I agree with Robroy, striking a medium (I’m not advocating commiting GBH on Derek Acorah or other television clairvoyants by the way 
) is the way to go. All out “■■■■ off I aint doing that” gets you nowhere (speaking from experience 
)
I’ve worked where the most militant “not doing that” brigade have been there years and years, complain about any slight change yet will not even look at job vacancies elsewhere. I was like that and have vowed to never get to that stage again, hence I have no guilt in chucking a job when it goes a bit crap.
desypete:
anyone who would jack in there job to go on the dole to prove a point would indeed be a moron of the highest order.
At least we agree on something. Now for about the fifth time, what are you doing with yourself since you jacked the driving?
Olog Hai:
desypete:
anyone who would jack in there job to go on the dole to prove a point would indeed be a moron of the highest order.At least we agree on something. Now for about the fifth time, what are you doing with yourself since you jacked the driving?
i refer the honourable gentleman to the answer i gave in the previous post ^^^
Society has changed so much over the past 20 or 30 years. Unions and strikes are not effective. The times have changed and the boats have sailed along time ago.
In fact I would say it’s a complete waste of time which was proven in Grangemouth plant a few years ago which was a strong unionized work force.
Society was different 20 or 30 years ago living in a mining village in Scotland.
I’m sure it was the same in Yorkshire pits, steel works and docks and all the other public sector jobs.
Everyone was the same and the society stuck together as a work force and community.
No one had money or new cars and weren’t ticked up to your eye balls in debt.
But everyone was happy.
All the southerners were all for our Maggie who crushed the communities and societies to pieces.
Then the greed started.
Every man for them selfs started.
Some of the guys in there 30s with a young family can’t afford not to work and ■■■■ bout with waste of time strikes.
It’s not driving that’s the problem it’s the whole country and everyone in every sector is the same.
Themoocher:
… mining
…Maggie
Does Trucknet give prizes for the first post mentioning bloody mining and Maggie?
Themoocher:
Society has changed so much over the past 20 or 30 years. Unions and strikes are not effective. The times have changed and the boats have sailed along time ago.
In fact I would say it’s a complete waste of time which was proven in Grangemouth plant a few years ago which was a strong unionized work force.Society was different 20 or 30 years ago living in a mining village in Scotland.
I’m sure it was the same in Yorkshire pits, steel works and docks and all the other public sector jobs.
Everyone was the same and the society stuck together as a work force and community.
No one had money or new cars and weren’t ticked up to your eye balls in debt.
But everyone was happy.
All the southerners were all for our Maggie who crushed the communities and societies to pieces.Then the greed started.
Every man for them selfs started.
Some of the guys in there 30s with a young family can’t afford not to work and ■■■■ bout with waste of time strikes.
It’s not driving that’s the problem it’s the whole country and everyone in every sector is the same.
can you tell me when there has ever been a drivers strike ?
i an remember the chaos caused when the tanker drivers and farmers were at it a few years ago, that was just fuel and the country going bananas trying to fill up there cars it caused huge upsets, i can remember some drivers doing a go slow driving there trucks slowly causing huge tail backs in citys like london,
just 2 small things just a small number of drivers did that caused a lot of problems, so please dont anyone think if the drivers all went on strike it wouldnt get results as what other options would there be for anyone in any industry to keep themselves going if the transport stops ?
the problem is the drivers themselves, they can moan about having a mortage all they want, but if the others went on strike and got more money for the drivers they would be the first to get there increase without taking any chances at all so there expecting others to do the dirty work for them.
if you want better pay and conditions you can ask for it but like has been proved in the last 20 years wages have not gone up hence most of the old guys have given up
are you still going to be doing the job in another 20 years from now and will you be happy that your earning the same amount as you did years ago ?
if you come from jobs that pay a lot less than driving then your going to be fooled into thinking for what you do your on good money but that’s only comparing it to crap jobs that might pay £250 top line or so a week
my 18 year old lad started work in a factory his take home pay for a 37 hour week is 280 quid a week, how much more are you guys taking home for doing a lot more hours and having the expenses and responsibility
but if drivers are happy with your lot then please dont moan of complain just get on with it.
