S RIGHTS • I read with interest your recent articles on Women in Transport and, as a female HGV driver of 12 years, feel suitably qualified to voice my opinion on the subject.
The results of the survey only touched the tip of the iceberg. Discrimination against women is far more widespread than you reported. I am sure the reason for the promise of anonymity was not only to ensure that the transport operators' views were genuine, but to protect some of the firms concerned from possible future prosecution. Anyone afraid to put his name to a statement: "There's no need to encourage women — we don't need them'', must know it is blatant discrimination.
Throughout my driving career it has been one long battle to convince people that I am capable of doing the same work as a man. Younger girls entering the profession are still encountering the same hostility as I did when I started. I run the Lady Truckers Club and my members have reported to me the difficulties of finding a job, with a wide range of excuses being given, which are all a cover-up for the real reason — discrimination. Indeed some of them have won cases in the courts and the firms concerned have had to pay compensation.
I was disappointed by the statement made by Anne Preston, of Prestons of Potto that: "Driving a lorry and sheeting and roping is really very maleorientated." It is bad enough hearing that sort of thing from a man, but from a woman is 10 times worse. No wonder women can't find jobs, when even a member of their own sex won't speak up for them.
I was equally disappointed by some of Kim Rolfe's remarks. I have asked her in the past if she would like to join the Lady Truckers Club, and now I know the reason why she declined. As far as 1 know we don't have any "macho, tattooed and loud-mouth ladies" in our club, and I have never come across any on the road. Our club unites lady truckers — many of them have said they felt isolated before they knew of our existence. You quite correctly entitled her interview, 'Woman On Her Own'. I think she wants to be.
I am not sure I agree with the principles of giving women free training to get their HGV licence, as in the Nottinghamshire Womens Training Scheme. I agree women should be encouraged to enter HGV driving, but it does seem hypocritical when they are shouting for equal opportunities and then they have their licences handed to them on a plate. Are there any such schemes for men?
I enjoy working for Leicester Heavy Haulage and I like pulling a flat or semi low-loader trailer. It makes the job more interesting when every load is different; it gives you something to think about. I do roping and sheeting and chaining, and I don't look like a brick out-house with tattoos. It's true, I do shout my mouth off on occasions, but only about things I feel strongly about and care about. When will people start judging women by their ability rather than their appearance?
Even Commercial Motor is sexist. On page 12 you had the headline: "More Road Jobs For The Boys". Don't forget, there are girls out there that want the jobs as well.
Ilona Richards (Lady Truckers Club) Burton Upon Trent, Staffordshire. BODYBUILDING EXTRA • We notice that we have not been included in your "Directory of Bodybuilders" (CM 1117 August).
We manufacture pantechnicons, dry freight curtainsiders, dry freight box vans and other special types.
D R Avis, Managing Director, Vancraft, High Cross, Ware, Hertfordshire.