Drivers' campaign snowballs
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THE Commonwealth Secretary, Mr. George Thompson, has agreed to meet long-distance lorry drivers in his Dundee constituency to discuss the implications of the Transport Bill, writes lain Sherrill:
This is the latest in a series of moves by the long-distance men in North East Scotland. The movement started by shop steward Mr. W. Sanderson began by collecting signatures on a protest petition to Mrs. Barbara Castle; as the movement has gained momentum, other groups have developed throughout the country.
In Aberdeen, Staffordshire, Stockton-onTees, London and the South West, men are now contacting their own MPs pointing out how their earning capacity will be affected if the quantity licensing proposals become law.
It is planned that the groups should unite to form a mass lobby at Westminster when they hope to present their petition with 500,000 signatures.
The enthusiasm of the drivers has now spread to manufacturers and traders, who are assisting in the campaign. Until now the employers have not taken any active part in this campaign—to avoid any allegation that it was not an employees' protest. Recently, however, the drivers' employers have become involved to make the concerted effort more effective.