but if you want to make a difference then the only way would be for drivers themselves to get together just for a 1 day stoppage would be more than enough to show that the drivers now mean business
you can not be sacked for being on strike, so the jobs are safe, all you would risk is a days pay or maybe 2 days pay, and for me i think for the end results it would be a cost drivers could live with and they would soon make there lost money back with better hourly rates or even if overtime was brought back after 8 hours you would see your wages really increase.
but anyway we all know what drivers are like, they will just wait for someone else to do all the dirty work and hope they can get more money rather than taking the chance themselves. as long as that the way the drivers will be the more they will get exploited.
will there ever be a time when drivers say enough is enough ? i very much doubt it as the cpc proved it to me without a doubt, all those drivers who said they wouldn’t get one, ended up getting one with not so much a ■■■■ in protest
they can moan there heads off in the transport cafes all day long but ask them to do something about it themselves, well thats then a different problem for them suddenly they look for any sort of ray of sunshine as to why they shouldn’t
Olog Hai:
desypete:
anyone who would jack in there job to go on the dole to prove a point would indeed be a moron of the highest order.At least we agree on something. Now for about the fifth time, what are you doing with yourself since you jacked the driving?
You won’t be getting an answer there I’m afraid, he’s either not working or in something so embarrassing he feels he cannot come clean. I reckon he’s a lollipop man on job share now.
A chicken sexer is on 40K! 
bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/3 … 000-salary
I must have missed that one at the end of school careers day…
I realise that I am now considered a Dinosaur, and will no doubt be laughed at, but how I see it is that wages can only ever increase if the haulage rates do the same? I fully agree that driver’s should be on more money but general road haulage has always been a ‘Dog eat Dog’ industry with too many folk after too little work and always somebody willing to do it cheaper than the next man. Only the Supermarket and fuel companies etc hauling their own products could pay top money as the haulage costs were passed on to the customer. Take the cost of fuel out of the equation, maintenance costs, depreciation etc and the operator’s cut and the driver can have some of what is left which in certain cases isn’t going to be a lot. If the operator can negotiate his/her own rates then all well and good but a lot of firms in (for example ) the construction side of haulage have the rate dictated to them by the quarry owner’s etc and have little choice in the matter. I don’t know what the average truck makes per week nowadays, 13 years ago when I finished driving I used to aim for around £1200 per week on a three axle rigid, sometimes it made more, often less, and I got 27% of it?
Pete.
If it’s anything to go by Pete, my boss says £400-450 per day turnover for the 8wheeler, around £400 for the 6wheeler. Hence we don’t do much work for the quarry owners except maybe the odd backload for Smiths. Earthline and Einigs pay day rates which is no good as it stops us doing our own work and means rushing about.
Wont entertain Hansons with all their Epic nonsense and last load at 2.30 crap.
windrush:
I realise that I am now considered a Dinosaur, and will no doubt be laughed at, but how I see it is that wages can only ever increase if the haulage rates do the same? I fully agree that driver’s should be on more money but general road haulage has always been a ‘Dog eat Dog’ industry with too many folk after too little work and always somebody willing to do it cheaper than the next man. Only the Supermarket and fuel companies etc hauling their own products could pay top money as the haulage costs were passed on to the customer. Take the cost of fuel out of the equation, maintenance costs, depreciation etc and the operator’s cut and the driver can have some of what is left which in certain cases isn’t going to be a lot. If the operator can negotiate his/her own rates then all well and good but a lot of firms in (for example ) the construction side of haulage have the rate dictated to them by the quarry owner’s etc and have little choice in the matter. I don’t know what the average truck makes per week nowadays, 13 years ago when I finished driving I used to aim for around £1200 per week on a three axle rigid, sometimes it made more, often less, and I got 27% of it?Pete.
A good posting and is again why I support the PDu who have stated that working with the Industry is the only way drivers benefit can also be improved.It is modern day approach to what they propose
AIM OF THE PDU (Working with the Industry)
This is going to be extremely difficult to put into just one post as it needs proper presentation and proposal and will take time to put forward.
