Driver drought you might be interested in some observations with
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regard to the industry-wide shortage of drivers. After 30 years in the transport industry in both management and labour, I find it surprising that any sane person would consider joining the industry.
When I first started as a driver in the late 1960s, it was still recognisable as a job—certainly hard work, especially in general haulage. It did, however, have a reasonable pay structure and, more importantly, the work conditions bore some relation to those in other industries.
Today it is a very different situation. With the possible exception of some of the larger companies which still operate in-house transport, the normal working day is 15 hours, which is doubleshifting in old speak. Then you have the dreadful treatment given to drivers on arrival, especially at the distribution centres.
Finally, adding insult to injury, the driver often finishes his ludicrously long journey in some urine-soaked layby with nothing other than the facilities he has in the vehicle.
I am no lover of the unions, not least because the first to suffer hardship in any dispute is the driver, but I must applaud the comment of the Transport & General Workers Union official who asked whether managers would like to finish their working day sleeping under their desks.
It is always amusing to read learned articles by our elders and betters on what to do to solve the problems in the industry But I have never met any driver who has been consulted directly for his opinion with regard to hours, tachos, speed limiters or any other matter.
Should we support the introduction of the 48-hour week? At present work levels we would be finished for the week by Wednesday night.
Joking apart, this is a situation that would only result in a further strengthening of the death grip on the industry by the big players.
I have no solutions to offer, but it is certain that unless action is taken the shortfall will get worse.
John D Longthorn, Upminster, Essex.