B.R.S. Pay Talks Held Up
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From Our Industrial Correspondent
UNION leaders representing 24,000 men employed by British Road Services met the management last week to put in a new pay claim for operating grades. When the talks began, the unions asked for a " substantial " increase. But during the negotiations they made it clear that they had in mind an inCrease of I5s. a. week for the lowest grade of adult worker with proportionate increases ranging up to •about 17s.a week for the higher grades.
The B.R.S. representatives said they
were unable to Make •any offer. The union team refused to leave-it there, and after putting forward further arguments asked the employers to giVe, them
dinsideration.
B.R.S. promised to do this, and a further meeting is to be held. No date has been fixed, but it is most unlikely that it will be before November ;20, when the Road Haulage Wages Council meet again to consider objections lodged against their pay proposals.
So far as senior staff eniployed by B.R.S. are concerned the Board of Management have agreed to a new pro cedure. It has been the practice to review the salaries of staff up to and including the maximum of the principal executive assistant range annually. Above that level the reviews have taken place at two-yearly intervals.
The management have now agreed to review them annually, as at January 1.
Promoting Loads _ FOLLOWING representations last month from operators, the Minister of Transport has now agreed to the base for measurement of a forward-projecting toad on an articulated vehicle being the front of the tractor, as is the case with a rigid vehicle. Until now, measurement on artics has been from the front of the semi-trailer. The Minister has not yet, however, said when the amendment will come into effect although it will be carried out in the new, consolidated, Construction and Use Regulations which should be available early next year.
European Rates A DEADLINE of December 15 has PA. been laid down by the -European Coal and Steel Community's High Authority, by which time transport rates for these traffics must be pubLahed. Only France and Germany, of the six Common Market countries, are in favour of published rates. If the deadline is not met, the High Authority will be entitled to impose sanctions against offenders.
Safe Driving Awards FROM 29 transport depots owned by the Milk Marketing Board 481 drivers have qualified this year for awards in the competition organized by R.o.S.P.A.