Drivers set strike date

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ROAD haulage drivers in the South East are planning strike action on pay from January 25th.

TGWU drivers are claiming £100 per week basic -which would just about maintain the real value of the £78 basic which drivers nationally won two years ago. But road haulage bosses have offered an increase of only £4 on last year's £82 basic in the South East.

Road haulage pay negotiations take place regionally for most employers, and nationally for a few. The METHODS more like a mafia than trade union democracy were described in the High Court this week as the Boilermakers' Society ballot-rigging case proceeded.

Former general secretary John Chalmers told the court that he returned to his office from a trip abroad to find his desk drawer empty, the locks replaced, and even his toilet seat changed. 1?

During the period when he was supposed to be working in tandem with the new general secretary, pace-setting offer so far is £87 to Pickfords Removals drivers - but the East Midlands has settled on £85.60.

West Midlands drivers are holding a delegate conference to decide on a £86 offer.

Much of the road haulage industry is in a depressed condition (though there are exceptions like container haulage). But the opportunity to take action alongside the rail workers must put the drivers in a strong position.

James Murray, Chalmers was banned to a quiet room upstairs in the union HQ.

Chalmers also said that he was sure that no-one other than Murray had ordered the printing of 150 extra ballot papers for the 1980 general secretary election one year after the election had taken place.

Barry Williams, the defeated candidate in 1980, is alleging unfair methods.

The union leadership has already conceded that the votes supposedly cast by the Belfast No.1 branch for Murray were invalid.

MEETINGS FORUMS LAMBETH: Sundays 7pm. For venue phone 3071.

Jan.31: Stalinism.

Feb.28: The origins of NORTH WEST LONDON. 'Organise the Left', with speakers Merle Amory