Greater . Speeds May Bring New Pay Claim
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IN four days time the national corn' mince of the busmen's section of the Transport and General Workers' Union will meet, and high on the list of important agenda items for discussion is a new campaign for higher wages or shorter hours.
The 25-strong committee, composed of rank and tile busme.n, appear to be in the mood for planning a new campaign. The national passenger group secretary, Mr. Frank Townsend, told The Conunerrial Motor: "This subject is always uppermost in the minds of committee members."
Bus men point out that productivity has increased since the last reduction of working hours, in 1947, and the Union officials, who are reported to be somewhat pessimistic about the prospects of a wage claim, are more likely to back the committee if a drive is made for shorter working hours.
The action will probably hinge on the Government's decision on the proposal to raise the speed limit of commercial vehicles to 40 m.p.h.
, If the speed limit is raised and bus working schedules are trimmed, the busmen are expected to argue that greater productivity will result, and they will claim a share in the anticipated greater profits of the bus and coach operators.
It would appear, however, that there is not any degree of agreement in the Union as a whole on the matter of a further pay increase should local or longdistance bus schedules be changed. Nevertheless, the Union, are determined that members will benefit from any changes that come about.
[Editorial comment, page 291.1