Drivers say
Socialist Organiser1981 1981-12-03Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 14 →
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MASS meetings by 4,000 West Midlands bus drivers have rejected the five per cent wage offer made by the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive. Their wage demand is for 23-per cent. They agreed on lightning strikes in selected areas without warning Ion Monday November 29.
On the first day they struck in West Bromwich, affecting 60,000 passengers.
The wage offer of five per cent is quite ridiculous in view of the well-publicised fares policy of the council, ie. cuts of 25 per cent and a 2p flat rate for children, with the promise of free travel for the unemployed in the New Year. It looks as through this fares policy is being implemented at the expense of the bus drivers.
It is also ridiculous in view of the 13.8 per cent increase given nationally and paid locally to the police.
For the past three years the bus drivers have been given a lower percentage rise than other WMPTE staff. Also, drivers employed averaging pay increases of between 12 and 14 per cent.
Attempts to get the issue discussed in the West Midlands council Labour Group have so far been blocked, so that once again we are faced with major decisions being taken by small inner groups of councillors, with little reference to anybody else. ever. Messages of support to: Mr. B. Hickson, 42 Elmfield Avenue, Birstall, Leicester.
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Socialist Organiser no.64 December 2 1981 Page 15