No support for Glasgow busmen
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GLASGOW CORPORATION has decided that it cannot support the TGWU's attempt to secure immediate payment of the 9s. 3d. a week wage increase awarded to municipal busmen before the freeze. The transport committee had indicated support for the union's point of view but the Corporation's establishments committee, which is responsible for the implementation of wage awards, decided at its meeting last week that there was not a strong enough case for an exception to be made to the standstill policy.
Cllr. Thomas Fulton, sub-convenor of the committee, said: "Our decision might appear to be harsh on the busmen but we are trying to be Consistent in our attitude to the pay freeze. We consider it would be unwise and unfair for the Corporation to lend support to the busmen when there might be other groups of employees with equally good claims for payment of wage awards."
Among those at the meeting were the convenor of the transport committee and Mr. E. R. L. Fitzpayne, transport manager, who is leader of the employers' side on the MIK.
The Scottish regional secretary of the TGWU said he was very disappointed at the corn mittee's decision and he felt they were not meting out justice. They were misinterpreting the Government's decision, he said, and it was most unusual that legislation should be retrospective. He added: "If the Corporation are going to act illegally they cannot expect their employees to act legally."
Meanwhile, Aberdeen Corporation transport committee has also rejected a request by the union for payment of the wage increase. A motion to this effect failed to find a seconder.
New Glasgow terminal
AGLASGOW air terminal has been estab
lished by Western SMT Ltd. at St. Enoch Square to provide a focal point for air transportation travel between Glasgow and the new Glasgow Airport at Abbotsinch. The former SEA terminal premises have been used, renamed and gutted to provide a range of services for coach travellers linking with the airport.
Western SMT has retained the lounge and cafeteria and kiosk services which formerly applied and has developed these to give intending travellers resting facilities.