A call for dignity on the road

In a motion recognising the crucial work of logistics workers, Unite delegate Keith Oxborough spoke for the first time at Congress, clearly and with confidence.

Seconding, the motion called for measures that would greatly improve the working lives of sector workers and help stop the high jobs turnover rate.

Keith’s branch, he explained, included all types of logistics workers, including HGV drivers.

“This is a huge industry of vital importance,” he said. “Almost 90 per cent of all goods have at some point travelled by road.

“So let me ask you, why is there a constant shortage of drivers? Why is the average age of an HGV driver over 50? Why are only 1per cent of HGV drivers women?” he asked.

He replied that there is clearly a need to fill these roles, but poor working conditions are putting people off.

He explained further. “Too often there’s a lack of decent toilet facilities at truck stops and lay-bys. And nothing for women. You can drive to a location and be refused access to their toilets because you are a third-party employee.

“This is about dignity; but it’s also about safety. In 2022 a rail worker at Worthing was struck by a train and killed as he tried to take a toilet break in a siding.

“HGV drivers are put at risk every day. When you park valuable cargo in insecure areas a toilet break can put you in danger.”

He asked the hall how we could address this issue? It was a difficult question. He said that the road transport sector is one of the most fragmented in the UK, with over 50,000 firms and the average number of employees being just six.

He continued, “Unite has over 60,000 members in the sector and hundreds of collective bargaining agreements. I am proud to say Unite is well organised in most of the big firms.

“But a lack of facilities, along with subcontracting and undercutting by non-union employers undermines the jobs, pay and conditions of our members.

“In an industry where workers have so much potential leverage we have to fight constantly just to tread water.

“That’s why Unite supports this amended motion with a call for the TUC to engage with government and convene unions and employers together.”

Keith concluded, “Only rebuilding national bargaining in the road transport sector will put a floor under pay and conditions – and reverse the fragmentation.

“The potential here is massive – so let’s work together to use it.”

The motion was carried.

By Amanda Campbell

Pic by Mark Thomas