I don't mind the idea of unions, when they work. i.e. looking after workers, in terms of health and safety, and in terms of making sure they're not being screwed over by the employers. For that, they're great. And the fact that they create a strong body of experienced work force providing something back to the "doers"...
That said, the militant aggressive nature of a lot of these unions has now gone too far. I'm not suggesting Southern (or other companies) are sweet and innocent, far from it, they [southern] are a shower in my eyes. However, it is being exacerbated by the unions who are fueling antagonism rather than trying to be rational.
The rail industry and TOCs need to embrace the future, and be future looking, and letting the drivers operate the doors, as has been proven, is perfectly safe. Southern (this is the only experience I have I know there are other TOCs) do not run well with guards on the train who operate the doors anyway.
It is becoming a nightmare - we've been on an emergency time table now for months, only 1 train an hour, with many cancelled - meaning nearly a 2 hour wait.
Sure, I'm getting over £100 in compensation every month, but that's not hte point, I actually want to get to work.
I don't care what happens, but someone will take them to court over this at some point I reckon. Someone will lose their job owing to the strikes or poor service, someone will flip and do something about it. This can all be avoid if they just work together rather than trying to beat one another.
