N.U.R.'s Surprise ' No ' on Liner Depots

25th September 1964, Page 92

25th September 1964

Page 92

Page 92, 25th September 1964 — N.U.R.'s Surprise ' No ' on Liner Depots

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From our Industrial Correspondent

LEADERS of the National Union of I-4 Railwaymen this week reaffirmed their opposition to allowing private road hauliers into liner train depots.

After their 24-man executive committee had once more considered the issue they put out a statement in which they declared. "We are in favour of liner trains and will co-operate. But we do not want the terminals to be opened to private contractors."

It had been thought that the Union's attitude had softened somewhat following the undertaking by British Railways • Board chairman Dr. Beeching that none of the 30,000-strong cartage staff would lose his job during the next two years as a result of the introduction of liner trains.

The latest decision puts the whole scheme . back into the melting pot and Dr. Beeching will now have to decide how much of the £100m. scheme is still commercially viable.

Up to now he has always maintained that without the co-operation of private road hauliers the scheme would be nothing like as lucrative. However, there is one more chance that the Union might change its mind. It is still awaiting Dr. Beeching's reply to its latest pay claim. There is the possibility that a bargain might be struck, giving railwaymen higher pay in return for agreement on liner trains.