A Political Thread

[McTallshort]

Well a train strike in London and you would think watching the BBC that the whole world had come to an end.

 

[ncurd]

TBF it's apparently effecting over a quarter of a million people, the impact on business' will probably cost the economy a huge amount of money, its pretty big news.

Who's right and wrong I'm not entirely sure but you do have to ask why Southern Rail is having so many problems with the RMT and all the other groups are doing okay.

 

[ratsapprentice]

It's arguably the largest GDP producing areas in the world, Tallshort.

And it's not just London, it's all of the home counties - it's mostly affecting those who live outside, but travel in. And it's been going on for 6 months.

 

[McTallshort]

Russian ambassador shot in Turkey and another possible terrorist attack in Germany. Crap end to a testing year

 

[ncurd]

and another possible terrorist attack in Germany. Crap end to a testing year

Whilst I suspect it is I'd hold off saying it publically before its announced. Misinformation will lead people to think it is long after the actual facts are established. Afterall it could be another event like this.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Glasgow_bin_lorry_crash

 

[McTallshort]

That's why I said possible but I'm willing to bet a few quid it is

 

[Gavin]

False flag?

Aleppo is liberated from moderate rebels and terrorists affiliates. Western powers who backed groups shown it was a waste of time.

Planned political covert attack on a Russian minister, then an apparent gun attack near the USA Embassy in Turkey, then an apparent terrorist attack in Germany?

Too much of a coincidence for me really.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

TBF it's apparently effecting over a quarter of a million people, the impact on business' will probably cost the economy a huge amount of money, its pretty big news.

If the other 249,999 are as hacked off as I am on the back of it then there'll be a lot of bloody miserable people out there. Absolutely saps the energy and productivity. The worst bit is that as far as I can see it's an argument over nothing. I don't like conspiracy theories, but I am starting to wonder if this is all about a wider political objective. Seasonal goodwill is in short supply.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

If the other 249,999 are as hacked off as I am on the back of it then there'll be a lot of bloody miserable people out there. Absolutely saps the energy and productivity. The worst bit is that as far as I can see it's an argument over nothing. I don't like conspiracy theories, but I am starting to wonder if this is all about a wider political objective. Seasonal goodwill is in short supply.

The Sunday Times were reported in their weekend edition that their leader was heard telling his members that the ultimate aim of RMT strikes is to bring down the Tory Government and install Corbyn in. Of course, this was denied by them.

 

[ncurd]

Ultimately it's about jobs the RMT are rightly worried that moving to driver operated doors they will in time remove the role of conductor for trains.

There is a legitimate question of health and safety which they are using as a guise to try to protect those jobs. Essentially what happens if something happens on train that requires the attention of a member of staff? Secondly what happens to help someone with limited mobility (like needing a ramp) attempts to enter the train.

Southern Rail claims they will not get rid of a second person but I doubt they'll keep to that word.

Do feel really sorry for those caught up in this mess but this only going to get worse as employers keep treating their staff like dirt as they take millions to the bank.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

ncurd. I use a station on the main London to Brighton line, but on some strike days I've used a different Southern line which has long had driver only trains. Guess what, no-one's died and disabled people can get on and off OK (I think the platform staff sort that out). On a risk basis, the need for a conductor is extremely low and in rush hour the trains are so rammed that they can't move through the carriages anyway. It's not like the drivers don't have technology or platform staff to assist them. All industries change over time - mine has, significantly - and people have to adapt and be flexible.

The Blindside - that's what I was driving at. I really hope that's not the case but I am beginning to wonder.

 

[ncurd]

I can only assume you are right but I have not read that anywhere, I did read today the RMT are claiming they have specific agreements with other services in relation to driver operated door trains.

Don't get me wrong though I'm always massively skeptical of people at the top large unions and their links with Labour. However it has to be remembered the worker still need to chose to strike and are unpaid during it to chose to that there has to be more than politics at stake for them.

Personally think both sides (at the top) are playing silly buggers, the goverment have already insuated they will use this an excuse for trying to curtail further ability to strike of certain 'essential' services.

Also most union reps I find are too full of their own self worth trying to justify their own place than looking after people.

Its a problem but I'd rather have union representation than not (I don't) because as an employee when a breakdown between myself and employer occurs I'd rather be backed up than having no one to fall back on.

 

[McTallshort]

50% of Southern rail trains are already driver only

- - - Updated - - -

False flag?

Aleppo is liberated from moderate rebels and terrorists affiliates. Western powers who backed groups shown it was a waste of time.

Planned political covert attack on a Russian minister, then an apparent gun attack near the USA Embassy in Turkey, then an apparent terrorist attack in Germany?

Too much of a coincidence for me really.

Whats your theory then?

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

ncurd. Quite happy with worker representation, but that power needs to be exercised responsibly and, in this case, it doesn't feel like it is.

As for workers "choosing to strike", I suspect that the peer pressure is enormous. Just a guess on my part, but I bet things can get pretty uncomfortable for those not toeing the line.

 

[McTallshort]

I can only assume you are right but I have not read that anywhere, I did read today the RMT are claiming they have specific agreements with other services in relation to driver operated door trains.

Don't get me wrong though I'm always massively skeptical of people at the top large unions and their links with Labour. However it has to be remembered the worker still need to chose to strike and are unpaid during it to chose to that there has to be more than politics at stake for them.

Personally think both sides (at the top) are playing silly buggers, the goverment have already insuated they will use this an excuse for trying to curtail further ability to strike of certain 'essential' services.

Also most union reps I find are too full of their own self worth trying to justify their own place than looking after people.

Its a problem but I'd rather have union representation than not (I don't) because as an employee when a breakdown between myself and employer occurs I'd rather be backed up than having no one to fall back on.

They will/should get strike pay from the Union. Its not a full days wages but it is something.

 

[ncurd]

They will/should get strike pay from the Union. Its not a full days wages but it is something.

Fair enough having never been part of union I'll admit to being a little in the dark.

 

[McTallshort]

Fair enough having never been part of union I'll admit to being a little in the dark.

Chances are as well they would have all done a bit of OT in the previous month to cover the Christmas shopping sorry Strike days

 

[McTallshort]

Well the old German police have made a right mess of things, looks like the prime suspect was even treated for his wounds in hospital after the attack and still slipped away.

 

[Groundhog]

Right cock up indeed. The guy was recognised as a potential jihadist well in advance and didn't seem to think he'd get away with it himself.
Hope the dirty scum culprit is put down slowly and painfully.

 

[Gavin]

Cock up or intentionally letting him escape (whoever 'him' is)

The terrorist casually left him ID in the vehicle and it took German police 20 hours to discover it in the footwell (from reports I've read). Seems like the German police need to have annual eye tests for their officers, or it was an inside job.