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[STMO999]

The rail workers have been stopped by an injunction, as were BA's staff. This can only end in tears.

[Kiksomass]

I totally agree.As a paid up member of Unite myself,I will be asking some questions to my Union rep and Senior Shop Steward.This shifts the balance of power squarely in the hands of the employer who in theory could ride rough shod over everyone and make life hell.This is not a good move

[Allenm]

Errr no!  Strikes are not illegal, ignoring the rules on organising strike action makes that action unlawful.  The injunction would have had no basis in law (and therefore been thrown out) had the union acted properly.

[Lazydocker]

Which is why our ballot has taken Unite 2 months to organise...

[Martin_1962]

There are a large number of people made redundant in the last year.

I think they would like to work.

[tunnie]

There are a large number of people made redundant in the last year.

I think they would like to work.

Exactly.

BA deserve to go bust!

[pscocoa]

Key workers who can bring the country/economy to a standstill should not be allowed to strike. Having said that the only fair way forward is for disputes to be referred to arbitration but of course we have had  instances when arbitration decisions are not followed -police pay etc.

But the arbitrators have to in future consider the interests of the population as a whole and just not look at problems in terms of indices to guide pay if the public purse cannot afford the pay awards.

The last thing this country needs right now is a reputation for continuous strike actions undermining jobs and the economy.

Targetting signalman as the union's weapon - maximum disruption for least number of its members affected is totally wrong. Abuse of power in my view.

[STMO999]

In my original post I wasn't saying that either side were right or wrong, I was merely stating that, if unions and their members think that their final sanction has been taken away from them, there will be a breakdown in communications. Sometimes a long, drawn out war of attrition can be worse than a strike.

I must say though, I do think that everyone, public servant or otherwise, should have the option of withdrawing their labour.

[cem_devecioglu]

In my original post I wasn't saying that either side were right or wrong, I was merely stating that, if unions and their members think that their final sanction has been taken away from them, there will be a breakdown in communications. Sometimes a long, drawn out war of attrition can be worse than a strike.

I must say though, I do think that everyone, public servant or otherwise, should have the option of withdrawing their labour.

not in a capitalist economy

I know I dont have a white beard but how many times I need to say that again

[CaptainZok]

Which is why our ballot has taken Unite 2 months to organise...

Mind they don't make an upcock of it similar to this one.
It wouldn't be the first time.

[pscocoa]

I think arbitration is the way but choosing the arbitrators is the real challenge.

If for example Williie Walsh is a bully (I don't know for certain whether he is or is not) and he has a misguided view of the situation - he would certainly approach labour relations differently if he knew that his actions would be reviewed as part of an arbitration process where he had to justify his position and actions to a tribunal.

Same for the unions of course - if they are defending inefficient practices then persons knowledgeable in the particular trade should be able to form a view as to what is reasonable in terms of efficiency to carry out a function.

When I go to South Africa on BA the cabin crew seem to have 3 or 4 days in Cape Town before coming back . I can see where there may be issues to be addressed.

The problem is how to choose the arbitrators - judges who have no business knowledge would not be good although one judge on a panel may be helpful. I think this needs far more consideration as a way forward than just 2 sets of idiots slugging it out whilst the country suffers or seems to be a laughing stock to the outside world.

[Lizzie_Zoom]

With the RMT they have caused their own problems.  They organised a ballot and somehow balleted at least one signal box staff who do not exist after a fire some time ago, and according to Network Rail missed the balloting of another signal box completely.  The numbers of staff involved numbered 300, and the ballot to strike went through on a majority of just 126.

If RMT cannot get it right legally, then why should they be able to hold a legal strike?  The court has made the right decision. 8-) 8-)

[pembsomega]

why do we even need unions theses days? we have a minimum wage and a maxium working hours per week (which thankfully we can opt out if if we choose. everyone has a contract of employment.

if you dont like your job or the rules or practises your employer sets, you know where the door is.

[hoofing it]

The rail workers have been stopped by an injunction, as were BA's staff. This can only end in tears.

Rulling courtesy of Maggie (the b*tch)Thatcher.
We council workers in scotland have had the singal status forced on us.
The RMT are right to bring to our attention that network rail are scrapping (some) line walkers whats it worth another Paddington,pendalino derailment you can't put money on life what would change there minds the network rail bosses being in a derailing train.
It's about time managment were getting axed to pay for us the workers.
well rant over

[Banjax]

the first death after the abolition of the three detonator system and all the talk of modernising and streamlining won't mean jack

the railway industry has already gone through so much trimming in the last few decades that the guys who are left are vital, maybe the same can't be said for management (most of whom wouldn't know an honest days work). the shocking thing is they're training management for 3 days to cover as signalmen - normally a 16 week programme to be fully ratified...........is that what they mean by crash course?

i've said it before and i'll bore you again, safety is not the priority of business - profit is. someones going to pay a price unfortunately