Tube strike FFS

[myothernameis]

The tube way staff and railway staff should do what the Chinese bus drivers did, and it brilliant

So the Chinese bus drivers went on strike, but insted of picketing, they tan a bus service, but with no fares being charged

London underground staff should do this, but keep the trams running, but no one needs to pay, Lfl would lose millions in possible revenue

[hendrix]

The tube way staff and railway staff should do what the Chinese bus drivers did, and it brilliant

So the Chinese bus drivers went on strike, but insted of picketing, they tan a bus service, but with no fares being charged

London underground staff should do this, but keep the trams running, but no one needs to pay, Lfl would lose millions in possible revenue

Unfortunately, that's illegal for them to do in the UK.

External Link/Members Only

[bluegene]

Unfortunately, that's illegal for them to do in the UK.

External Link/Members Only

Just for a laugh.

Imagine this, sex workers strike like strikers in Japan. They put an arm band, still work but don’t charge clients…

Reality is that scenario was back in the 50, 60, 70s (External Link/Members Only)

[Denhamhoop]

TFL is advising not to travel too early on Wednesday (or Friday) as the service may still be a bit f*cked. 

On the day following a Tube Strike do not look to be using the service before 8 am every time without fail hence a nightmare for me in bids to get home from my Night Shift

[stayer]

I'm in the fortunate postion of being able to use the Elizabeth Line (which has Central London stations at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street) and there are no strikes planned on buses, DLR and London Overground. Another thing to bear in mind is that national rail services always have stops inside London, and I've used some over the years like between St Pancras and Farringdon and between Paddington and Ealing Broadway. if you've got a punt organised it may still be possible to make it by some combination of non-Tube services.

[Brompton]

Just on the news apps tube strikes “suspended”

[JimmyWong]

Just on the news apps tube strikes “suspended”

Yep they're called off now. Shame! I had started to make plans that didn't involve going into the office next week.

[Punting2022]

More strikes, all this week. Forget about seeing escorts. how can one go work etc, Hospitals etc.

 

[sparkus]

More strikes, all this week. Forget about seeing escorts. how can one go work etc, Hospitals etc.

I only use the mainline trains these days so should be OK apparently, I agree it's a kick in the pants for others, especially in such emergencies.

I noticed a few usual haunts didn't really snap back into gear this week so I wonder if next week wil also be as dead for them.

[TheJoker147]

Bloody tube strikes meant that I had to cancel an arranged meeting with Ellie Rose after years of trying. Haven't been able to get hold of her ever since!

[Jonestown]

More strikes, all this week. Forget about seeing escorts. how can one go work etc, Hospitals etc.

Going to be hard for those girls who don't work from home to get into the "office" so to speak either. outcalls going to be thin on the ground perhaps too.

[Mr Sinister]

Unless you can jump on rail/overground trying to punt next week will be an absolute nightmare for many and it's all bloody week.

You can only hope and pray some interesting wgs pop up in your area a walking distance away.

[arrow0404]

Top up your Oyster card looks like it’s been cancelled

[MLawro93]

Strike is cancelled. 

[StingRay]

Strike is cancelled. 

Oh no, those poor people have to get up to go to work tomorrow, like the rest of us!

[arrow0404]

There’s a five day tube strike this weeks very frustrating (even if there is limited service on some lines )

[Stevelondon]

Bloody tube strikes meant that I had to cancel an arranged meeting with Ellie Rose after years of trying. Haven't been able to get hold of her ever since!

Not helpful I know cos I have no idea where you’re coming from or what travel plans you need to put in place.

But if I had a booking in place with Ellie and there was a tube strike.

1. I’d be getting the overland train to Waterloo and walking the rest.
2. Stealing a bike
3. Hitch hiking

 

[JustaPunter]

Is it over the night tube again?

It worked fine when those that wanted to work nights, worked nights, but the twats in suits decided to break the Status quo and make everyone work some nights. 


Just said on news it is possible there will be no service at all 

The new Strike is because this time they want a reduction in the Working Week to 32 hours

[arrow0404]

The new Strike is because this time they want a reduction in the Working Week to 32 hours

What ever it is there aim is to cause maximum disruption.

Not being able to punt is minor I feel for those who have hospitals appointments or other serious engagements .

Apparently the Elizabeth line is running through

[stayer]

The Elizabeth line is going to be chocka and will be important for many people. I'll be using it for a meeting with one of my regs next week in Paddington.