So I am going to be very brief and hope you get the reasoning behind it.
My belief is that the Industry as a whole needs control from the top down.
Many of our Companies and Employers are struggling to make good profit and over the last few years some good names have gone into administration, this has a downward spiral that reflects on their workforce and place in the Industry.
This has and continues to be the case thanks to the under cutting ways of the business and has become the norm and yet benefits no one. The days of under cutting and lowering the cost of freight movement needs to stop so all good Companies can make a good profit, improve and pay fair wages.
Only when our Industry Employers make a decent profit can we expect them to pay a proper and fair wage to their Drivers and give proper respect.
WHAT DOES THE PDU WANT IN THE FUTURE?
I have stated that as a modern day union we would want to work closely with the Industry and our Employers to ensure we can work together to everyone’s benefit. We will represent the Drivers needs but to do this we need to work with the Employers.
Most other recognized professions work within the confines of a ruling body that overseas all work to the same rules. Teachers, nurses, train drivers, police, fireman, ambulance, etc work across all sectors of the UK, just like our Industry. The big difference is that these all have a set practice that all must adhere to unlike our Industry who work divided and to their own practice.
This Industry needs a ruling body, a Governing body that sets rule and regulation and a working practice that all must adhere to. Set minimum rates for movement of freight across the UK bringing back a fair rate rather than one decided by Tesco or Sainsbury. The Rates set must allow for a fair profit but still allow good competition so that big and small can continue in our Industry. The Ruling Body will have the power to fine if a Company under cuts or moves freight under the agreed rate and this will stop dead the under cutting culture and allow Companies to demand the correct rate for the job, with fair profit to maintain vehicles, grow and improve and pay proper wages.
HOW CAN THE PDU WORK TOWARDS THIS?
I will first ensure a proper professional presentation and proposal is put together outlining the benefits to all in the Industry and how it can become a thing in the future.
Then I would meet with many of our Employing Directors to put it to them and hopefully gain support for it.
After meeting many in the Industry I would put forward a Industry Seminar, inviting the many Directors, RHA, FTA, Gov Ministers and other leading figures in our Industry to present the proposals and allow for questions and working together to bring it about.
The Ruling Body would be made up of Employers and Representatives from all in the Industry and funded by small contributions from all that Employ.
That is a very basic outline of my idea, and I understand and appreciate not all is explained or everyone will agree, but it will be one way that we can bring our Industry together and allow all within to make fair profit,
This will then allow us to introduce basic minimum wages for Drivers as set out by the Ruling body, (another subject matter), but I will inform you how I see a standard of bronze, silver and gold. And all drivers paid a fair and good wage for being a professional driver.
Into the future, working together for the benefit of everyone that works within it, fair profit, fair wages and fair working conditions for everyone.
eezeer:
A good posting and is again why I support the PDu who have stated that working with the Industry is the only way drivers benefit can also be improved.It is modern day approach to what they proposeAIM OF THE PDU (Working with the Industry)
This is going to be extremely difficult to put into just one post as it needs proper presentation and proposal and will take time to put forward.
So I am going to be very brief and hope you get the reasoning behind it.
My belief is that the Industry as a whole needs control from the top down.
Many of our Companies and Employers are struggling to make good profit and over the last few years some good names have gone into administration, this has a downward spiral that reflects on their workforce and place in the Industry.This has and continues to be the case thanks to the under cutting ways of the business and has become the norm and yet benefits no one. The days of under cutting and lowering the cost of freight movement needs to stop so all good Companies can make a good profit, improve and pay fair wages.
Only when our Industry Employers make a decent profit can we expect them to pay a proper and fair wage to their Drivers and give proper respect.
WHAT DOES THE PDU WANT IN THE FUTURE?
I have stated that as a modern day union we would want to work closely with the Industry and our Employers to ensure we can work together to everyone’s benefit. We will represent the Drivers needs but to do this we need to work with the Employers.
Most other recognized professions work within the confines of a ruling body that overseas all work to the same rules. Teachers, nurses, train drivers, police, fireman, ambulance, etc work across all sectors of the UK, just like our Industry. The big difference is that these all have a set practice that all must adhere to unlike our Industry who work divided and to their own practice.
