NE claim out
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NORTH-EAST English hauliers have rejected the Transport and General Workers Union's £100for-35 hours claim as "unrealistic". Drivers are to discuss their response today (Saturday).
The employers, who point to a 10-year drop in the number of Road Haulage Association Northern District members from 1,500 to just over 700, and have been buffeted by several dery price increases this year, said they could not meet the claim when they discussed it last week with the TGWU.
They are not prepared to put any offer to the drivers' representatives, and appear now to be waiting for the Union to make its next move.
TGWU officer George Collins told CM that he was "surprised, saddened and dismayed" by the hauliers' "irresponsible" response, and said it would be discussed at today's regional conference.
Claims for a £100 basic rate and a reduction in the working week towards 35 hours have now been submitted by the TGWU in Sheffield and Teesside. No claim has been lodged yet in North and Mid Wales.