NO HELP TO THE OWNERDRIVER
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WITH reference to Topic (CM, June 8), the accusation that I "mean, poor, or stupid" (not to join a transport association) is a typical remark of someone who is sitting above the fence.
As an owner-driver, I can sec no reason why I should throw £60-odd away to join the RHA. FTA or the TGWU. They have been around for decades and just look at the state we are in. I'm not talking about the growth of national companies into mulit-national companies, I am talking about Joe Soap on the road. Just look at the doss houses and flea pits he is expected to sleep in at night when away from home.
Look at the cock-up in the hours regulations, the negative attitude to toll bridges and tunnels, the persecution by every anti-road group in the country, not to mention the backward step he has taken in pay.
And don't foget the French and Germans coming into this country without permits (try doing that in their country!) stealing his work.
You call me stupid because I won't contribute to the many organisatior who have kept the lorry driver dov where he is. These organisations ha been sitting on their backsides for y Who got the driver back the mor they lost due to the French blockag Who is organising the facilities at tl new Dover terminal? Who is runnii truck stop comparisons, to give us proper food and rest?
I'll tell you who — the Routiers Drivers' Club. They have done ma Joe Soap in a few years than all the put together.
Next time the so-called protector the industry have a free lunch and r out (they call them general meeting. transport seminars now), just renter us poor and stupid drivers, without whom there would be no transport industry. Indeed, the only stupid or are the poor individuals who pay fo the freebies.
R. J. Norriss Monshall Norfolk