Ameys pay lower rate to newcomers
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• -It appears that war is about to begin; there seems to be nothing we can do-, said Mr. M. G, Seviour speaking on behalf of five operators objectoring against applications for Contract A licences for quarry work.
The applications, by Mr. P. J. Cook, of Clevedon, Mr. M. G. Harris, of Felton, and Mr. B. G. Harrison, of Winford, to work for Ameys Quarries Ltd., were heard by the Western LA Mr. J. C. Samuel-Gibbon, in Bristol on Friday.
Mr. Seviour told the LA that the rates quoted in the relevant three contracts were less than those applicable to other hauliers working for Ameys Quarries.
He said: "Ameys are on a working committee which agreed to the higher rates; ' it now seems that two sets of rates are to be paid. Other operators more favourably paid are being pushed out. We operate under the law, except for the rates, which is Ameys' law It seems. Our last chance to do the job properly is being taken away from us and it appears there is nothing we can do about it".
Mr. McGregor-Johnson, for the applicants, said under Section 174 of the Road Traffic Act, 1960, the discretion of the LA was clearly defined for applications such as those now being considered.
"I rely on the Act itself, which I may say, for Parliamentary Acts, is remarkably clear," he said. Rates were not relevant. There was no requirement on an LA to ensure that either party involved had made a good bargain, said Mr. McGregor-Johnson. There were 183 owner-drivers working for Ameys on such contracts throughout the country. The Minimum clause provided for £85 net per month.
Mr. Samuel-Gibbon said he could follow the reasoning behind the appearance of the objectors, but there was nothing in the application to which he could object.
"It has been difficult to establish that the contracts cannot be lawfully performed," he said. He granted all the applications saying, "Mr. Cook gets what he asked for, I put it in that way because he is getting what he is asking for and I hope it works out".
In evidence Mr. Cook said he was at present a driver and had been driving heavy vehicles for four or five years—he had basic mechanical knowledge.
The three applicants stated they understood they would be responsible for the proper running and maintenance of their vehicles and that they could "not shelter behind the customer".