FROM THE POSTBAG With the issue of the official Road
Page 83
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Haulage Wages Council Proposals RH 81, a reader asks for the variations which have occurred over the past 10 years, Dealing first with the actual amount of minimum remuneration, the comparison will be limited to the amount payment to an adult driver in a grade 1 area. In 1955, when RH 54 applied, the then current basic pay was 145s. Then, and up to 1961, a 44-hour week was in force. The successive increases during that period were 1956 (RH 56) 154s., 1957 (RH 62) 165s., 1958 (RH 64) 170s., 1959 (RH 66) 175s., 1960 (RH 68) still 175s. and 1961 (R11 70) 185s. 6d. Additionally in 1957, the former category of over 5 tons to 8 tons was adjusted to 5 to 10 tons. In 1962 when the 42-hour week came into operation as from January 1, the basic weekly pay was then 191s., increasing to 200s. 6d. in 1963 (RH 74) and 208s. 6d. in 1963 (RH 78).
The current RH 80 continues with a basic pay of 208s. 6d., but the amount of overtime payable at time and a quarter is now reduced from the former six hours to two hours over 42, after which it is payable at time and a half. The category of Grade 2 was also abolished.
Finally, the proposals contained in RH 81, if sanctioned, will result in a minimum basic pay for an adult driver outside the London area of 221s.