Rugby sacks driver over site blockade
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Barbara Millar • Rugby Cement has sacked owner-operator David Slater after a dispute with its management.
Slater used his lorry to block the entrance to the company's Rochester site twice last week after refusing to do night work which, it is claimed, was not part of his normal contract.
Other owner-drivers say Slater had only refused to do a job that other hauliers had also turned down. "Because of difficult access to the site and the tasks involved this job can take over three hours yet is only worth £37," claims one.
Slater parked his lorry across the factory entrance for an hour in protest after being told he would get no other work that night. He moved when he was told he could be loaded up for the next day. After carrying two loads that day Slater was then told he would personally be barred from the company's Rochester site — though his vehicle was to be given access.
"The situation was crazy," says another driver. "It made it impossible for him to do his job." Slater's reaction was to block the entrance again for three hours. He pulled out only after being promised he could take his grievance to the company head office in Rugby.
His contract was terminated 24 hours later because he had "placed the company's business in jeopardy", says Rugby Group's secretary Lyndon Hill. The dispute was thoroughly investigated, says Hill, and no other drivers will be affected by the decision. Slater was unavailable for comment.