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Labour MP to urge authorities to investigate Unite claims

31st May 2012, Page 6
31st May 2012
Page 6
Page 6, 31st May 2012 — Labour MP to urge authorities to investigate Unite claims
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

By Chris Tindall

SHADOW TRANSPORT Secretary Maria Eagle will urge the Department for Transport (DfT) and Vosa to investigate concerns over working conditions for drivers at four East Anglian hauliers after she met with union Unite.

A meeting between drivers, Unite regional officer Mark Plumb and the Labour MP took place on Tuesday 22 May after the union alleged operators had been flouting working time regulations (CM 24 May). Plumb claims the drivers are being made to take their breaks during periods of availability and that this could result in a fatality.

He also says Unite will not name the firms until it has received a “further response” from Eagle.

The union has not yet reported the allegations to the traffic commissioner because it wants to get clarification on the law first. “At a time when we feel that is appropriate to do so, of course we will.

“To make a difference to the industry and our members we have to clarify the different areas between tacho regulations and the Working Time Directive [WTD],” says Plumb.

“We also have to ensure we can change any of the legislation that needs to be changed and put in minimum standards.” Plumb says Eagle will be raising written Parliamentary questions on periods of availability with transport secretary Justine Greening.

Eagle says: “The very serious concerns about working conditions and safety for all road users raised with me by LGV drivers must be taken seriously by both the haulage industry and ministers alike.

“I will be raising these concerns with the DfT and Vosa. They must take swift action to investigate any practices that put the safety of both LGV drivers and other road users at risk.”


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