As the fuel crisis appears to be passing into a new phase it may be time to start looking at how people are seeing the issue.
The Government has effectively said, "OK, we understand your frustrations, but the proper time for altering fuel taxes is in the budget when everything is re-assessed."
The CBI has responded to that by backing the Prime Minister's stand but re-affirming that they hope the government has taken the protest on board. The full response is given on their web-site
The TUC has not as yet made any official response, which given the joint pressures that union members are facing on the issue, is not surprising. We shall continue to watch their web-site, (when it's working)!
The CIPD is another body that has not made a clear response to the crisis. Of course, the shortage of fuel is now stopping some people getting to work, and of those who are getting to work, the normal workday routine of thousands is a little different. It will be interesting to see whether the CIPD reports on the HR problems that arise from the crisis.
The Freight Transport Association incidently, have not come out in favour of the action being taken, to use their words, "The Freight Transport Association does not support direct action and has successfully campaigned by reasoned argument for a reduction in the unfair tax burden on commercial vehicle operators. But there is more to be done and FTA has called for a 15 pence per litre reduction in the duty on diesel fuel." It is worth watching the Freighttaxes website to keep upto date on blockade and "rolling road" activities, but temper it with the knowledge that the information may not be upto date or representative.
HR Zone would like to be clear on the issue. Self-appointed protesters representing no-one but themselves, using intimidatory practices, threatening the vulnerable members of society, causing misery to million are not people that we support. We cling to a semblance of democracy in this country, and if you don't like the tax system, then you change the government through democratic elections. You don't do it by threatening other people in the hope that the government will act to stop your threat.
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