More Victoria Line Misery. Thanks, Bob Crow!
Posted by jonathanfryer on Wednesday, 20th May, 2009
The Victoria Line, which provides a particularly invaluable service for people living at either end — Wathamstow and Brixton — has been subject to repeated weekend closures over the past couple of years, because of engineering work. But from late this evening (unless long-suffering passengers are given a last-minute reprieve), the line will shut down again — this time because of a strike by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT). The RMT union’s chief, Bow Crow, has been aptly described by the BBC as the man his critics love to hate and I confess he sets my teeth on edge — with rage. As someone who relies 100 per cent on public transport, I am sick to death of being victimised by trade unionists who say they are defending their members’ rights. Sometimes the strikes are about issues of safety, which in principle is a worthy cause. But such matters should be settled through discussion between unions and management, not by inflicting inconvenience and financial losses on passengers who depend on public transport to get to work.
So, you can imagine how pleased I was to get a leaflet through my door this morning with Bob Crow’s picture on it — as the Number 1 on the list of the ‘No2EU’ group standing in the European elections, on a so-called ’progressive alliance’ ticket against EU policies. The leaflet asks whether recipients are concerned that EU economic policies do not benefit ordinary people, to which the obvious response is ‘Mr Crow, are you not concerned that your strikes do not benefit ordinary people?’ I shall carry Mr Crow’s leaflet in my pocket, and if I run into him or any RMT official tomorrow, will tell him where he can stuff it.
Walton Andrew said
So this shows where the Lib Dems are on the issue of strikes – not on the side of workers, but on the side of bosses. London Underground struck in 2007 against privatisation – so that the service could continue to be run as a public service and not to make profits for fat cats. We all have the right to strike and a temporary inconvenience is a small price to pay.
This is an instance of strikers benefitting the public. Likewise, black cab drivers have been flocking to join the RMT because their business is suffering in time of recession.
I would urge people to vote No2EU – a party that does stand up for ordinary people.
Richard said
Walton, why does the view of one Liberal Democrat make you think that “this shows where the Lib Dems are on the issue of strikes – not on the side of workers, but on the side of bosses”?