whitstable, Local Online News Community, Forums, Chats, For Sale, Classified, Offers, Film Reviews, Events, Motors Sale, Property For Sale Rent, Jobs, Hotels, Taxi, Restaurants, Pubs, Clubs, Pictures, Sports, Charities, Lost Found

  1. Published on: 22/03/2017 09:26 AMReported by: roving-eye
    RMT confirms new strike date on Merseyrail in fight to retain safety-critical guards.



    RAIL UNION RMT has confirmed a new strike date on Merseyrail after the company wrecked talks yesterday over the crucial issue of the future of the safety critical role of the guard.

    Drivers and guards will take action as follows:

    Members will strike for 24 hours between 0001 hours and 2359 hours on Saturday 8th April 2017.‎

    In addition, the union will be stepping up the campaign, involving the general public and targeting politicians across the area served by Merseyrail, aimed at maximising political and public support for RMT’s fight for a guaranteed guard on the company’s services.

    RMT General secretary Mick Cash said:
    “It is disgraceful that Merseyrail wrecked a golden opportunity to engage in serious talks with the union yesterday. RMT reps set out key points for discussion that could have moved the dispute forwards, Merseyrail kicked that conciliatory approach back in our faces and made it crystal clear that all that they are interested in is the union signing a surrender document which gives them a free hand to rip apart the safety culture on the railway.

    “It is that cynical and hostile stance from Merseyrail which has left us with no option but to put on this additional strike action. RMT recognises the severe impact that the action will have on Grand National Day but we are dealing with an employer that refuses to listen or engage with the union on the critical issue of safe rail operation and we ask the public to understand that we have no option but to take this high-profile action to force the company back to the negotiating table.

    There is ample time between now and April 8th for genuine talks to take place and for a safe and sustainable deal that protects the future safety across Merseyrail services to be put in place. The company should take up that offer of further talks as a matter of urgency.

    “Merseyrail are completely ignoring the clear wishes of their own passengers, who overwhelmingly oppose the idea of Driver Only Operated trains on their network. That pig-headed attitude has forced the union’s hand and the idea that we would compromise on the fundamental issue of rail safety is absurd. The ball is now firmly in Merseyrail’s court.”

    Useful links: Report Cyber Crime | Stop Nuisance Calls & Mail | Daily Covid Stats (updated 4pm) | Covid excess deaths in your area | Local NHS Resources | What 3 Words





  2. Check Todays Deals on Ebay.co.uk      Check Todays Deals On Amazon.co.uk

    Your Comments:


  3. cotton man says:22/03/2017 11:10 AM
    Militant Union activity such as this deters large companies from investing in areas. At a time when we are leaving the European Union, trades unions should be presenting a friendly compliant attitude to work to encourage commercial investment.
    Employers want to make money for themselves and their employees, stoppages and continuing confrontation is detrimental to all.

  4. tonyhey says:22/03/2017 01:06 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by cotton man View Post
    Militant Union activity such as this deters large companies from investing in areas. At a time when we are leaving the European Union, trades unions should be presenting a friendly compliant attitude to work to encourage commercial investment.
    Employers want to make money for themselves and their employees, stoppages and continuing confrontation is detrimental to all.
    Many Union officials are dinosaurs, stuck in the time warp when the likes of Scargill and Hatton ruled the day. It's just a pity that we can't bring Maggie back, she'd sort them out.

  5. Aspi says:22/03/2017 01:55 PM
    have either of the previous two posters actually read and absorbed the wider information available on this issue rather than absorbing completely the blatant propoganda provided by Merseyrail bosses, before posting their anti-union rants? These guards provide an essential service and in addition to their core duties they offer reassurance and protection to the public who are passengers on the trains they guard. This is not about refusing to move with the times or refusal to embrace innovation, this is about opposition to CUTS, cuts which are designed to increase profits, cuts which are NOT going to enhance the passenger experience but WILL endanger and compromise them. I for one have many experiences which validate the absolute necessity of having guards in place on trains....have you any tangible evidence to support your assertion that they are unecessary/surplus to requirements or blockers of progress???

  6. Aspi says:22/03/2017 01:58 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by tonyhey View Post
    Many Union officials are dinosaurs, stuck in the time warp when the likes of Scargill and Hatton ruled the day. It's just a pity that we can't bring Maggie back, she'd sort them out.
    How? By sequestering union funds and starving out the members families like she did the miners? With comments like that you are clearly the dinosaur, advocating draconian methodology rather than reasoned negotiations.

  7. ands71 says:22/03/2017 01:59 PM
    Why don't the rail companies just listen to their customers before putting profits first.....THEY WANT THE GUARDS !!!

  8. abbeyroad says:22/03/2017 02:18 PM
    If it wasn't for Margaret Thatcher taking on and curtailing the power of the Trade Unions then this country would have a basket case economy like France where Union militancy still prevails.

    That is the truth of the matter. Like it or lump it.

