07-06-04 Minimising The Effects Of Industrial Action

Some staff in VOSA will be taking industrial action short of strike for one week commencing 14 June. The action, by members of the PCS and Prospect trade unions, will involve working conditioned hours only with no overtime worked that week. Testers working at Goods Vehicle Test Stations (GVTS’s) are not involved in the action and HGV and PSV testing will still take place.

Where the industrial action impacts on annual tests VOSA will make every effort to ensure that Operators are not inconvenienced and VOSA Enforcement staff will continue to conduct roadside checks. VOSA staff working at Traffic Area Offices will not be involved in the action.

VOSA's Chief Executive Maurice Newey said:

"We will minimise any disruption for customers and ensure that safety standards are maintained. This is not an opportunity for non-compliant operators to feel that they can compromise road safety"

If you have any queries about your test please contact the VOSA national number on 0870 6060440

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and Prospect trade unions have balloted their members on industrial action over a recent pay negotiation. Members voted to take action short of strike. The trade unions have now asked their members have to take the following action for 1 week commencing 14 June:-

• Work only conditioned hours. No overtime either paid or voluntary
• Not work or travel outside the normal working day
• Take a full 1 hour lunch break (away from work station) on each day

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) was created on 1 April 2003 by merging the Former Vehicle Inspectorate and the Traffic Area Network Division of the Department for Transport. VOSA is responsible for:

• Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services
• Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme
• Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations
• Enforcing drivers' hours and licensing requirements
• Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements
• Providing training and advice for commercial operators
• Investigating vehicle accident, defects and recalls.

Should you require further information about VOSA, its work or help with stories or programming related to road safety and environmental protection please contact:

Jay Fordham or Miranda Roberts, VOSA, 0117 954 3334/3233

e-mail: jeanette.fordham@vosa.co.uk / miranda.roberts@vosa.gov.uk