This Industry needs a ruling body, a Governing body that sets rule and regulation and a working practice that all must adhere to. Set minimum rates for movement of freight across the UK bringing back a fair rate rather than one decided by Tesco or Sainsbury. The Rates set must allow for a fair profit but still allow good competition so that big and small can continue in our Industry. The Ruling Body will have the power to fine if a Company under cuts or moves freight under the agreed rate and this will stop dead the under cutting culture and allow Companies to demand the correct rate for the job, with fair profit to maintain vehicles, grow and improve and pay proper wages.
HOW CAN THE PDU WORK TOWARDS THIS?
I will first ensure a proper professional presentation and proposal is put together outlining the benefits to all in the Industry and how it can become a thing in the future.
Then I would meet with many of our Employing Directors to put it to them and hopefully gain support for it.
After meeting many in the Industry I would put forward a Industry Seminar, inviting the many Directors, RHA, FTA, Gov Ministers and other leading figures in our Industry to present the proposals and allow for questions and working together to bring it about.
The Ruling Body would be made up of Employers and Representatives from all in the Industry and funded by small contributions from all that Employ.
That is a very basic outline of my idea, and I understand and appreciate not all is explained or everyone will agree, but it will be one way that we can bring our Industry together and allow all within to make fair profit,
This will then allow us to introduce basic minimum wages for Drivers as set out by the Ruling body, (another subject matter), but I will inform you how I see a standard of bronze, silver and gold. And all drivers paid a fair and good wage for being a professional driver.Into the future, working together for the benefit of everyone that works within it, fair profit, fair wages and fair working conditions for everyone.
Firstly you won’t be able to create an environment which is based on a protectionist trading policy within the toxic situation of an economy which is based on free markets.IE free markets by definition mean race to the bottom competition.
As for wage levels in the industry even ‘if’ the above issue can be sorted.That will be dependent on at least the issue of the punitive fuel cost regime being sorted in the form of allowing trucks to use red diesel like trains and truck drivers being viewed as no less skilled,if not more,than train drivers.In which case it is more a case of the government being as much,if not more,the problem as/than the employers’ race to the bottom competitive practices. 
eezeer:
A good posting and is again why I support the PDu who have stated that working with the Industry is the only way drivers benefit can also be improved.It is modern day approach to what they proposeAIM OF THE PDU (Working with the Industry)
This is going to be extremely difficult to put into just one post as it needs proper presentation and proposal and will take time to put forward.
So I am going to be very brief and hope you get the reasoning behind it.
My belief is that the Industry as a whole needs control from the top down.
Many of our Companies and Employers are struggling to make good profit and over the last few years some good names have gone into administration, this has a downward spiral that reflects on their workforce and place in the Industry.This has and continues to be the case thanks to the under cutting ways of the business and has become the norm and yet benefits no one. The days of under cutting and lowering the cost of freight movement needs to stop so all good Companies can make a good profit, improve and pay fair wages.
Only when our Industry Employers make a decent profit can we expect them to pay a proper and fair wage to their Drivers and give proper respect.
WHAT DOES THE PDU WANT IN THE FUTURE?
I have stated that as a modern day union we would want to work closely with the Industry and our Employers to ensure we can work together to everyone’s benefit. We will represent the Drivers needs but to do this we need to work with the Employers.
Most other recognized professions work within the confines of a ruling body that overseas all work to the same rules. Teachers, nurses, train drivers, police, fireman, ambulance, etc work across all sectors of the UK, just like our Industry. The big difference is that these all have a set practice that all must adhere to unlike our Industry who work divided and to their own practice.
This Industry needs a ruling body, a Governing body that sets rule and regulation and a working practice that all must adhere to. Set minimum rates for movement of freight across the UK bringing back a fair rate rather than one decided by Tesco or Sainsbury. The Rates set must allow for a fair profit but still allow good competition so that big and small can continue in our Industry. The Ruling Body will have the power to fine if a Company under cuts or moves freight under the agreed rate and this will stop dead the under cutting culture and allow Companies to demand the correct rate for the job, with fair profit to maintain vehicles, grow and improve and pay proper wages.
