Dperators await wages :lash and tad() claim
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18 TALKS on the next wages ound draw nearer. Road laulage Association outhern area secretary &art Simpson says that he an foresee pay claims in line with the cost of living and, iossibly, extra payments sing sought for the use of tachographs, reports MIKE RUTHERFORD.
"So far as I know, there isn't any haulier that can afford a pay rise for its drivers in line with the inflation rate," he said.
The counter argument that drivers cannot afford to accept rises at less than the inflation rate at the time he dismisses as "absolute nonsense".
"The profit margin of the haulier is already being eroded and the only real cut back he can make is to extend the life of his vehicles which is a false' economy," said Albert Simpson, While he accepts that drivers' living standards could also suffer,he feels that a drop in living standards is a better alternative than being out of work.
Mr Simpson suggests that drivers should look at the books, consider the position their company is in and — if necessary — put pressure on their union to be realistic.
"In all sincerity we are an old-fashioned industry. The workforce should be taken more into our confidence," he says.
Predictably, the Transport and General Workers' Union does not share the same sentiments with Mr Simpson on the question of wages.
John Moulsdale, the TGWU's regional co-ordinator for road transport and joint secretary of the R HA/TUC Joint Industrial Council, believes that many hauliers can afford to pay substantial pay rises.
"I accept that some are struggling, but I can't see a driver accepting that he has to pay for his company's profits."
Mr Moulsdale says that extra payments may well be sought for the use of tachographs. Drivers will also need to be compensated for cut-backs in their working hours.
Albert Simpson thinks that an awesome task faces the JIC in this "make or break year".
"People don't realise the onus they are putting on the JIC. The livelihood of drivers and companies is in their hands," he said.