James !dam is forced to discuss pay with URTU
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• The new enforced relationship between Cheshire haulier James Ham & Son and the United Road Transport Union looks likely to be given an early test after it emerged that Irlam and the union are currently negotiating over pay.
Last week Ham's 470 drivers narrowly voted in favour of appointing the URTU to represent them in negotiations after a secret ballot. The drivers and union had taken the matter to the Central Arbitration Committee after managing director David Irlain refused all attempts by the union to engage in a dialogue.
As a result of the vote, Ham has become the first large haulier in the UK to be forced to recognise a union since the Employment Relations Act was introduced in 1999. It has emerged that the company is currently negotiating a pay rise; it is understood to have offered a 30p/hour increase to drivers, taking pay from £5.50 to £5.80/hr. The drivers are thought to be seeking £6.
"We now have 30 days to start talking to the company and have a meeting planned for next week," says URTU national officer Roy Abrahams.
"So far David !Ham has refused to talk with us directly and all negotiations have been conducted through the company solicitor. It will be interesting to see if he decides to come or not.
David lrlam has declined to comment.