TGWU drives transport working time watch
TGWU drives transport working time watch
Transport union TGWU has launched a 'working time watch' to make sure new rules on driving hours for commercial drivers are properly implemented by employers and give workers sufficient protection. The union is calling on professional lorry and coach drivers and its shop stewards and full-time officers to monitor closely the operation of the working time regulations and guidelines, which now apply in the sector. Ron Webb, TGWU national secretary for transport, said the issues of periods of availability, using holidays to calculate average working time and the controversy around occasional drivers were still very much 'live' for the TGWU and its sister union URTU (Risks 184). 'We have asked the European Commission for a view on what the UK government have done aided and abetted by the employers,' he said. 'We want to see the 48-hour week with no loss of pay for our members. That is still our position even with these regulations and guidelines.' Announcing the new regulations, tr ansport minister David Jamieson said: 'These regulations should deliver safety benefits for drivers and other road users, improve drivers' working conditions and help make the road transport sector more attractive as a career choice.' He added: 'We have worked closely with industry and unions to ensure that the new arrangements are practical, clear and equitable. We intend to review the new rules in the light of operational experience to make sure that this remains the case.' The commitment to review the regulations within a year came after a meeting between ministers, TGWU, URTU and TUC.
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