[bigden40]

So tube drivers, who earn more than £70,000 per annum want more money eh, their work week reduced from 35 to 32 hours and a 75% discount on UK-wide rail travel.

Get tae fuck

[hendrix]

So tube drivers, who earn more than £70,000 per annum want more money eh, their work week reduced from 35 to 32 hours and a 75% discount on UK-wide rail travel.

Get tae fuck

I'm in London, and inconvenienced, but wish them well. The bosses however, can get to fuck.

[Stevelondon]

I'm in London, and inconvenienced, but wish them well. The bosses however, can get to fuck.

It’s not so much the buses as the people who use them 

[hendrix]

It’s not so much the buses as the people who use them 

 

[bigden40]

I'm in London, and inconvenienced, but wish them well. The bosses however, can get to fuck.

I’m also massively inconvenienced and do not wish them well.  They are well paid for the job they do and have seen significant improvements in their package over a period when most that use their service have not.

[MLawro93]

I’m also massively inconvenienced and do not wish them well.  They are well paid for the job they do and have seen significant improvements in their package over a period when most that use their service have not.

Surely this highlights the strength of a well-supported union? If people are organised and prepared to strike, you'll get your rewards. Who would have thought?   

[hendrix]

I’m also massively inconvenienced and do not wish them well.  They are well paid for the job they do and have seen significant improvements in their package over a period when most that use their service have not.

Not their fault that the rest have allowed themselves to be neutered  probably a political discussion now, so will leave it 

[Bangman]

There lucky they have a union...
They already are overpaid, get a lot of benefits. They have the best pension scheme ive seen.  They get 6 times more what they contribute..
Its very difficult to get a job there. I heard 100000s apply every year, So many interview phases. Its even more difficult to become a train driver. I think its crazy they get 80k to 130k (or more) a year.
There's 100s of thousands of people that will work instead for much less..

Apart from working conditions, I have no sympathy for them...I would support the union finally getting replaced with a hr depth..  not sure if that's possible

Im looking at some of the bus stops as im driving, roads are more busier as a result and forced to pay the expensive congestion zone price, courtesy of that crook mayor, 5 times more people waiting, bus arrives and doesn't open door cos its already, Frustrated people then calling a uber, but its triple the price... Best to stay home if possible

[bigden40]

Tbh I think this is short-sighted from the Union at this time.  London economy is struggling and this group has had a better outcome than most.

If I was in charge of TfL I’d be very noisily doubling down on driverless technology. It’s inevitable anyway. 

[petermisc]

If I was in charge of TfL I’d be very noisily doubling down on driverless technology. It’s inevitable anyway.

Aren't the "train operators" that sit at the front of the automatically driven Victoria line trains paid more than regular drivers on other lines?

I am surprised that they didn't go for automatic for the Elizabeth line, at least for the new bit.  I suspect the argument was that if they have to have someone on board to drive when things go wrong, then they might as well drive it anyway rather than get bored silly.

[Stevelondon]

Aren't the "train operators" that sit at the front of the automatically driven Victoria line trains paid more than regular drivers on other lines?

I am surprised that they didn't go for automatic for the Elizabeth line, at least for the new bit.  I suspect the argument was that if they have to have someone on board to drive when things go wrong, then they might as well drive it anyway rather than get bored silly.

Won’t be long before your sitting aboard that plane heading off to a punting holiday somewhere far off.
You hear over the tannoy,

“This your captain speaking”

He’s sitting in front of a screen in a portacabin. Gatwick South. 

[advent2016]

Aren't the "train operators" that sit at the front of the automatically driven Victoria line trains paid more than regular drivers on other lines?

I am surprised that they didn't go for automatic for the Elizabeth line, at least for the new bit.  I suspect the argument was that if they have to have someone on board to drive when things go wrong, then they might as well drive it anyway rather than get bored silly.

Driverless trains are much more complicated than you might think.
A train driver is probably responsible for more passengers than a commercial airline pilot, and they are often paid much more and have automatic landing systems.
I want the person at the front of my train to try and prevent another "Moorgate" type disaster and to be able to react in an emergency.

There have been several FOI requests
Here is a successful one
External Link/Members Only

[sparkus]

I’m also massively inconvenienced and do not wish them well.  They are well paid for the job they do and have seen significant improvements in their package over a period when most that use their service have not.

It used to be said that there were only three jobs in which working class Londoners could pull in big salaries and retire with a big house: print workers (always on strike in the 70s until Murdoch smashed them), black cabbies (done for by Uber) and tube drivers (tick, tock...)

