Moving Target,, Issue #5, Fall 1989
UNION MATTERS?
Covering this issue's centre page spread is a questionnaire from theLBCU (London Bicycle Couriers Union) hopefully you'll be removing it, ifonly to read what's underneath. This insert has been paid for by the T&GWU(Transport & General Workers Union) who have been instrumental in organisingthe union so far. Filling this in and returning it 'free post does notmean you have joined but will give some idea of the numbers interestedin the idea of a union. Ordinarily M.T. would wholeheartedly support andpromote any attempt to unionise the industry (though attempts have failedin the past) despite the pessimism and cynicism aroused whenever the subjectis raised. However, as reported in our last issue the DIWU (Dispatch IndustryWorkers Union), an independent group, already exist, so we're sitting onthe fence until the LBCU have had a chance to test the climate of opinion.The DIWU was started in March and has gradually built a base of supportamongst cyclists and motorcyclists from a variety of firms. Their immediateaims are to get better, safer working conditions, more pay and to defendmembers from victimisation and discrimination. As mentioned in issue 4they genuinely welcome membership from all (motorcyclists, cyclists, vandrivers, telephonists, controllers, secretaries) sections of the industry.For more info about regular meetings and their upcoming 'social' writeto P.O. Box 574 Brockley SE4 1DL.
The LBCU's objectives are laudable though ambitious and only relevantto cc’s. It's target population is clearly smaller, but this may make organisationmore manageable. It would be a pity if after years of apathy and begrudgingacceptance of the status quo which leans heavily in favour of the bosses,that cc's failed to grasp one or other of these opportunities to improvetheir generally appalling conditions of service.
HERE TODAY GONE TOMORROW
It became evident this summer that there are now people out there makinga living from stealing bikes. The day of the opportunist bike thief hasgone, these days they're organised. They know what to look for, they knowhow to break D-locks and they are bold. Anyone with a cycle can no longerrely solely on their D-lock to protect their bike, a good dose of paranoiaand the MT guide to not getting your bike stolen are now practical.
The MT guide to not getting your bike stolen:
- Buy a good quality lock - Buy another one 'coz two is better thanone. - Find something immovable to lock it to. if left overnight try andlock it up indoors. - If you can't secure it get someone to watch it. -Get it insured. - Never get lazy about locking your bike!
ZERO IN FACE RE-MOLD SHOCKER!
Zero, long-time cc now MT contributor and OYB controller has been thevictim of a disastrous medical error MT can now reveal. Previously Zeroclaimed the current vast size of his Schnozz was due to being reversedinto by a stationary car. However, MT's special correspondent working fromthe office in Wood Green, has uncovered the truth - it wasn't a rear windscreenat all it was a plastic surgeons scalpel. The surgeon at the centre ofthe catastrophe said "I thought he said 'more nose and less brain'it wasn't until afterwards that I realised my dreadful mistake." Cruelbut when you're as prominent as zero is now you learn to take the knockslike a person ie. on the end of your...er.. nose.
PROBABLY THE BEST LAGER ON TV
Late one Saturday evening, two o'clock in the morning to be precise,I was watching the TV and was pleasantly surprised to see coverage of theCarlesberg MTB description of the race but also explained some of the techniquesand strategies of MTB racing. The highlight must have been Paul Hinton(an ex-cc) explaining how to ride through a river and then falling offin the middle - humour always adds a lot to any sports coverage. My onlycriticism of the programme would be that if the organisers/sponsors wishto attract a TV audience to further promote this growing sport they needto chose race courses that not only provide a test for the riders but alsogood television. This event, was a good test of stamina for the ridersbut I would have liked to see more obstacles and faster descents. Wellworth watching though.
SICK PAY
Sick pay for cc’s? Nah, doesn't happen, right? Wrong. Hand and Deliverand MegaCycles both do it. What? MT spoke to Cathy at Security Despatch,H &D's parent company who organised the scheme "as an incentiveto attract a better class of rider". Tell us more, we said. "Anycc, full or part-time is automatically insured (ie pays the premium outof their own wedge) for £75 per week e.g. with the 2 weeks excess 9 weeksoff work due to sickness or injury equals £525". The scheme does haveoptions for the riders to increase the premium, deductible weekly, up toa maximum pay-out of £250 per week. Better than a poke in the eye witha sharp stick eh, kids and lasses. More info contact Leslie and Godwinon 0252 544000.
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