Wheels April 2024

Know your road signs

Logistics UK - Manifesto

Update - In Cab Cameras

International Workers' Memorial Day

Union's Triennial Delegate Meeting

Speed Cameras

National Minimum Wage

Supporting Union Members

Union's Sickness Benefit

Union Posters and Flyers

WULF News

Members' Letters

Union Courses

Read about the different types of speed cameras

Logistics UK manifesto

Unleashing the power of logistics to drive growth across the whole economy

Read Logistics UK Manifesto, which looks at unleashing the power of logistics to drive growth across the whole economy

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Know the facts about the Union's Sickness Benefit .

‘Wheels’

First, it gives me great pleasure and a sense of being part of a ‘moment in time’, to be writing as the General Secretary of your Union in this, the first ever ‘online’ edition of our Union’s journal ‘Wheels’. As I am certain you will be aware, our Union’s ‘National Executive Committee’ (‘NEC’) took a decision during early 2023, to cease to provide a ‘hardcopy’ of our journal to members, preferring to provide our journal as an ‘online’ offering only. This decision was predicated primarily for two what are very obvious reasons. First, it will have not escaped your notice that both the world of work and the manner in which we are ‘served’ our information has altered beyond all recognition over the past decade. Our news is now provided online, with the concomitant reduction in national newspaper circulation figures. The manner in which we communicate with each other has altered considerably. I overheard a conversation recently where an individual had telephoned a family member whom was in a different room in the same house! If our Union does not keep up with societal change, it will ultimately end up like the dinosaurs. Secondly, by moving to an ‘online’ only offering, there is a large saving in the cost of the production and postage of ‘Wheels’ to all members. This saving is immediately passed onto members, through the keeping of any increase in membership contributions to a minimum during 2024. It would be great to hear from you as to your views on this change in medium in which you receive information from your Union.

Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’)

If you take note of the arguments that are lauded, regarding the whole lorry driving profession ultimately becoming ‘redundant’, you would think that by 2040 lorry driving as a profession will have been consigned to the dustbin. Whilst it would be foolish to argue that the introduction of ‘AI’ within the logistics industry will not happen, given that it is already impacting on certain aspects of the driving profession, to suggest, as some do, that the profession will ‘disappear’ with the advent of self driving trucks is plainly just wrong. A professional driver does much more than just drive a truck. They are responsible for security, loading and unloading goods and checking appropriate delivery documentation. When, not if, self-driving trucks are in widespread use, professional drivers will be more akin to an aircraft pilot. The truck may well operate automatically, but the professional driver at the controls will still be very highly trained in order to intervene when necessary.

Right to Strike

Your Union had a presence at the recently held ‘TUC’ march and rally in Cheltenham. This was organised not only to recognise the 40th anniversary of the then Conservative Government’s ban on GCHQ workers joining a Union, but to draw attention to the current Governments introduction of its minimum services level legislation. This would allow employers to have a legal right to seek that a Union provide a certain level of ‘cover’ when going on strike. Whilst it would appear that the legislation is likely to have little impact on the logistics sector, it is clearly a move that has been designed to weaken trades union organisation. I am reminded of the writing of Martin Niemöller’s, ‘First they Came’, when I say that it is extremely important that, whilst not directly affecting our Union, all Trade Union’s should stand together and seek to demonstrate against such draconian legislation.

Until next time…. Drive safely.

K now your road signs

John Hannen - Senior Digital PR Specalist Inspire Agency / Instarmac

https://www.instarmac.co.uk/products/ultratile/

Fancy yourself as a great driver? So do most of us. According to the AA, 55% of Brits think they drive safely the majority of the time. However, over half of us still struggle with the Highway Code, so there’s clearly a big disconnect there.

Getting your head around what all the road signs mean in the first place can be a nightmare for new drivers, with one learner driver recently breaking the record for most attempts to pass their theory test. They passed on the 60th attempt – a never-say-die endeavour that set them back almost a grand and a half in test costs.

So, how well do you know your road signs? Some of the more – ahem – unique signage might not appear in the Highway Code, but you might remember them from your theory test. You could even have seen them out and about while driving. Here, the road surfacing experts at Instarmac take a look at some of the most commonly misunderstood road signs in the UK.

It’s one of the more common road signs, but a surprising number of people are unaware of what this sign means. This sign tells drivers that the road is a ‘clearway’ – which means no stopping under any circumstances.

That means no picking up or dropping off passengers, which has c aught plenty of drivers out in the UK since these signs are commonly found outside schools.

