Hidden talents
Page 46
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Members of the Road Haulage Association can no longer complain that the Association gets no publicity. Instead, with their usual cussedness, they are probably now protesting that it has had too much.
The lorry drivers' strike forced the RHA out of its shell and it acquitted itself well. George Newman, directorgeneral, overcame his natural aversion to personal publicity and in television appearances gave restrained but unhesitating and convincing replies to the Transport and General Workers' Union.
John O'Connor, public relations officer, also spoke with assurance when interviewed on radio. He followed through with a letter for publication in newspapers (if any) in which he asked readers to remember, when the strike was over, how much they depended-on lorries for the necessities of life.
Perhaps RHA officials will in future be less reluctant to strike (if they will forgive the word) while the iron is hot and, at the risk of making snap judgments, comment on events affecting hauliers while they are still news. They have shown what they can do and I hope they will capitalise on their assets.