COST CUTTING IN FREIGHT SECTOR

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2019 :: RMTnews 22 Freight and logistic conference looks at the effect of cost-cutting in the sector The National Freight and Logistics Industrial Organising Conference was hosted by Leeds Goods and Cartage branch recently. Dissatisfaction with the effects on workers by Freightliner’s cost-cutting exercises was a common theme of the conference. George Marshall, Leeds Goods and Cartage, complained of the high level of agency drivers currently being employed on Freightliner’s Road Section in spite of past assurances by company bosses that the practice was on the wane. “This comes despite numerous promises from previous directors on the introduction of the LGV grade that this would dramatically reduce if not negate the need for agency road drivers within the company,” George said. George also called on the union to take up the issue with Freightliner Heavy Haul of why the ground staff had not been allocated vans to carry out their duties as had been the case in the past. The new practice of pooling vans had caused numerous problems and inconvenience for workers including lack of access to a vehicle at all. “Our ground staff members share a pool of vans that are in short supply and usually left in a state of disrepair as no one is held responsible. The vans are generally filthy, have no fuel, and water bottles are left empty. “They are also in such short supply that staff sometimes have to load their extensive shunting equipment into taxis to get to remote locations. The van is usually the only source of shelter in hot and cold weather. Surely the company should be obligated to provide a van,” George argued. Peter Daniels, Leeds City, pressed for the union to look into the current pension shortfall on the Freightliner section of the Railway Pension Scheme which currently stands at £2.3 million. Andy Blackman, London Anglia Midland Transport, led a call for RMT’s parliamentary group to push for legislation that can help with the financial burden of the unique costs that freight drivers incur in their line of work. “I would like to see legislation ensuring employed haulage, delivery and courier drivers can be reimbursed for HGV driving licence renewal and medical costs, CPC training and Digi card [tachograph] COST CUTTING IN FREIGHT SECTOR Mick Lynch addresses conference Mick Lynch addresses conference