Hauliers Delay Industrial Action

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) have announced they will postpone their decision on taking action to highlight the impact of the fuel crisis for two weeks.

At a meeting on Wednesday evening, delegates heard there was profound disappointment with the Minister for Transport’s failure to deliver a reduction in excise duty for the transport sector.

The association also discussed the misuse of hauliers by the corporate sector, calling for a "name and shame" campaign on those companies "using hauliers to subsidise their activities."

President of the IRHA, Jimmy Quinn, said a postponement of two weeks before taking action would allow companies who had not engaged with hauliers over the spiralling fuel costs to 'come to the table'.

"In order to facilitate on-going negotiations, any further action has been deferred for a two week period to facilitate further negotiations between members and company’s which have yet to engage," he said.

He added that negotiations with the Department of Transport should be urgently progressed to usher in delivery on apparent commitments that have been given.

Mr Quinn also said: "Company’s who do not engage in a positive way with their hauliers are guilty of corporate vandalism of the worse possible nature. The Irish economy is the most truck dependent in Europe and company’s who undermine the stability of the market should be aware of the potential consequences of such behaviour."

The association met with Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey on Thursday but were told that the Government could not deliver cuts in excise duties on fuel.

At the last meeting of the IRHA's council earlier this month, some hauliers called for a blockade to highlight the financial difficulties of its members.

(DW)