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Network Journal 2007 Issue 6 Nov/Dec |
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Transport Conference 2007: Driving the union forward
Usdaw’s transport sector is one of the best organised parts of the union and with more than 60 delegates at the national conference the event is one of the liveliest events in the union’s calendar.The reps were joined by senior union officials, a government minister, an MEP and health and safety experts for the meeting held at the national training centre, Warrington, in November.
Usdaw is committed to expanding its transport section and supporting its reps and members who are a very important part in the union, general secretary John Hannett told delegates to the transport conference.
"This is a specialist section with more than 10,000 members and a big presence in the big four distribution companies - Wincanton, Parcelnet, Christian-Salvesen and Palmer Harvey McLean," he said.
"Our reps have had to deal with a lot of changes in the last few years especially in terms of working time, health and safety and driving regulations.
"We also have to deal with the increasing use of agency and migrant workers. We have to ensure that these workers are not used to undermine the existing terms and conditions our reps have fought for over the years. We want to see everyone treated fairly.
"We also have concerns on the fixed penalty scheme for employees, working time proposals and the levels of accidents among working drivers.
"Usdaw needs a robust transport sector and I believe the impressive turnout at this conference proves we have just that. We are a major player in the sector, but there is still scope for us to increase our membership, our profile and our influence in all of the big companies in the UK."
Meanwhile, national officer Irene Radigan outlined three key areas for the sector - the role of Usdaw's Road Transport Distress Fund, legal changes and the work of the road transport committee.
"Usdaw's Distress Fund paid out £1,568 and helped 93 members last year," she said. "It provides important protection from fines incurred as part of our members' work. For just £5 a year it represents excellent value and it's important we encourage all drivers to sign up."
Conference agreed to ask the executive council to change the payment for the Fund to direct debit to streamline the system and ensure continued membership. Irene then looked at the legal changes affecting the sector. "Drivers face more severe penalties if found guilty of driving offences and more penalty points on their licence as part of the Road Traffic Act 2006," she said. "The Drivers Training Directive will require current HGV/LGV license holders to undergo 35 hours of training every five years. A graduated fixed penalty scheme will also be looked at. However, Usdaw will resist proposals to introduce road pricing schemes."
Irene told delegates that members of Usdaw's road transport committee were now on two of the Health and Safety Executive's working groups looking at shift working and fatigue, and manual handling. "This is an example of how important Usdaw's views are held by the Government," she said. "We will keep our members informed of how these working groups progress."
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