Busmen to negotiate local deals
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• The Transport and General Workers' Union national bus committee decided on Tuesday to withdraw from the National Joint Industrial Council and step up the campaign for a £20 basic minimum wage for 162,000 provincial busmen by pressing it at local level.
This action affects well over 100 municipal and company bus undertakings; the present series of bans on overtime and standees will be continued until individual employers agree to talks. The TGWU has instructed local officials to seek the 25 per cent rise immediately.
The four PTAs and the undertakings of Sheffield, Newport, Accrington, Belfast, Coventry, Reading and Glasgow have already concluded deals above the national minimum. 'Teesside, Aberdeen and Edinburgh have said they are ready to negotiate.
However, the TGWU faces opposition from the National Bus Company which is determined to maintain one basic' rate for each grade throughout its 50 companies.
Union leaders are meeting next Wednesday to consider calling a busmen's delegate conference to discuss fresh moves.
A spokesman said that all sanctions had been withdrawn from authorities concluding local agreements.