Dockers deny recruiting claim
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CLAIMS that dockers in the South of England were attempting to recruit drivers to their section of the Transport and General Workers' Union have been rejected by union men in the area.
The claim came from Lord Lucas of Chilworth who was talking about the controversial Dock Work Regulation Bill. "Already there are moves by the docker section of the TGWU along the South coast to persuade drivers that they should register," he said.
He went on to say that they were being asked to register in an unofficial capacity as drivers who regularly did work in and around the port area.
But this week Southampton organiser of the TGWU Mr Johnny Ashman told CM: "This is not true. We are seeking to establish a proper registration system for transport drivers.
"And I can tell you that the Road Haulage Association is aware of what we are doing and they have said that they do not want to have anything to do with it."
RHA area secretary Mr Albert Simpson said: "When they began this register they sent as a policy statement and it contained nothing that the employers could argue with. They were looking for loyal drivers with an interest in their jobs," he said.