HOW CAN THE PDU WORK TOWARDS THIS?
I will first ensure a proper professional presentation and proposal is put together outlining the benefits to all in the Industry and how it can become a thing in the future.
Then I would meet with many of our Employing Directors to put it to them and hopefully gain support for it.
After meeting many in the Industry I would put forward a Industry Seminar, inviting the many Directors, RHA, FTA, Gov Ministers and other leading figures in our Industry to present the proposals and allow for questions and working together to bring it about.
The Ruling Body would be made up of Employers and Representatives from all in the Industry and funded by small contributions from all that Employ.
That is a very basic outline of my idea, and I understand and appreciate not all is explained or everyone will agree, but it will be one way that we can bring our Industry together and allow all within to make fair profit,
This will then allow us to introduce basic minimum wages for Drivers as set out by the Ruling body, (another subject matter), but I will inform you how I see a standard of bronze, silver and gold. And all drivers paid a fair and good wage for being a professional driver.Into the future, working together for the benefit of everyone that works within it, fair profit, fair wages and fair working conditions for everyone.
All well & good, but what would they think is a fair wage in an industry that has so many variables? Then again, why would a group of drivers working at a company that pays well, has good working conditions & is very fair with all the workforce bother joining?
BillyHunt:
eezeer:
A good posting and is again why I support the PDu who have stated that working with the Industry is the only way drivers benefit can also be improved.It is modern day approach to what they proposeAIM OF THE PDU (Working with the Industry)
This is going to be extremely difficult to put into just one post as it needs proper presentation and proposal and will take time to put forward.
So I am going to be very brief and hope you get the reasoning behind it.
My belief is that the Industry as a whole needs control from the top down.
Many of our Companies and Employers are struggling to make good profit and over the last few years some good names have gone into administration, this has a downward spiral that reflects on their workforce and place in the Industry.This has and continues to be the case thanks to the under cutting ways of the business and has become the norm and yet benefits no one. The days of under cutting and lowering the cost of freight movement needs to stop so all good Companies can make a good profit, improve and pay fair wages.
Only when our Industry Employers make a decent profit can we expect them to pay a proper and fair wage to their Drivers and give proper respect.
WHAT DOES THE PDU WANT IN THE FUTURE?
I have stated that as a modern day union we would want to work closely with the Industry and our Employers to ensure we can work together to everyone’s benefit. We will represent the Drivers needs but to do this we need to work with the Employers.
Most other recognized professions work within the confines of a ruling body that overseas all work to the same rules. Teachers, nurses, train drivers, police, fireman, ambulance, etc work across all sectors of the UK, just like our Industry. The big difference is that these all have a set practice that all must adhere to unlike our Industry who work divided and to their own practice.
This Industry needs a ruling body, a Governing body that sets rule and regulation and a working practice that all must adhere to. Set minimum rates for movement of freight across the UK bringing back a fair rate rather than one decided by Tesco or Sainsbury. The Rates set must allow for a fair profit but still allow good competition so that big and small can continue in our Industry. The Ruling Body will have the power to fine if a Company under cuts or moves freight under the agreed rate and this will stop dead the under cutting culture and allow Companies to demand the correct rate for the job, with fair profit to maintain vehicles, grow and improve and pay proper wages.
HOW CAN THE PDU WORK TOWARDS THIS?
I will first ensure a proper professional presentation and proposal is put together outlining the benefits to all in the Industry and how it can become a thing in the future.
Then I would meet with many of our Employing Directors to put it to them and hopefully gain support for it.
After meeting many in the Industry I would put forward a Industry Seminar, inviting the many Directors, RHA, FTA, Gov Ministers and other leading figures in our Industry to present the proposals and allow for questions and working together to bring it about.
The Ruling Body would be made up of Employers and Representatives from all in the Industry and funded by small contributions from all that Employ.
