Plan to Beat Dock Problems at the Source of Trouble
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
FROM OUR INDUSTRIAL .CORRESPONDENT A TOP-LEVEL plan to tackle the problem of dock strikes and restrictive practices in the ports, which are causing so much frustration to road hauliers, was published last week. It appeared under the signature of Mr. Frank Cousins, secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union, and Mr. Andrew Crichton, of the Port Employers, and proposes measures to make dock workers' employment more regular.
They headed a high-powered working party, whose aim was to try to remove a basic cause of trouble in the docks— lack of security—by making dockers' work less casual. •At present the vast majority of dockers are not employed by any particular firm. The working party say frankly: "It cannot be denied that the combined effect of the casual features of the docks industry has meant that the industry has failed, too often, to meet the legitimate needs of its customers for service."
In return for the de-castialization of their work, the dockers would be expected to abolish restrictive practices, make the fullest possible economic use of mechanical aids, and adopt shift working where appropriate.
The plan is recognized as a "fresh and bold advance." It now goes to the ports for discuision by local employers and unions. They will be asked to commentby the end of the year on the practicability of the proposals.