[Waterhouse]

External Link/Members Only

Says it all IMO…  selfish, greedy, lazy, overpaid tunnel rat c**nts..!

Less than zero sympathy for any of them. Harsh?  Maybe, but the impact of their action not only impacts commuters and businesses, it affects anyone who has a genuine reason for needing to travel in London.

[MichaelDBW]

I was at somewhere like Earl's Court or Gloucester Road tube on my way to or from a punt a couple of months ago. My ticket wouldn't go through the barrier so I had to find the attendant and he'd fallen fast asleep in his kiosk/cabin! No doubt they have to put up with nonsense and abuse but I reckon It's not a bad job in these times

[Stevelondon]

I was at somewhere like Earl's Court or Gloucester Road tube on my way to or from a punt a couple of months ago. My ticket wouldn't go through the barrier so I had to find the attendant and he'd fallen fast asleep in his kiosk/cabin! No doubt they have to put up with nonsense and abuse but I reckon It's not a bad job in these times

I suppose for some they might want that.

In my youth I worked behind the bar to supplement my income. If it was quiet it was the longest night. Loved it when the place was busy…….. time flies etc.

[advent2016]

Work for an organization with a strong union. RMT and Aslef (Mostly train drivers, who haven't been on strike much recently).
Previously they only went on strike for odd days and their employer took no notice.

Multi day stoppages (that only lose individuals one or two days) where one day drivers withhold labour another it's signal operations, another safety, another cleaners etc.
I expect they will only to do this a couple of times and some money will magically be found to pay them.

The BBC say the direct cost to businesses could be £230M

The unions here are highly regulated, and they have complicated rules and ballots required that usually have a large positive vote for the action.
External Link/Members Only

Maybe time for single nationalized company that runs all rail travel across the whole country including trains, track, stations etc.

Economies of scale - Single IT and ticketing system, single app, single HR, single pensions, and all the other things a large enterprise needs , potentially a pool of more staff to call upon. Trouble is we don't seem to be very good at large systems - Take HS2

[Massage Bloke]

Driverless trains are much more complicated than you might think.
A train driver is probably responsible for more passengers than a commercial airline pilot, and they are often paid much more and have automatic landing systems.
I want the person at the front of my train to try and prevent another "Moorgate" type disaster and to be able to react in an emergency.

It was the driver that caused the Moorgate Disaster...

[Heph]

London is one of very few few cities (it may the only one of similar stature) which doesn't have a no-strike rule on such critical infrastructure

It's worth bearing in mind that the union members in question are trying to reduce their weekly working hours from an extremely onerous 35 hours basic to a much more humane 32 (despite many of them normally opting to work overtime)

Also, that one of the most efficient, frequent, reliable and safest lines (The Victoria Line) has been automated since 1968. There is no good reason why all the others can't be.

I personally braved the balls-ache today and made sure I got to my punt on time - vigourously schtupping the masseuse in question as a blow for punterly rights. Vive la putain!

[Handel2020]

I cancelled a punt at HOD last year over tube strikes. I cancelled a few days in advance but even the maid was effing and blinding on the phone that there had been so many strikes.

[advent2016]

The cost of updating all the lines was estimated to be £60 Billion. Hard to justify how that is good value for money.
External Link/Members Only

If we look at the cost overruns on HS2 I imagine it could cost a lot more and not achieve the original goal

[petermisc]

Also, that one of the most efficient, frequent, reliable and safest lines (The Victoria Line) has been automated since 1968. There is no good reason why all the others can't be.

What would be the benefit?  There is still someone sitting at the front of every Victoria line train, but who gets paid more than a regular driver.  So the end result of paying for all that automation would be that you would pay all the drivers more, and it would be just as prone to strike action as before.

[Private Parts]

In my very humble opinion.

These strikers are selfish c*nts.

People who regularly work over 10 hours a day on a five day week
must look at the attitude of the unions in striking with disgust.

In my very humble opinion 

[sparkus]

What would be the benefit?  There is still someone sitting at the front of every Victoria line train, but who gets paid more than a regular driver.  So the end result of paying for all that automation would be that you would pay all the drivers more, and it would be just as prone to strike action as before.

Before my time but didn't the tube used to have 'guards' on each train?

[advent2016]

In my very humble opinion.

These strikers are selfish c*nts.

People who regularly work over 10 hours a day on a five day week
must look at the attitude of the unions in striking with disgust.