That is a very basic outline of my idea, and I understand and appreciate not all is explained or everyone will agree, but it will be one way that we can bring our Industry together and allow all within to make fair profit,
This will then allow us to introduce basic minimum wages for Drivers as set out by the Ruling body, (another subject matter), but I will inform you how I see a standard of bronze, silver and gold. And all drivers paid a fair and good wage for being a professional driver.Into the future, working together for the benefit of everyone that works within it, fair profit, fair wages and fair working conditions for everyone.
All well & good, but what would they think is a fair wage in an industry that has so many variables? Then again, why would a group of drivers working at a company that pays well, has good working conditions & is very fair with all the workforce bother joining?
name a company that is like that billy ?
i can name you company’s that were once like that, and those who have there older staff on older contracts that keep them in a good wage, but they take on new people on much less pay than the old staff which is the normal practise these days by all the companys
you will be telling me next billy stobarts are a top company to work for that pay well 
as for the idea of the new union thing
i would think anything is better than nothing but i dont understand the difference between this idea and the unions that are already out there ?
everyone wants a fair crack of the whip but way should drivers have to support company’s by accepting low pay ? maybe the employers should take a pay cut ? maybe the heads of departments should take a pay cut ?
why is it the drivers are last on the list, if they can not afford to be in business and pay a decent wage then they shouldnt be in business as there dependant on drivers who will do the job for low wages
the madness is the drivers are doing exactly that for every single driver out there on decent money there will be 10 on a lot less for the same job
it comes to something when shop workers get a higher hourly rate of pay than a class 1 driver, fork lift drivers, even bin men get a better hourly rate than many truckers these days
BillyHunt:
why would a group of drivers working at a company that pays well, has good working conditions & is very fair with all the workforce bother joining?
Probably because of the implications of trying to maintain those incomes and living standards in a trading environment of race to the bottom under cutting competition and a road fuel taxation regime which cripples profitability and thereby room for wage increases.
The post I put up from the PDU website is just one variant.
Basically the Industry is in ■■■■ and as drivers we are suffring because of it.
someone needs to tackle many issues and start somewhere or in 5 years time most companies will be employing from the EU because they can pay less in wages and this will also keep our wages low and conditions will never improve.
Drivers have no one to speak up for them and maybe the PDU can if enough support it.
sit on the fence, moan and groan and complain gets you nowhere.
or give it a chance and be part of it.
nothing to lose but maybe a lot to gain,
been in the job a long time and we have been shafted because no one voices our points across.
One day on strike would cost me over £100, so £30 a year to get something does seems a good bargain.
your choice just like mine, and I like what I am reading
http://www.pdu-uk.co.uk
BillyHunt:
Olog Hai:
desypete:
anyone who would jack in there job to go on the dole to prove a point would indeed be a moron of the highest order.At least we agree on something. Now for about the fifth time, what are you doing with yourself since you jacked the driving?
You won’t be getting an answer there I’m afraid, he’s either not working or in something so embarrassing he feels he cannot come clean. I reckon he’s a lollipop man on job share now.
I bet hes the lorry washer/yard skivvy who leans on a brush talking bollox to every driver who just wants to go home 
OVLOV JAY:
I don’t need a union, drivers rep or any brotherhood. I use the tongue I was born with. If things are wrong, I make my point, if nothing changes for the better, I find a job with better T’s and C’s. If nobody swallowed [zb], the job would sort itself out
+1 it’s always worked for me
BillyHunt:
Olog Hai:
desypete:
anyone who would jack in there job to go on the dole to prove a point would indeed be a moron of the highest order.At least we agree on something. Now for about the fifth time, what are you doing with yourself since you jacked the driving?
You won’t be getting an answer there I’m afraid, he’s either not working or in something so embarrassing he feels he cannot come clean. I reckon he’s a lollipop man on job share now.
i am a balloon man billy i dance naked infront of women with only balloons to cover me, it pays the bills but what a come down from driving bendys
So desypete as the only driver in history to fail the dCPC what escape route have you chosen.
Course by fail I mean to reject it as the last straw etc when you have done nothing but whinge about its uselessness when in reality you are the a-typical cut ones nose off to spite their face specimen of humanity I have ever come across.
Plus the added venom of giving it the bigun on a job you are no longer qualified for.
All water off a ducks back of course… 