  9. Aspi says:22/03/2017 02:25 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by abbeyroad View Post
    If it wasn't for Margaret Thatcher taking on and curtailing the power of the Trade Unions then this country would have a basket case economy like France where Union militancy still prevails.

    That is the truth of the matter. Like it or lump it.
    Really? If it wasn't for Maggie Thatcher we could've retained a wealth of nationalised industries for the benefit of our own economy which now make enormous profits for overseas individuals and organisations.....Gas, Electric, Telecoms, oh and rail companies by odd coincidence, to name but a few.

    And THAT is the TRUTH of the matter.

  10. cotton man says:22/03/2017 02:54 PM
    The new trains are equipped with a shed load of safety features, and I fail to see a rail company continuing in business if they neglect passengers safety as there is also their legal responsibility for their passengers safety both on and off carriages. I do not see Merseyrail continuing in business if as implied passengers are "mugged" whilst traveling.
    As an employee you do what the company asks and pays for. If the company changes individual tasks and that employee doesn't agree then you go and find another position; as I have had to do several times in my long and successful working life.

  11. pedoja says:22/03/2017 02:59 PM
    The decision not to have guards on the trains on Grand National Day is reckless in the extreme.

    Will the trains run? Is it even safe to allow them to run without guards?

  12. gazaprop says:22/03/2017 03:35 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Aspi View Post
    Really? If it wasn't for Maggie Thatcher we could've retained a wealth of nationalised industries for the benefit of our own economy which now make enormous profits for overseas individuals and organisations.....Gas, Electric, Telecoms, oh and rail companies by odd coincidence, to name but a few.

    And THAT is the TRUTH of the matter.
    Anyone who thinks the Unions have their members interests at heart is deluded beyond reason - I agree they have had their uses in the past but now, unless they grasp the reality of modern global economics, they are a hindrance to their members and the businesses they continue to stalk.
    The majority of disputes highlighted recently are nothing more than an opportunity to rabble rouse, have a jolly down to that there London and allow ridiculous little men and women with hi-viz vests and clip boards to shout repetitive monosyllabic slogans at pigeons.
    The truth is that the hierarchy of the Unions live in un-fettered luxury at the expense of their members often paying more for a starter in a smart London restaurant than their members earn in a day.
    Unions - don't make me laugh!

  13. cotton man says:22/03/2017 03:44 PM
    Years ago various shops and large department stores had attendants who operated the lifts from floor to floor as it was unsafe for the public to do it themselves. Technology was brought in to lifts and individuals can safely use themselves. I am sure the train driver will have all that is required for safe travel.
    Too much Union interference could see driverless trains in the future.

  14. cotton man says:22/03/2017 04:20 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by gazaprop View Post
    Anyone who thinks the Unions have their members interests at heart is deluded beyond reason - I agree they have had their uses in the past but now, unless they grasp the reality of modern global economics, they are a hindrance to their members and the businesses they continue to stalk.
    The majority of disputes highlighted recently are nothing more than an opportunity to rabble rouse, have a jolly down to that there London and allow ridiculous little men and women with hi-viz vests and clip boards to shout repetitive monosyllabic slogans at pigeons.
    The truth is that the hierarchy of the Unions live in un-fettered luxury at the expense of their members often paying more for a starter in a smart London restaurant than their members earn in a day.
    Unions - don't make me laugh!
    Could not have put it better myself.

  15. Nash says:22/03/2017 04:38 PM
    The Law should be changed so that in the event of a driver only train being involved in a safety incident, then the manager who authorised the train as driver only is personally liable for damages, and can also be liable to imprisionment for negliance. Merseyrail being equally liable for such incidents on their trains.
    That would make sure that it would be a case of mind over money.

  16. tonyhey says:22/03/2017 04:48 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by pedoja View Post
    The decision not to have guards on the trains on Grand National Day is reckless in the extreme.

    Will the trains run? Is it even safe to allow them to run without guards?
    No Ped, the Union has called a full strike on Grand National Day, that is both reckless and irresponsible.


Custom Search

Search Qlocal (powered by google)
You are in: UK / Whitstable / South East
Find any Town in the UK, or Use UK map
Local Google MAP for Whitstable

User Control Panel

Not a Member? Sign Up!

Login or Register


Privacy & Cookie Policy


   

   Check Todays Deals On Amazon.co.uk
   Check Todays Deals on Ebay.co.uk



Booking.com

Firewood suppliers in whitstable
Replacement Stove Glass in whitstable
Supporting Local Business

Be Seen - Advertise on Qlocal






UK, Local Online News Community, Forums, Chats, For Sale, Classified, Offers, Vouchers, Events, Motors Sale, Property For Sale Rent, Jobs, Hotels, Taxi, Restaurants, Pubs, Clubs, Pictures, Sports, Charities, Lost Found
whitstablewhitstable News



Stats: Qlocal over 500,000 page views a month (google analytics)