Typically seen on rural roads near military bases, this sign tells you to watch out for slow-moving military vehicles crossing or driving on the road. Tanks can weigh up to 70 tons, so it’s unsurprising that they’re often limited to about 40 mph. Think of being stuck behind a tractor but… scarier.

What kind of zone is this sign referring to? If you haven’t noticed any previous signs relating to parking restrictions, this sign can be confusing. But it simply means that any local parking restrictions are ending – so beyond this sign, parking is likely to be free. Always double check to be safe, though! You don’t want to get a parking ticket.

No, this one doesn’t mean there’s no road ahead or that the sign is half-finished. If you see this sign, it means all vehicles are banned from using the road ahead. So, turn back or you could find yourself with a parking ticket!

Thankfully, if you see this sign, it doesn’t mean your car might explode. If you’re carrying explosives, though, you’ll be in trouble. This sign means “No vehicles carrying explosives,” which is a no-brainer for most of us.

If you think this sign looks similar to the “no stopping” sign, that’s because it does. A blue circular background with a single diagonal red line across it means “no waiting” rather than no stopping. So, if you’re picking somebody up in one of these areas, don’t stop for too long!

If you’re often driving in rural areas, such as Devon or Northumberland, you might have come across this sign before. It tells motorists that this road is a hotspot for Migratory Toad Crossings. Drivers should be aware of large numbers of toads crossing these roads, in order to reach their seasonal homes.

Usually seen near level crossings, or perhaps in tunnels, this sign denotes the fact that there are overhead electrical hazards in the area. It typically warns of danger, such as the presence of overhead lines used for trains. You might also see similar signs near building sites where live overhead wires are providing power to large-scale plants or equipment.

Usually used when the road ahead splits into two, this sign tells drivers that both of the new lanes will direct people to the same location. This helps limit the need for drivers to merge or switch lanes – just stay the course and you’ll end up where you need to be.

This one seems fairly self-explanatory but it’s one of the UK’s rarer signs. This sign denotes a railway crossing with no marked barrier or gate to prevent crossing. Since most larger roads have gates to prevent people from crossing at the wrong time, you can expect these to primarily appear on smaller rural roads.

Nick Holmes, Technical Training Manager at Instarmac comments: “Knowing and understanding road signs is vital to being a safe driver and limiting the stress experienced by yourself and others. Some of these signs are incredibly common and all road users should be aware of them.

“Others in this list might seem like more of a novelty, but understanding how to react if you do see one of these signs is vital.”

L ogistics UK - The Manifesto

PRESS RELEASE

Logistics UK

RFH/002/24

22 January 2024

A DEDICATED LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MINISTER DEMANDED BY LOGISTICS UK TO DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH

The UK’s next government must appoint a Minister for Logistics and Supply Chain if future growth is to be driven across the whole economy, according to business group Logistics UK.

Launching the organisation’s Election Manifesto today (17 January 2024), which is aimed at the political parties as they prepare for the next general election, Chief Executive David Wells OBE stressed that focusing on investment and growth in the logistics industry would bring dividends for the UK’s whole economy.

“Whether manufacturing or retail, healthcare or education, every part of our economy relies upon logistics to provide all the goods needed to generate business and growth,” explained Mr Wells. “Innovative, integrated infrastructure backed by a national logistics network will deliver efficiencies and opportunities that can benefit us all. Giving logistics a voice at the heart of government would ensure that the needs of industry and business are heard, and that our sector can work with government to drive up the country’s productivity.

Click on the following link to read the manifesto.

Logistics UK manifesto

Further to the article in our December edition of Wheels on the use of In Cab Cameras, Region 1 Regional Officer Peter McKevitt will be addressing delegates at the forthcoming STUC Congress regarding this issue. We will update you on the outcome.

nternational Workers' Memorial Day I

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don't die of mystery ailments, or in tragic "accidents". They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn't that important or a priority.

International Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD) is held on 28 April 2024 to commemorate those workers, as well as raising awareness of the right to a safe workplace.

The TUC supply a range of resources available to support this day, from downloadable resources which can be put up in workplaces, to hosting a number of events to mark this day.

To find your local one visit the TUC website at www.tuc.org.uk/wmd

Your Union

On 23 September 2018, our Union held a ʻTriennial Delegates Meetingʼ (ʻTDMʼ).

