RHA In The Dock
Page 23
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THE tricky situation concerning the Prices Board condemnation a rates in Which the Road Haulage Association found itself this week commands sympathy. But some questions need answering. Hauliers were considerably confused about the recommended five per cent increase and the RHA presented an unfavourable public image.
Why?
These facts were known beforehand: the report would come out on Monday; it would probably go against the RHA; their recommendation would come into effect on Tuesday; they were due to meet Mr. Brown on Tuesday; their executive was meeting on Wednesday; the national. council (who alone could alter the recommendation) would not meet again before September.
This is what happened: On Monday the RHA saw no reason to alter their advice to Members; on Tuesday, after meeting Mr. Brown, they recommended abandonment of general increases but said present rates • levels could not be held; on Wednesday the executive advised members to negotiate individually.
"We have not climbed down" said national chairman, Mr. A. R. Butt.
The public now firmly has in mind a ridiculous picture of greedy hauliers being forced into line by that knight in shining armour, Mr. Brown. Yet hauliers had public sympathy for their havin,g held off the rates increase while the Board deliberated. How could the RHA let the situation deteriorate so rapidly?
On the face of it they seem to have been sadly outmanceuvred. Why, knowing the week's timetable, publicly lock horns on Mcinday? Why not concentrate on the report's comments about productivity: turnround and restrictive practices—upon Which Government pressure would be invaluable to road hauliers?
The RHA had better decide whether it really has acted in hauliers' best interest. They have been invited to say so in next week's issue.