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Terence Flanagan Branch Sec:
GMB.
Professional Drivers Branch Column
07958 275 339
ON THE ROAD
Terence Flanagan of the GMB. Professional Drivers Branch, Takes a look at issues affecting drivers in the capital
T.U.P.E. what ? TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKINGS PROTECTION OF EMPLOYMENT. Serious business, just obtained for a member £31,000 under this legislation. Where a company is taken over the new proprietors have obligations in law. One of our members was in this situation, the company concerned declined to talk to us, so we took it to an industrial tribunal, the company refused to attend the tribunal and our member was awarded £15,500 which was doubled because the company refused to attend the tribunal, you will not be surprised to learn that this was a company in the good old cesspit chauffeur industry.
The contempt with which many companies treat their work force can be stopped, this particularly applies to office staff, IE: Controllers and Telephonist’s all of whom are welcome into membership. This benefit of membership applies nation wide, so if you are a controller, telephonist, manager in an agency, whether it be Hackney Carriage, Chauffeur, limousine Private Hireyou can become a member and get protection. Have read about problems in Glasgow, where telephonist’s attempted industrial action against a purile wage offer, we wish them luck and urge all drivers to show solidarity by refusing to deal with scab’s when the telephonist’s are taking action.
Door to Door Justice Campaign, the meeting on the 21st November 2006 was a significant success, although the attendance should have been better, the turn out was substantial. I must say that the reports I have read on it so far have been fairly insipid, and fail to reveal the great atmosphere of the occasion. Victor Humes received a great round of applause, Paul Kenny’s speech was greeted with cheering and whistling in appreciation, but the night was rounded of by Ed Townson of the Private Hire Board who merely BANGED the table and shouted “ ENOUGH ” which brought the house down !!and was a great finale ! Indications are that most of our problems with Red Routes and Bus Lanes will be resolved by the summer. No one should underestimate the significance of all sections of the industry working in unison for the good of all. The GMB has for long maintained that our influence will always be beneficial to all, we want to see a thriving, prosperous fair industry which is a vital part of London’s transport infrastructure, we believe that if your running a fair decent company you will not find a better ally than us, however if you run an old style cowboy exploiting outfit, WE ARE YOUR WORST DREAM COME TRUE !
Now as regular readers of this column will be aware I could not be described as an avid fan of the Tory Party, but I must say I am in complete agreement with the many Tory Mp’s as well as Labour who are expressing outrage at the refusal of his Royal Highness Prince Jug Ears Charlie Boy to reveal some accounts relating to the Duchy of Cornwall, now when we get our tax bills for the £3 / 4,000 we normally get done for we are not happy, but we end up paying it, Charlie Boy is accused of owing £100 Million, obviously this person is a true patriot of this nation, I don’t think ! Me agreeing with Tories, WHAT ????
You will have read elsewhere in this mag of recent developments in Brighton, I have attended a few meetings and will be again meeting with the Council Leader Monday 11th December 2006 on various issues.
Our membership in Brighton is growing phenomenally 140 in the last month; this includes of course members from Brighton & Hove City Cabs, which has signed recognition agreement with us. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with this company. For membership enquiries in Brighton & Hove you can contact me on, 07958 275 339 or Mick Doyle on 07976 359 742
Terry asked me to post his article after a long phone call this morning...!!
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