The purpose of a ʻTDMʼ was to afford members of our Union the opportunity to debate and vote upon changes to our Unionʼs Rule Book and to determine matters of policy. At the 2018 ʻTDMʼ, Delegates debated a motion which sought to change the method in which members were given the opportunity to determine rule changes and matters of policy.

Following the debate Delegates voted for the changes that had been proposed. It was hoped by Delegates that, by changing the method in which this had been achieved over many years, our Union

would become more ʻreflectiveʼ of the rapidly changing times in which we live. Our Union would ultimately become more democratic, through the abilities of every single member having a say in the direction and rules of their Union.

In order to achieve the vision set out by those Delegates, Rule 13 was passed at the 2018 ʻTDMʼ. Rule 13 seeks to implement a more democratic method of consideration of potential rule and policy changes. Below is a form for completion if you wish to participate in this opportunity to be actively involved in your Union. Have your say in your Union to help form a ʻroadmapʼ for the next three years.

UNION RULE CHANGES/ POLICY

Plea se print be low details of the potential rule and policy change for consideration and return to: URTU, Almond House, Oak Green, Stanley Green Business Park, Ch e adle Hulme, SKB 6QL NO LATER THAN FIRST POST ON 30 May 2024.

Speed cameras

Speed cameras are an everyday presence on our roads. Here we will look at eight of the most common types of camera.

1. Digital Gatso speed cameras

One of the oldest types of speed camera used. Introduced in 1992, initially it used a film but became digital in 2007 so will never run out.

This style of camera uses a flash to take the image and they only take an image of the back of the car so if you are travelling towards one it will not capture you.

2. Truvelo Combi speed cameras

This style of camera is a forward facing camera so will take an image of an approaching vehicle. This helps to identify the driver of the vehicle.

It uses an infrared flash that is not visible so as not to blind the driver. With this style of camera you will see three lines painted in front of it to record the speed of the vehicle when it passes the lines.

3. Truvelo D-Cam speed cameras

This model of camera can be used either forward or rear facing and covers up to three lanes. It can also be used as a red light camera to catch any vehicles jumping lights.

4. SPECS average speed cameras

These cameras track your speed over a set distance, They are usually found on motorways and dual carriageways.

They use an infrared system to enable them to work in all weather conditions and can monitor up to five lanes. You will pass through at least two to track your average speed.

5. VECTOR average speed cameras

These work in the same way as the SPECS average speed camera and do not flash when capturing an image.

This model of camera can also be used to capture bus lane infringements, red lights, yellow boxes and congestion.

6. SpeedCurb speed cameras

These cameras are used within built-up areas and dual carriageways. They work by using a series of sensors placed within the road. They track how long it takes a vehicle to pass over these sensors, with the support of white lines to help them calculate the speed.

7. Jenoptik's VECTOR SR

This is a video based speed camera so will not show a flash when capturing an image.

This style of camera is used to track speed violations and red light infringements. It is a dual facing camera which has number plate recognition capabilities.

8. Mobile speed cameras

These are located within a van and are able to move around the country. They are located at the side of the road or on top of a bridge to capture oncoming traffic.

They tend to either use radar or infrared. Infrared uses a beam to measure the speed of a vehicle and are accurate up to 1 mile, whereas radar reflect radio waves to capture the speed and are accurate up to 300 yards.

National Minimum Wage figures for 2024

The Government has announced its acceptance of the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations on minimum wage rates, to apply from April 2024. The rates recommended by the LPC are set out below.

Don't Miss Out!

To make sure you are kept up to date with Union news and events, please ensure that your Union has your current e-mail address. To check this you can either log in to the member's area of the website which you can access at either www.urtu.com or scan the below QR code.

Alternatively you could contact your Union's Head Office on freephone 0800 526 639.

Keep your details up to date.

It can easily slip your mind if your details or circumstances change, or you might think that your employer or your Union Reps will let us know. To ensure your membership is kept up to date with your personal details and union contributions it is best for you to contact us.

All it takes is just a quick call to the Union Head Office on fre ephone 0800 526 639 or drop us an e-mail at admin@urtu.com.

Things to let us know about might include, moving house, changing e-mail address, chaning mobile number, change in employer, changing working hours, absences from work, potential missed payments, and bank details. We are always here to help!

19 Personal Injury settlements completed totalling £4,446,318

Thousands of calls taken and thousands of members helped. Thank you for supporting our Union. Together we stand.

nion Sickness Benefit. U

The Union offers a Sickness Benefit to members who are on the 'A+ BF' and 'A' scales.

Below is a brief overview of the benefit.

