Tacho control in union hands
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CLOSE CONTROL will be kept by the unions over the fitting and calibration of tachographs on trucks being used for international work.
That became clear this week as at least two major manufacturers, Veeder Root, and Smiths, bowed to a Transport and General Workers Union demand that calibration stations must reveal to them the details of vehicles whose tachographs have been calibrated. This move follows the news that the Department of Transport is drawing up legislation to enforce the fitting of tachographs for international journeys. A DTp spokesman said that they were aware of the TGWU's feelings but could not force calibration stations to show the union their records. That was a matter for the union and the manufacturers.
Jack Ashwell, national organiser of the TGWU, told CM that if stations and employers did not agree, then they would have to face the consequences.
The union also wants employers to agree with shop stewards which vehicles should be set aside for international work and therefore be sent for calibration.
Veeder Root has 71 calibration centres already set up and is aiming for 150. Frank Clish, managing director of Veeder Root, said: "What other option have we got? Personally 1 think it is another aspect of union tyranny, but what else can we do." A spokesman for Smiths Industries, which has 150 centres, said the company "will do anything to foster installation as demanded by EEC regulations."