Ban proposed

Press, 26 July 1978, Page 1

Ban proposed

PA Wellington Wellington truck drivers today will consider a ban on using the Rimutaka Hill road, in support of Mobil Oil tanker drivers. Mobil has laid off its 16 drivers after one refused to take out a tanker because he considered its tyres unsafe for the hill road to Wairarapa. In an attempt to end the dispute, the drivers offered to pay $9OO from their own pockets for two new tyres, but Mobil rejected this.

The Wellington Drivers’ Union secretary (Mr K. Douglas) has accused the oil companies of being provocative. “I think they want an all-out stoppage,” he said. “Our guys do not like being off work for what in their view is a

trivial matter as far as the company is concerned.” The Gil Industry Employers’ Union executive (Mr D. Patten) said the offer did nothing to resolve the fundamental issue. “It is not a question of money; the point at issue is the drivers claim to determine roadworthiness,” he said. The stop-work meeting this morning will be given a full report on the dispute which began last week. Industrial action of some sort is not ruled out, but a complete strike by all drivers is unlikely.

“What we want is the tyres on this vehicle replaced ... in recognition of the fundamental safety question,” Mr Douglas said.