In my very humble opinion 

Could be seen as jealousy. Don't like you job? get a better paid one. I did. People used to shoot at me and I couldn't go on strike. I left and got a much better job, and rarely does anyone shoot at me any more.
It doesn't have to be a race to the bottom, paying people the minimum. I think everyone should work a say 32 hour week instead of the current 48 hour and have time to self develop, look after their mental health. Rightly, it's quite a long road to become a tube driver and work for TFL in another role for a few years, and then pass a tough selection test.

[BillT]

Could be seen as jealousy. Don't like you job? get a better paid one. I did. People used to shoot at me and I couldn't go on strike. I left and got a much better job, and rarely does anyone shoot at me any more.
It doesn't have to be a race to the bottom, paying people the minimum. I think everyone should work a say 32 hour week instead of the current 48 hour and have time to self develop, look after their mental health. Rightly, it's quite a long road to become a tube driver and work for TFL in another role for a few years, and then pass a tough selection test.

That.

Anyone calling tube drivers rude names is just jealous that whatever they do for a living doesnt pay as well.

I dont work for TFL in any capacity. But if striking could get me that money and those hours in my current vocation. I'd be all for it. Especially whilst the managers higher up rake it for dont very little. Heck my current manager is a lazy s.o.b and hes paid far better than his abilites deserve.

Driving a Tube must be a skilled, intesive job. Cant make any mistakes. Or people could die. Perfect stop into every station after all. Dealing with the public who are often knobs!

I can think of other groups who I'd rather see out of work or paid far less. But most of them are in Westminster


On a related note, my last punt (review once enough time has passed) I walked the mile from the train station to the flat. No need to burden yourselves with the tube or worse buses

[hendrix]

Could be seen as jealousy. Don't like you job? get a better paid one. I did. People used to shoot at me and I couldn't go on strike. I left and got a much better job, and rarely does anyone shoot at me any more.
It doesn't have to be a race to the bottom, paying people the minimum. I think everyone should work a say 32 hour week instead of the current 48 hour and have time to self develop, look after their mental health. Rightly, it's quite a long road to become a tube driver and work for TFL in another role for a few years, and then pass a tough selection test.

👏🏾 👏🏾

[Heph]

Nope... my neighbour works in a train station.. ive had this debate with him so many times (about salary and strikes). He gets around 60k a year, the drivers get average 80k-140k a year, his complaint is they have to work anti social hours. I told him theres plenty of people that will hapilly work those hours for much a lower salary.

I was shocked to hear there pension scheme, they get 6 times more then what they contribute. Still there not satisfied.

Way too overpaid. I have zero sympathy

Viva full-automation! Cannot wait for them to go the way of all things.

[Waterhouse]

That.

Anyone calling tube drivers rude names is just jealous that whatever they do for a living doesnt pay as well.

I dont work for TFL in any capacity. But if striking could get me that money and those hours in my current vocation. I'd be all for it. Especially whilst the managers higher up rake it for dont very little. Heck my current manager is a lazy s.o.b and hes paid far better than his abilites deserve.

Driving a Tube must be a skilled, intesive job. Cant make any mistakes. Or people could die. Perfect stop into every station after all. Dealing with the public who are often knobs!

I can think of other groups who I'd rather see out of work or paid far less. But most of them are in Westminster


On a related note, my last punt (review once enough time has passed) I walked the mile from the train station to the flat. No need to burden yourselves with the tube or worse buses

Are you taking the piss or just trolling to provoke a reaction - did you not already take in that they simply sit in the driver’s seat on the Victoria line or knit and watch vids on their mobiles while supposedly “driving” the tube trains? 

You talk about walking a mile to your last punt - bully for you..! What about all the people who actually need a functioning public transport system to attend hospital appointments, urgent dental appointments, funeral services, visiting loved ones in care homes or even hospices? Let alone commuters who earn a damn site less and actually graft for a living. Businesses and students also spring to mind as having to suffer due to a bunch of lazy, greedy, overpaid tunnel rats. Punting is bottom of the list, although SPs are also likely to have their income impacted.

And jealousy doesn’t even enter into it on my part, I do alright without having to fuck-up other peoples lives and livlihoods. Calling a strike in the public sector is just a cunts trick in my book, especially when the people who pay their wages i.e. the taxpayers, are the ones who suffer due to it, not the TFL or the NHS or the government; who by the way are equally cuntish and I do agree with your second to last sentence.

[hendrix]

Good and balanced piece on automation. As you might expect "automate" means different things to different people. A lot of the trains are already "automated" - the infrastructure is a different challenge.

External Link/Members Only