First aid for NNC?
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by John Darker The national negotiating committee for the road haulage industry is to meet on April 4. Afterwards, representatives of both sides are to proceed to a joint meeting of the Ministers of Labour and Transport to try to formulate proposals for the future conduct of labour relations in the industry.
Many proposals in the Transport Bill require a viable negotiating structure for the industry and there is little doubt that the unhappy development of the NNC since its inception has disappointed many people on both sides of the industry. If the two Ministers cannot be convinced of the "credibilityof the NNC a viable alternative—perhaps a reconstituted Road Haulage Wages Council—would seem to be necessary.
Meanwhile, on Monday the first meeting between BRS management and road transport trade unions to discuss a new pay structure incorporating productivity elements got off the ground somewhat limply. I understand that BRS made a "totally inadequateoffer of from 1 is to 13s per week in return for a brand new agreement providing for faster running schedules and much greater operational flexibility.
The union leaders were unanimous, I am told, in thinking that the pay offer coupled with the specific productivity proposals was not a realistic one in the circumstances. BRS was asked to think again. A further meeting has been fixed for April 3.