Q What increase has taken place in the level of haulage drivers' wages over the past 20 years?
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A Any amount quoted would not be directly
comparable because of variations which have taken place during this period in the grouping as regards carrying capacity of the vehicles concerned and the definition of the geographical location of the worker's home depot, quite apart from changes in money values. Additionally the level of remuneration was recommended by the Road Haulage Central Wages Board in 1947, subsequently to be replaced by the Road Haulage Wages Council which is responsible for the current regulations.
With these reservations the remuneration per week for the driver of a vehicle with a carrying capacity of over 5 tons and with his home depot in the London area 20 years ago was £5 7s., or £5 8s. if he had remained in service with the same employer since June 8 1932. The basic working week was then 44 hours and the relevant order was numbered RH (22).
Although discussions are now taking place on revision of the current level of haulage wages the order now in force is RH 184). The corresponding rate for the driver of a vehicle with a carrying capacity of over 5 tons (but limited to 10 tons, which did not apply in 1947), and likewise in the London area is £11 12s. 9d„ representing an increase on basic amounts only of around 117 per cent. The working week is now 41 hours as compared with the previous 44 hours.