We’re Taking Money Out Of Government, Says Starmer As Cuts Loom
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in The Times.
This is the sub-heading.
Rachel Reeves faces a showdown with unions over plans to slash government running costs, which may mean the loss of five times more Whitehall jobs than previously planned
Welcome to the Summer of Discontent.
Thousands Of Jobs To Be Axed In Great Rail Shake-Up
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in The Times.
This is the sub-heading.
Most of the cuts are expected to be in back-office roles where staff are not members of the most active transport trade unions
Welcome to the Summer of Discontent.
Striking Train Drivers Want Extra Pay For Using Tablets
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on The Times.
These four paragraphs explain the impasse.
Striking train drivers are demanding extra pay for using tablet devices at work.
The tablets, which are similar to iPads, are designed to send announcements to drivers and notify them of temporary speed limits on routes.
However, union chiefs are demanding so-called “technology payments” for members expected to use such devices.
Train companies usually have to rely on noticeboards to communicate with drivers. Messages, including safety instructions, are still placed at the end of platforms for drivers to see from their cabs.
Mark Harper, the transport secretary, i quoted as saying: “Aslef continues to stand in the way of vital reforms needed to safeguard the future of the railways.”
Are we in the 21st or the 19th centuries?
But the article leaves the best to last.
It has previously been reported that rail workers were given paid time off if they had to use a microwave at work. The rule from 1980 states:
All staff working with microwave ovens shall be permitted to take time off from work, with pay, for a medical check of any effects on them from the microwave ovens. Such checks shall be made at not less than six monthly intervals on request.
Does your partner demand similar rewards for putting your ready meal in the microwave?
There is also this comment from a reader.
I did 19 years as a driver, mainly with Southern. I remember when we were issued with mobile phones and later iPads there was a few dinosaurs who refused to charge them at home. Pathetic really. The iPad was great but only got 1 GB of mobile data. I destroyed that watching Tour du France when ‘spare’ and didn’t have any work allocated.
The worst Spanish practices mainly revolve around the facility time ASLEF reps get, and routinely abuse. At my depot 2 reps were released all day to scrutinise bank holiday diagrams. There were 7 diagrams to check. These diagrams are produced by software to make sure comply with regulations but need reps to sign off. No more than 5 minutes work but off all day. That’s 2 drivers, 8 or 9 times a year. These are the T&Cs changes that ASLEF won’t accept, under RDG offer diagram scrutiny would be taken away from reps.
Priceless! And all passengers and taxpayers are paying.
£20 Per Hour Is A 43 % Pay Increase Over £14 Per Hour
The BBC has just reported on the Junior Doctors Strike from outside University College Hospital.
- Banners were showing that their current pay rate is £14 per hour.
- In an interview, a strike leader said that junior doctors need an offer of £20 per hour.
That would be a pay increase of forty-three percent.
I’m sure we’d all like a pay or pension increase of that amount.
Trains Disrupted After Lorry Crashes Onto Tracks In East Lothian
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
These are the first two paragraphs.
Train services in and out of Edinburgh have been delayed after a lorry crashed onto the tracks in East Lothian.
The lorry driver was taken to hospital following the crash onto the East Coast Main Line between Wallyford and Prestonpans at about 13:30. His condition is not known.
Note.
- On a day with a rail strike, this was all that was needed.
- The place name is appropriate.
There is no excuse for an accident like this.
Tube Strikes: Passengers Warned Of Widespread Disruption
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
I can see a scenario, where the Tories put something in their next General Election manifesto to bring a little bit of sense to the RMT and there is a total National rail strike during the election.
It would be Starmer’s worst nightmare!
As it is this morning, I’ll probably have difficulty getting to Moorgate for my gluten-free full English breakfast and do my food shopping for the weekend in Marks and Spencer.
RMT Head Office Closed Due To Strike Action
The title of this post, is the same as this article on ITV.
Looks like a case of the biter bit!
Scottish Transport Minister ‘Perplexed’ By COP26 Strikes
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Railnews.
I’ll leave them to continue arguing,
But I am perplexed too! Especially as the other unions have signed up to a similar deal.
RMT Calls New Strike Ballot On ScotRail
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on RailNews.
This is the first paragraph.
The RMT has served notice of an industrial action ballot on ScotRail as the latest development in its long-running pay dispute. The union said that the schedule for the ballot would permit action to take place during COP26 if, as expected, its members voted yes. Over two thousand RMT members will be polled. A few days earlier nine out of 10 ScotRail ticket examiners had confirmed their backing for continued strikes. The law required another vote, because industrial action began six months ago.
Does the date of the strike, illustrate the RMT’s views on climate change and COP26.
Metrolink Tram Drivers To Strike After ‘Pitiful’ Pay Offer
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Railnews.
The strikes will be on the 25th and 26th September, which coincide with a Manchester United home match and the Great Manchester Run.
It would appear that Unite’s new boss; Sharon Graham means business. And in Manchester’s case, a drop in business activity for two days.
I wonder how many extra tonnes of carbon dioxide will be emitted in Manchester on each day of the strike, as people swap from the electric trams to their cars.
The Anonymous Widower 