Violence erupts as
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9,000 SBG men stay oui VIOLENCE broke out in several parts of Scotland this week as an unofficial strike by more than 9,000 bus crews employed by the Scottish Bus Group entered its second week. Independent operators who provided private hire vehicles for companies trying to get their staff to work had vehicles damaged.
The strikers are continuing their demand for separate negotiations with SBG and for a 40 per cent wage increase to give £35 for a 35-hour week. Both of these claims have been dismissed by the SBG, which is refusing to negotiate outside the National Council for the Omnibus Industry.
Mr Larry Smith, national passenger group officer of the Transport and General Workers' Union, apparently got short shrift at the weekend when he addressed a 700-strong delegate meeting of strikers at Dalkeith, Scotland. He too refused to accept the wage claim and turned down the idea of separate negotiations. The union is seeking a national pay deal — thought to include wage rises of about 20 per cent at its meeting with the National Council next week.
The stormy meeting ended with one delegate telling newsmen: "Larry Smith's manner was appalling. He made it clear that under no circumstances would he negotiate what we wanted." Damage to vehicle occurred over the weeken at Perth and Ayr. In Pertt buses belonging to A. and C McLennan had their winc screen wipers torn off and had their tyres let down. I Ayr, vehicles were damage and sugar put in petrol tank This week an unofficiE union representative ack nowledged the existence c special flying pickets to de with private firms sut contracting vehicles t former SBG customers.