The LNER Encyclopedia

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8586422.stm

Dunno what's going on here but I think this will be the first time since the General Strike of 1926 when the ultra moderate TSSA (or RCA as it was then) have taken such action. Somebody must have really upset them for them to do this.

Because times are hard management seem to think its open season on employees pay and rights not only on the railway but in several other mainstream organisations.

Got this off the BBC website from some chap having his say:

[I am disappointed that the RMT has called a strike, especially when the majority of its signalling members voted for action short of a strike. However, despite what Network Rail has said, the public need to be aware that safety concerns are paramount. Just today Network Rail have been criticised by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch for a train derailment in Cumbria in June 2009; they have also recently been served with two improvement and prohibition notices by the Office of Rail Regulator regarding maintenance and safety. One notice was in Wales whilst the other covers South East England. An extract includes:

"The Office of Rail Regulation refer specifically to a massive backlog of safety inspection work across the South East and in a letter to Network Rail say that their inquiries have:

"…revealed significant issues with the inspection process, including but not limited to seriously out of date detailed inspections and visual inspections which did not meet the requirements of the standards for such matters."]

Nothing much has changed since Grayrigg, they are still on a path of overloading staff to the point where important work is being negleted. Following a quiet spell in labour relations terms there appears to be a move to dictatorial magements thinking that they can do what they like with staff and the unions will keep quiet. Everyone should remember that there are two sides to industrial disputes.

Safety has to be no1 priority-long before any profit.

Safety has to be no1 priority-long before any profit.

That has been said by all Network and Railtrack chairmen over the years but the reality is?
I will leave that up to you to comment on.
I know what I feel about this and what I have seen.

Sooner or later there is going to be one humongous rail accident on our system and the blame will be passed down to the lowest pleb they can find - as per usual.

Anyway its Friday so I am off down the club while I can still afford a pint.

They all should remember the strike during the 1980's, when told if you are not back to work by 6am in the morning you are all on the dole ( Marsh .. Minister of Transport ?).

Mr B .. Less fuss by bus !