Because of the state of the Industry and our goverments reluctance to help us why dont we start a UK local of the Teamsters. Before you all have a laugh just think of the power the teamsters have the US and Canada. The Unions in the UK are not interested, except too line their pockets, we need a body that understands the industry and will stand behind us.
NO thank you,
I personally don’t think it will work.
Last year there was to be a truck drivers convention, at which members of the press and people from various organisations would attend to listen to the problems that we face on a day to day basis etc.
What happened?
Cancelled through lack of interest. We will not stick together in this country and therefore we only have ourselves to blame for the state the industry is in at the moment.
Excuse my ignorance 
but whats the Teamsters? 
Tiger.
found the Teamsters on a google search
Seems to work well in the U.S. but they work to a totally different set of rules to the U.K… Anyone can set up as a haulier in the U.S. with minimal requirements, you can keep a tractor unit in your drive and use it for 6 months of the year and have another job, no tachographs to worry about, cheaper running costs… its just a different situation.
We have a government that makes the Mafia look like the Womans Institute, hell bent on turning the country into a police state… what chance have we got?
Short of a revolution 
I dont know how things can improve
Tiger.
a union would be good for the haulage industry if everyone would stand together. Unfortunetly you could only set it up from a position of strength at the moment our industry is in such a weak position it would never work.
Mr B:
a union would be good for the haulage industry if everyone would stand together. Unfortunetly you could only set it up from a position of strength at the moment our industry is in such a weak position it would never work.
not entirely true, if every truck was parked up for 24 hours, at the same time, the country would pretty much come to a standstill.
that said, some people just arent willing to give up wages, or fear for their job too much therefore we’ll ALWAYS have “scabs”.
just also want to point out I can understand why some people do scab, i wouldnt do it myself but i couldnt label them all bad people as you dont know everybodys circumstances.
its not just drivers that need to be involved the employers need to stand up for the industry too.
But the industry is so cut throat that if anyone stands up they’ll loose all their contracts and be zb’d
Remember the fuel strike, oh happy days
I thought the RHA was the UK Teamsters, working for us to improve the lot of the haulage industry. Oh dear another flying pig just gone by.
It did occur to me to join the RHA, but when I read reports of their lobbying, it seems to me that they have no teeth at all - well at least they don’t seem to use them!
Funny you should mention the RHA, i’m due to re new my subscription, don’t think i’ll bother. Willie mac is right but how the hell it’ll ever work i don’t know. Some of us would do well to stay positive. Difficult i know.
willie_mac:
… we need a body that understands the industry and will stand behind us.
That’ll be the TGWU then. A body of fine upstanding men whose sole interest is looking after the needs of the transport industry and the folk involved in it.
Stan
Just a thought if started could it be called ‘Driver RHA’ 
Mr B:
a union would be good for the haulage industry if everyone would stand together. Unfortunetly you could only set it up from a position of strength at the moment our industry is in such a weak position it would never work.
Strength is found in numbers, not just the physical state of the individual. That is why gazelles havent been wiped out by lions.
Your problem in the UK though is everyone seems to be out for himself and until people re-learn that which Mrs thatcher sought (and succeeded) to destroy then nothing will change.
That however does not mean it cant change, it can but those who seek to change will need to be extremely persistent and be prepared to suffer numerous setbacks.
Hombre:
Mr B:
a union would be good for the haulage industry if everyone would stand together. Unfortunetly you could only set it up from a position of strength at the moment our industry is in such a weak position it would never work.Strength is found in numbers, not just the physical state of the individual. That is why gazelles havent been wiped out by lions.
Your problem in the UK though is everyone seems to be out for himself and until people re-learn that which Mrs thatcher sought (and succeeded) to destroy then nothing will change.
That however does not mean it cant change, it can but those who seek to change will need to be extremely persistent and be prepared to suffer numerous setbacks.
And Frustration anyway the companies will just use eastern europeans to do our jobs and cheaper unless the Bosses got involved and we all know that is highly unlikely they will sell up first 
i’m not
You will end up like Jimmy Hoffa 
i have an idea. At the next election we should vote for a left wing socialist party that will stand up for the common working man.
Oh thats labour! We’re screwed then!
a fuel protest would be a better idea
You mean this?
It’s only as good as it’s members and as most drivers I’ve met in my time on the road don’t have the back bone for a fight you’re screwed before you start…
Stanley Knife:
[That’ll be the TGWU then. A body of fine upstanding men whose sole interest is looking after the needs of the transport industry and the folk involved in it.