Workers to Fight Nationalization
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APAMPHLET issued by the Independent Transport Worker s' Association, 7, Gothic Arcade, Snow Hill, Birmingham, 4, of which Mr. G. A. Mason is secretary, outlines the objects and policy of that body. It points out that it is independent of any political party and caters exclusively for transport workers. It is controlled by the members themselves, who know the workers' problems.
By its constitution it is opposed to the nationalization of transport and the evils which would inevitably follow this. Amongst them are that the strength of workers' organizations would be decreased, for in any negotiations for improved conditions a direct conflict with the State would ensue. The system. would also entail direction of labour. and compulsory service. Evidence has never been presented to show that the State monopoly of transport would provide efficient or economical service to either the trade or' the public. Failure of ono transport system to function adequately would disrupt industrial efficiency, upon which depend the food and well-being of our people.
The Association aims at participating in the rewards of industry by some system of profit-sharing or. bonus. It also stands for the establishment in transport of a system of pensions or superannuation: It is considered vital that there should be set up a joint body, preferably with legal status, to act as a disciplinary authority, to ensure the observance of fair conditions and standards on both sides of the industry. Access and appeal to this should be the right of all in transport.
The Association will make the following and many other considerations its concern:—The design and construction of vehicles, the provision of suitable roads with due regard to drivers' safety and convenience, drastic improvements in the quantity and quality of caU and hostel facilities, the development of up-to-date loading and unloading methods. It will also press for representation on any Tribunal convened to consider the law and/or regulations relating to transport so that the knowledge and experience of members may be directly available to such a body.
Members receive legal assistance in certain cases, accident benefit, sick benefit (after 10 weeks' membership) at the weekly rate of 10s. for the first eight weeks and 6s. for a further four; also distress benefit, at the discretion of the committee, to give assistance to -members or dependents.
Some of the objects appear to be rather far-reaching, and there might be considerable difficulty in carrying them out. The matter of pensions or superannuation, for example, would present considerable problems, for many transport men are migratory. Others are extremely practical, such as the improvement of loading and unloading methods; there is a great deal to be said for -this as they are often inadequate and cause much delay and annoyance.
As regards representation in connection with the modification of regulations, the driver, after all, is one of the first persons to be affected, and to let him have his say would certainly not be against the interests of employers.