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Securing Ordered Develo ;went
Page 92
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oi
Ernest Bevin
General Secretary, Transport and General Workers' Union.
Adult Status of Road Transport Calls for Banishment of "Childish Things"
IT is often said that the motor 'industry is a young and growing one, but, so far as the commercial side is concerned, we must accept the view that it has now reached adult age and established itself as one of the most important branches of the transport services of the country.
Everyone must acknowledge that there was an imperative necessity, in view of the haphazard conditions obtaining, for the State to intervene to secure 'ordered development, and prevent further chaos and disaster. Many of these regulations, however, had they been . evolved by the industry itself through a wellorganized joint body, might have been made , more adaptable to the requirements of the industry.
• Thwarted •
The trade unions have tried to supply the necessary driving, force to secure a responsible organization on both sides, but the lack of cohesion amongst the employers; the terrible undercutting, and the conflict with the great railway interests, have to a considerable extent thwarted these efforts. The more advanced employers have, however, long seen the peed for this industry to be placed on a sound organized basis.
The industry will shortly be faced with new legislation, designed to place it on a firmer foundation and to remove a public scandal. The " Baillie " Committee, by its report, has made a very special contribution, which, when translated into legislation and effectively enforced, will result in creating the necessary conditions to bring order out of the chaos which now exists. When legislation has had to be faced in the past, we have been hampered by lack of organization and co-ordinated effort in this branch of the transport services.
The Natonal Joint Conciliation Board which has been established has at last supplied an instrument which allows for joint consideration, not only of wages and conditions, but of all the problems which concern those engaged in this calling for their livelihood.
The attitude of mind that the industry concerns only the owner is a mistaken one. He may have his capital invested, but the men have invested their labour and represent what, after all, is a highly developed craft. The operation of the licensing system places restrictions and responsibilities, not only upon the employer, but upon the employee as well; therefore, any change which is proposed must be viewed from all aspects, and, if handled aright, can provide security and be of benefit to all concerned.
The effort we have already made represents great and substantial gains. The legislation, much of which was proposed by the Unions in the evidence they tendered before the Royal Commission, did represent a beginning towards producing order.
• Equality •
The restriction of hours, long as they still are, represented a check upon what was a growing public danger, viz., the menace of accidents upon the road. Then, again, the attempt made to introduce minimumwage standards has tended to place employers upon a more equal basis, leaving the success of a firm to be determined by the efficiency of its management and other factors outside of wage costs.
The proposed legislation to which I have already referred, is intended to implement this work and should be welcomed by everyone engaged in the trade, for the gain will not be one-sided.