Sikh driver Tarsem Singh Sandhu was suspended last week by Wolverhampton Transport Committee for turning up to work with a beard after being off sick for three weeks. His fellow workers are meeting to decided what action to take in his support. Views of buses at Wolverhampton bus station.
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Story number - 67-894. The dispute was due to Wolverhampton Corporation not allowing its Sikh bus crews to have beards or wear turbans and the suspension of driver Tarsem Sandhu who defied the ban. The local TGWU branch did not support their Sikh members as they argued that the restrictions were clearly laid down in the terms and conditions of the job. The ban continued despite nearby Birmingham having already lifted its restrictions in the early 60s and next door West Bromwhich withdrawing its ban in February 1968. Finally Government pressure forced the council to change its rules in April 1969. By that time Mr Sandhu was employed by London Transport.