Drivers Strike Because Wages Are Too High

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28268, 4 May 1957, Page 11

Drivers Strike Because Wages Are Too High

(Rec. 8.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 3 More than 150 truck drivers employed by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company struck today because their pay envelopes are too heavy. The company insisted on putting extra money—incentive payments —in the men’s pay envelopes after they had declared that they did not want it. The drivers have posted a picket

line to prevent anyone else taking their jobs at wages above the award. The extra money ranges from 15s to £7 a week and averages about £2 a man. Six months ago the men accepted, on a six months’ trial, the incentive payments scheme based on speed of handling loads. The men were able to earn up to £7 a week extra, but the “mad rush” for extra money brought many other problems. The Transport Workers’ Union secretary, Mr A. G. Platt, said that the scheme brought: Bickering and rudeness to fellow employees because men were so eager to get their loads away. Disregard of traffic regulations.

Dissension became so acute that the men recently decided unanimously that they would not tolerate the incentive scheme any longer. But on pay day the pay packets still included the extra “speed” money.

“The men have tried by all other means to tell the company that they do not want the extra money,” Mr Platt said.

Motor Insurance. — Motor insurance rates in Britain will be increased from July 1 by amounts up to 33 per cent., the Accident Offices Association announced in London today. A statement said that the ever-increasing cost of claims has made the increases I imperative.—-London, May 2.