The Industry Must Not Be
Page 25
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Closed to Ex-Service Men
• Call for a Clear Definition of Policy Regarding the Post-war Status of Hauliers, Particularly Those who are Ex-members of the Industry
By "Tantalus "
THE question of the post-war status of hauliers and the reinstatement in the road-haulage industry—upon
the cessation of hostilitier, of those members now serving with the Forces has been ventilated repeatedly in these columns. The justification for further reference to this matter is provided by certain remarks made by the Minister of Labour and National Service in his recent address to the T.U.C. Conference. On that occasion he stated that the decision of the Cabinet regarding demobilization is "First-in: First-out " and that volunteers shall enjoy the same privilege regarding reinstatement in their jobs after the war as is granted to conscripted men. It is one thing, however, to make a general stiatement of policy and an entirely different matter to carry out, in detail, the full implementation, ' While still greater pressure is being applied to directing ever-larger numbers to the war effort, it may seem paradoxical to deliberate upon the ways and means available for., disbanding the men and women of the Forces.
Nevertheless, it is a matter which demands immediate attention because no one can predict when the problem of demobilization will have to be faced and it will affect almost every home in every street in the country. Admittedly, it is a problem not easy of solution. There is all the more reason, therefore, why plans should be prepared , in readiness for putting into operation immediately when the bells of victory ring out. .
Mr. Bevin remarked, further, that the men now fighting must have a fair deal on their return and that we must not let them down. It is to be believed that the remark was made in good faith and should be accepted 'as such. Whilst a general statement of this nature, doubtless, is encouraging, it does not, however, provide any clue as to the means to be employed in order to render the promise effective.
If can be assumed that the Government has no desire to be confronted with a return of the spectre of unemployment and that it will do everything possible to avert a repetition of the past unhappy. experience after world war number one.
Complications of the 'Road-transport Industry There is no difficulty in foreseeing what will be the postwar position of some. of the major industries and• the line to be followed in the change-over from war to peace-time production. For example, the building and allied trades will be employed to full capacity in an effort to meet the demands brought about by the housing shortage and, doubtless, will absorb vast numbers of ex-Service tradesmen. The case of the road-transport industry, unfortunately, is more involved, on account of the complications and peculiar difficulties obtaining. These arise, mainly, from the natnre of the control enforced, together with the severe restrictions the imposition of which, whilst resulting in considerable lots to the industry itself, has afforded appreciable gain to the maincompetitor.
When, eventually, the building and allied trades resume peace-time production they will do so, doubtless, in the full knowledge of a clearly defined position regarding both production demands and the requisite labour force. Not so, however, with the road-transport industry,for regarding the post-war position, and the demands which may or may not be made upon it, there is no enlightenment whatsoever. There exist merely misgiving and apprehension.
Then, again, the building trades will not have to contend with a competitor financially guaranteed by the Government as may be the destiny of road-transport, unless there be a complete change in Government policy and of such change there is, at the moment, no visible sign.
Reverting to the remark made by the Minister of Labour and National Service with reference to fair play for the men returning from the war, how -is this likely to affect former members of the industry and in what way can it best be applied? It should be noted here that the total number of operators has decreased appreciably during the war period. How, then, will it be possible to reinstate the returning men in an already shrunken industry?
It is, rather; like trying to put a quart of liquid into a pint pot. In what manner can these men be given a fair deal? UnhappAy, as matters stand at the moment, there appears to be. no possibility whatever of their reinstatement. The only hope, surely, lies in the removal of unnecessary restrictions and the opening of the door of the industry to those men who desire once again to enter its portals. There is no other way.
In this regard, reference is made specifically to those who were actual operators and in possession of licences and it does not include drivers and maintenance staffs. These latter, however, cannot be disregarded and their case must present certain difficulties, in view of the substituted female labour which has been introduced in considerable numbers.
It may be contended that this question is of a domestic nature to he settled by individual operators. To some extent this may be so; nevertheless, it cannot be divorced from the problem regarding the reinstatement of the returning men. In such cases Will war-time labour—in whatever capacity employed—be discharged so as to provide vacancies for the ex-Service men, or will the door be barred. against them and the war-time workers be retained in service? Will it, in fact, be a case of history repeating itself?
Heavy Responsibility of • the Industry's Leaders
An extremely heavy responsibility rests upon the shoulders of the leaders of the industry and it must be carried if they are to prove themselves worthy of the name. Moreover, they must break the silence which, for so long, has prevailed regarding the post-war status of hauliers, with particular reference to the ex-members of the industry. The policy to be adopted in respect of their reinstatement should be disclosed without further delay.
Already, the absence of any statement upon this subject has led to the supposition that a certain section of the • industry is averse to the number of operating units being , restored to a pre-war level. If there be any truth in this supposition it would not be unreasonable to associate the sllence of the representative bodies with this vital subject. It is significant that in all proposals in respect of post-war • planning no mention is made of these important matters. The ultirnate conclusion is either that the leaders are
• indifferent or, perhaps, contented with the present state of affairs and so do not intend to fight the cause of the ex-members of the industry; or, as yet, they have come to no decision regarding the subject. If the former be the case, then the sooner the matter is exposed the better; if the latter, it is high time that a definite policy be agreed upon and announced throughout the industry. Whether such decision be made• by the representative bodies separately, or by the S.J.C., matters not at all, so long as some definite indication of attitude be made known.
It should not be overlooked that in the "High Command " of the road-haulage industry there are those who would not be in the position they occupy to-day had the doors been barred against them after the 1914-18 war. There is no desire for a return of the conditions which then existed, nor is there any intention of pressing for the unlocking of the doors to all and sundry. Is it too much to ask for the pleading of the cause of those serving members who desire to re-enter the industry when their war service is completed?