JIC rate on course for El 0/hr in 2008
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PAY NEGOTIATORS for the hire-and-reward sector in the West Midlands have agreed a groundbreaking £10-an-hour deal but artic drivers won't get it until 2008.
The increase is worth nearly 30% over four years, boosting pay by 55-60p/hr each year.
Under the West Midlands joint industrial council (JIC) agree ment.top rates of pay will rise from £7.75 to £8.30/hr this month, then to £10/hr by 2008. About 2.000 hauliers in the region are thought to base their rates on the JIC deal.
The £10 target was originally set by theTransport & General Workers Union in October 2001, and has been reaffirmed every year since. Last month the union was accused of 'whistling in the wind' by the Road Haulage Association (CM 2 December).
T&G negotiator Caroline Crolley, is pleased the objective has finally been achieved. She says the deal "rewards the professionalism of our members" and looks forward to the introduction of the 48-hour working week in March. John Hancox, RHA leader oi the JIC, says the deal will hell alleviate driver shortages and wi contribute to wage stability.
In Scotland, the £10/hr tug would equate to an increase c nearly 50% but union leadei north of the border hope t achieve just that in their forthcorr ing JIC negotiations.