Talk about self-defeating. Strikes from unions regarding generalised cuts (i.e if an industry is shrinking as opposed to one department being impacted) will just make the powers that be more sure that their course of action is correct.
Even where cuts are part of a 'legitimate' downsizing, I can certainly foresee circumstances where I'd sympathise with a strike.
But just going out all guns blazing, where there's not even any concrete proposals... there's no better way of telling the public (and the politicians) that you're stuck in the 70s and proud of it!
I don’t think it’s at all unreasonable for the rail unions to oppose cuts. After all those cuts will directly affect their members, and there is a real risk of “because Covid” being used as an excuse to further an anti rail agenda (which I expect we all agree this government generally has, halo projects such as HS2 aside). I would certainly agree the “tanks on the lawn” rhetoric is regrettable, unnecessary and does indeed come across as 1970s. They seriously need to get help with their communications; TU press releases often read like parody!
One could argue that the roles of booking office staff and suburban guard definitely are in the same space as the role of coal miner in the 1980s. The railway as a whole indeed definitely not.
It’s certainly getting to the point where change in certain areas is overdue in light of new tech and modern travelling patterns. In 2021 I don’t think anyone can credibly argue against the end of non commercial guards and sadly ticket office closures to come. Of course this has been on the cards since long before covid reared its head .
The hope is the unions representing these staff recognise that fact, accept that change is inevitable, and work constructively to avoid redundancies. Obvious solutions would be: NC guards retraining to become fully commercial; or redeployment of ticket staff to passenger assistance, helping with TVMs etc., a la LU.
Knowing the main union concerned I’m rather worried they lack the necessary pragmatism.
You sir l have zero sympathy with. The archetypical right wing Tory bigot shut your mouth and tug your forelock to your employers type. How dare those pesky teachers want to protect themselves, their pupils, and their health. I support them. I despise the current Government.
How ironic. In your righteous indignation you’ve just perfectly described exactly the contemptible attitude you yourself regularly display on here towards railway staff and unions.
Let me guess: all unions are equal, but some are more equal than others?