NW tanker drivers on unofficial strike
Page 32
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Road tanker drivers in the North West went on unofficial strike at the beginning of the week in protest against the fitting of tachographs in vehicles. The installation of tachographs is proposed in the Transport Bill. Firms at present affected include Smith and Robinson Ltd. at Leeds and Manchester, Pickfords Tank Haulage Service and Ancliff Ltd.
The North West Transport Drivers' Action Group, whose chairman Mr. W. Axon works at the Manchester Smith and Robinson depot, held a meeting at Belle Vue on Monday which was attended by 200 to 300 drivers. The men called for support from all over the country against what they regard as "a spy in the cab" device. They say it will not help road safety because drivers may be tempted to drive faster to complete journeys on time.
Members of Smith and Robinson works committees from its depots at Manchester. Stockton and Rothwell (Yorks) met directors of the company on Tuesday but refused to call off the strike. The company pointed out that the provision of tachographs would not become law before 1970 and that, from its point of view, it saw only expense and would not benefit by their introduction. As there was no basis for negotiation and it had been unable to persuade the men to return to work, Mr. A. P. Mansfield, the managing director, said the company had no choice but to sweat out the strike and protect its interests as it saw fit.
The strike has been condemned by the Transport and General Workers Union and the United Road Transport Union.
Four lorries leaving Hull had their windscreens smashed on Monday night and on Tuesday a police escort was provided for 18 fish lorries which left in a convoy.