La:a Strike threat over subsistence forms
Page 4
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A NATIONWIDE STRIKE by drivers is firmly on the cards if hauliers go ahead with the introduction of new subsistence claim certificates in three weeks' time.
"An explosive and desperate situation," is how Mr Jackson Moore, general secretary of the United Road Transport Union, described the problem this week.
He told CM that the drivers had taken the matter into their own hands and are circulating protest petitions in depots and transport cafe's.
" These petitions say quite clearly that drivers will not have anything to do with such forms. If any attempt is made to force drivers to sign them, or if they lose any of their subsistence allowance in tax, the petitions call for a stoppage."
Mr Moore said that the petitions are not being put out by URTU and that they cut across the drivers' union lines, with Transport and General Workers Union members signing them as well.
"But the situation is at exploding point now. It is desperate and we would certainly stop the job if it became necessary," he went on.
The form has only recently been agreed by the Freight Transport Association, the Road Haulage Association and the Inland Revenue. It is due to be introduced on May 31.
Its object is to protect hauliers from large claims for back tax where they cannot prove that subsistence paid to drivers was in fact for genuine expenses.
Several hauliers have already been investigated by the Inland Revenue and been presented with big bills.
A firm is expected to either have receipts for the money spent and claimed for by the driver or a signed certificate in which the driver declares that the claim is genuine.
"This is a question of custom and practice," said Mr Moore. "We have never had to sign these things before and do not see why we should do so now.
"In the past the hauliers have accepted that they carried the responsibility for any tax incurred. We want that situation to continue.
" If hauliers decide that the tax must come off the men's subsistence if these forms are not signed then it will mean that the recent increase in overnight allowance to £4.50 will be lost—and that is unacceptable as well."
Mr Moore enraged RHA tipping group members at Tipcon '76 on Friday (see page 35) when he told them that his members would not co-operate with the new form. In an open forum on Sunday Mr Moore's statement was raised. Mr G. Newman, director general of the Association, said that the logical conclusion was that the men would not get their money.
Mr Moore told CM: "We are still prepared to talk this matter over to see if some solution cannot be found.
"The parties previously got together and had a very constructive meeting but then the Inland Revenue sprung this form on us and we had to oppose it.
"We have now written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask why transport has been singled out for such treatment. No one else has to sign such a certificate.