• A member has to be fully paid up for a minimum of 26 weeks to be able to claim the benefit.

• The Union requires copies of sick notes for the entirety of the sick period.

• A member can only claim one sickness claim within a 12 month period. Once a sickness period has ended, the member has to pay Union contributions for 49 weeks before a new sickness claim can be submitted.

• There is an initial three week 'waiting period' at the start of a sick claim. We do require sick notes to cover this period.

• The Sickness Benefit entitles the claimant to £15 per week, for a maximum of 12 weeks.

• Sick notes also cover a member's contributions. After the full £180 Sickness Benefit has been paid out, if a member is still off sick they need to contin ue to send in copies of their sick notes to cover their contributions.

• The refund of contributions can not be backdated. Refunds of contributions start from when the first sick note is received into the Union's Head Office, but will be reimbursed from receipt of the second sick note.

• To receive a refund of contributions the member has to be paid up to date.

• Sick notes can be sent through the membership area of the Union's Website or by e-mailing them into the Union's Head Office.

• Members are responsible for sending in their own sick notes.

Wales Union Learning Fund Learner Story

URTU members in Wales can access various driver-specific training opportunities, including ADR training.

You are required to hold an ADR licence if you are carrying goods that are categorized in the dangerous goods list. To obtain the licence you need to attend 3 or 5-day training and pass an exam on the last day. The licence is valid for 5 years.

Course content includes:

• Legislation surrounding ADR

• Driver training requirements

• Vehicle markings

• Personal Protective Equipment

• Practical demo of First Aid

• Preventing and dealing with fire

• Core and packaging element

• Tanker element

Training is delivered over 3 or 5 days in various locations in Wales.

One of the people who have benefited from completing ADR training is John Dyer.

Here is his story:

“I found out about the opportunity to extend my learning through the union representative and the publicity that was distributed in my workplace.

Having always been interested in ADR and what was involved in it, and the esteem around being a tanker driver, I decided to ask if doing this course was a possibility. And was delighted to find out it was one of the courses within their scope, so naturally asked the question and started the ball rolling.

It took about a week to sort out from the time of asking and starting the course.

Not knowing what was involved in the course and being apprehensive but keen to get on with it, I found it reassuring to have a good teacher who had

worked in the sector for over ten years. There was a lot to cram in within the 4 day schedule for the exams on the last day. We were taught all the classes of dangerous goods, ways to transport them, tanks, ISO containers, and even down to the transportation of individual goods and how they are stored in the correct packaging.

Having this opportunity has opened up so many more options within the transport industry now, and would recommend it to people because it can even be put towards your CPC hours.

I would definitely consider doing further courses like this to further my education and career prospects”.

If you are interested in improving your skills and gaining a new qualification, please speak to your URTU rep or get in touch with our WULF project.

Contact: Agnieszka.zamonski@urtu.com 0790 331 9995 www.urtuulr.com

Dear Editor

Here's hoping the transition from print media to digital only helps us reach a wider audience and promotes membership. I cannot express strongly enough how important it is for all working people to be a member of a union. Drivers are often seen as and sometimes consider themselves 'lone workers'. In many ways we are but we are stronger together with like minded people who understand our job and how the various aspects of that job effect us differently from ot her workers.

I just wanted to let drivers know how our union helped me in a real moment of crisis.

Back in autumn of 2022 I was facing losing my professional licence and ultimately my job and livelihood due to two alleged speeding offences. The reason things got so out of hand was that the police and courts had been writing to the wrong address. This meant that the alleged speeding offences became 'failure to name a driver' or MS90 offences which carry 6 penalty points and a £100 0 fine each. Ultimately an instant ban for alleged offences I had not been no tified of. The stress of sorting this out led to sleepless nights and a lot of stress. It was making me ill. Points started to appear on my licence and I realised I was going to have to go to court to sort this out. I contacted our Regional Officer Peter Mc Kevitt who understood how serious this was. He spoke to General Secretary Bob Monks who agreed I needed some serious legal assistance. Our union arranged for a Barrister to deal with my case and when it went to court the Barrister met with the Magistrate and I was informed the existing points would be removed, the pending charges and fines dropped.

Thanks URTU.

You kept me on the road saved my job.

Steve, Shop Steward, Region 1

MEMBERS

Dear United Road Transport Union

I would like to thank both union reps, first Peter McKevitt taki ng time to speak to me giving me advice about my redundancy as I am based in Scotland but the company wanted the meetings to take place at Doncaster Depot. Then arranging Neil Hunter to help me as the company I worked for is holding the meeting in Doncaster.

