The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) raised a number of issues with government ministers during its ‘encouraging’ recent round of talks at Westminster.
Following on from its meeting with environment minister Michael Meacher (TTJ October 20), the TTF held further talks with junior international development minister Hilary Benn and DTI minister for small and medium enterprises Nigel Griffiths.
Mark O’Brien, TTF head of public affairs, said issues covered included the work consultation directive, the working time directive and the whole body vibration directive.
Mr O’Brien explained: ‘This whole body vibration directive says forklift drivers cannot work more than two hours a day. The impact it could have on the timber trade is huge and it also has an impact for people driving articulated lorries. It’s pretty serious.’
He also said the government was encouraging the TTF to link up with its Japanese opposite to help promote sustainable practices/certification in Indonesia.
Mr O’Brien added: ‘We are trying to develop relationships with these politicians. Initially, it’s like leaving a calling card.’
The TTF is the first trade organisation to have had a meeting with Mr Griffiths.
The next meeting will be held with Baroness Symons, foreign office minister responsible for trade policy, on November 19, when the TTF will press the government about its position for the next World Trade Organisation talks.
