Aim for unity
Page 4
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THE ROAD Haulage Association has been well advised to keep its wage negotiations at regional level. The membership of the National Union of Mineworkers has demonstrated that people are not necessarily of like mind in different parts of the country.
A wage settlement in an industrial area could be crippling in rural areas or in those regions where industry is badly run down. Trading conditions will continue to dictate how much employers can afford by way of an increase. These conditions vary widely around the country.
Had the RHA dismantled the regional negotiating structure that would have proved as unjust. It would have placed individual employers on the rack. They would have found it difficult to argue with skilled union negotiators and we fear company strikes would have been inevitable and crippling. The demise of the Wells company in South East London a few years ago is sufficient proof of that.
It is true that there are matters which are better handled at national level and the RHA has identified them. Lorry bans, cab noise, hours regulations all seem to be matters of mutual interest which both the trade union and trade association could tackle together. It would be refreshing to find the two bodies united in the interests of both their memberships.
Indeed, it would be a responsible show of unity which others might follow.