After speaking to Neil Hunter for the first time he was also ver y knowledgeable regarding redundancy process and I was given short notice to there meeting I was told on the Monday and Neil said he would be there on the Wednesday same week now if that's not helpful I am absolutely blown away currently. During the meeting Neil spoke up for me my head was like mince due to not being well and he arranged that I get paid 9 ½ weeks notice my redundancy and also secured that I do all my drivers cpc to give me a better chance to get a new job.

He also tried to get my hotel paid and train fare back home but my manager said he would take me home which he did on the Thursday morning and by Friday night I was admitted to hospital. Things happen for a reason I got out today 5 days later but have to go back in to do further tests. I just want to say a big thank you to Neil and Peter they are a great asset to any union member.

To non union members I pay little as £5 per week approx and if you think its a lot add it up £240 a year its worth every penny even if I left the industry I would still be a member of this union.

Best Wishes and thank you again for supporting me through these tough times

Stuart

LETTER'S

Basic Shop Steward

The course has been designed to enable our Shop Stewards to develop and improve their skills and knowledge. The course identifies ways in which improvements can be implemented to make the Union more effective at a local level.

Course aims:

• Ensure you understand your role within the Union and your responsibilities toward the members.

• Learn essential skills to assist you in representation at disciplinary and grievance meetings.

• Develop your communication skills.

• Give you a clearer understanding of relevant legislation.

• Consolidate your negotiating skills.

• Give you an understanding of the importance of recruitment and retention.

• Develop your recruitment skills.

• Increase your confidence as a Shop Steward.

Advanced Shop Steward

The course has been designed for our Shop Stewards who have previously attended the Basic Shop Steward course.

Course aims:

• Develop your knowledge of Disciplinary and Grievance procedures.

• Develop your knowledge of Collective Consultation and TUPE.

• Improve your negotiating skills.

• Develop your understanding of the UK legal system.

• Gain an understanding of current Employment Law.

• Develop your understanding of the Working Time Regulations.

To find out the latest course dates and to book your place, visit www.urtu.com login and visit the union courses page.

Basic Health & Safety

The course has been designed to equip our Health & Safety Representatives with the knowledge of the role and the trade union approach to Health and Safety.

Course aims:

• Ensure you can handle Health & Safety issues and develop an appropriate response to both members and management.

• Demonstrate your understanding of the updated SRSc Regulations.

• Ensure you know how to conduct effective workplace inspections, including all accidents and near misses.

• Develop your skills to identify, obtain, order, and summarise relevant Health & Safety information.

Advanced Health & Safety

The course has been designed for our Health & Safety Representatives who have previously attended the Basic Health & Safety course.

Course aims:

• Ensure you enhance your Health & Safety skills.

• Demonstrate your knowledge to enable you to function in a professional and confident manner within the confines of Health & Safety legislation.

• Develop your understanding of current European Health & Safety legislation.

• Develop your understanding of the constituent parts of the major pieces of this legislation.

• Develop your understanding of the Union’s approach to Health & Safety legislation.

Online Reps Courses

We understand that all our members have busy lives, especially our Union Lay Representatives (Shop Stewards and Health & Safety Representatives).

To try and alleviate some of the pressure, we are considering looking into the possibility of offering our Union Courses online through Video conferencing. Before we move forward with this we would like to hear from our Lay Reps regarding their thoughts on this. Please e-mail info@urtu.com with your thoughts.

Course Dates

Union Representatives play a vital role within the Union, helping members within their branches and recruiting. To support them your Union hosts a number of courses throughout the year. These courses are designed to give the representative the skills they need to undertake their role and are specifically tailored to the Logistics sector.

Below is a list of upcoming course dates. These are held at the Quorn Grange Hotel and are a three day residential course.

To book your place on one of these courses, please contact your Union's Head Office on 0161 486 2100 or freephone 0800 526 639. You can also e-mail them at admin@urtu.com

8 - 11 April 2024 – Advanced Health & Safety

22 - 25 April 2024 – Basic Shop Steward

16 - 19 September 2024 – Basic Shop Steward

Your Free Legal Support

As an URTU member:

You have direct access to the UK’s best and most experienced lawyers at Thompsons Solicitors

Your family is also covered for injury claims. You and your family keep 100% of any compensation. You avoid legal fees.

Call 0808 1968 643 or use the QR Code to learn more about your benefits