Welsh drivers plan series of strikes
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ES of averting a series of strikes by South Wales haulage drivvere resting on a meeting of employers' representatives yesterTriday).
expected, drivers have d to reject the employers' of a 3.52 per cent increase in basic rates, without backdating, and a series of one-day strikes is being planned from Monday next week.
Transport and General Workers Union officer Geoff Jacob told CM that all members whose companies have still to conclude 1983 wage agreements will be expected to strike for at least one day each week, and to ban all Saturday and Sunday work.
It has planned to have a oneday strike in part of South Wales every day next week, starting possibly in Cardiff on Monday. As pickets would be posted to prevent deliveries being made in each area, it would be difficult for companies to operate even on days when their own employees were working.
Those companies which have already concluded agreements in line with the TGWU's revised claim for a £90 basic top rate in South Wales will be exempt from action, as will companies from other parts of the country in which wage agreements have already been reached.
The TGWU is also advising its members not to drive 38-tonne lorries until premium payments can be agreed for working with these heavier vehicles.
The South Wales employers' industrial relations committee was due to meet yesterday (Friday) to discuss its next moves, and Road Haulage Association assistant manager Peter Webb said: "It rests with the employees. I would have thought that they would think twice about striking, in view of the delicate economic situation. I hope they will anyway."
Mr Jacob said the trade union representatives will be available if the employers want to put revised proposals to them.
Around 600 drivers employed by two companies in West Wales have already staged a one-day strike in support of the wage claim, and were planning another for this week.