Bus drivers strike

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Originally Posted by MSK

Simply put, bullying from management, this is not an isolated incident, it has been happening for years and not in one single depot either. Drivers are being put under enormous pressure now and if they blink they are being hauled up. A lot of those managers are bullies and many are ex drivers too but since promotion a few are on ego trips. A relative of mines drives for LRT, he started with them many years ago and loved it, he left after he moved from Edinburgh but after 8 years he went back, good pay, no complaints there but he says the atmosphere has changed, he has already been hauled before the beaks twice for the most ridiculous of reasons

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Everybody in every line of work thinks it's ridiculous when they're pulled up by their bosses, regardless of the reasons. For all we know, the reasons may well be fully justified. Management may just be following protocol that has been introduced through law changes to make the service more robust.

I've yet to see or hear of any real actual examples of unjust reprimands from egocentric managers. Just because a worker feels hard done by, doesn't mean it was wrong for them to be pulled up under company policy.

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

Everybody in every line of work thinks it's ridiculous when they're pulled up by their bosses, regardless of the reasons. For all we know, the reasons may well be fully justified. Management may just be following protocol that has been introduced through law changes to make the service more robust.

I've yet to see or hear of any real actual examples of unjust reprimands from egocentric managers. Just because a worker feels hard done by, doesn't mean it was wrong for them to be pulled up under company policy.

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There may just be a point struggling to make itself known in what you are saying. But it looks to me like a triumph of covering all the bases, whilst saying nothing really.

It's pretty obvious to me from what those ITK are saying that it isn't a case of a lone worker. The nonsense over the guy getting the sack for taking the piss out of the boss is a sure sign that massive egos are at play, and that anyone stepping out of line is getting it in the neck.

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

Management may just be following protocol that has been introduced through law changes to make the service more robust.

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If that was the case, then why is one of the many points put forward by the company, to the staff, to resolve the situation is "a commitment that management would abide by company policies".

Why is the company not following it's own management policies and guidelines already???


Incidentally, what "law changes" are you inferring to?

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

Everybody in every line of work thinks it's ridiculous when they're pulled up by their bosses, regardless of the reasons. For all we know, the reasons may well be fully justified. Management may just be following protocol that has been introduced through law changes to make the service more robust.

I've yet to see or hear of any real actual examples of unjust reprimands from egocentric managers. Just because a worker feels hard done by, doesn't mean it was wrong for them to be pulled up under company policy.

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How about not being able to take your tie off without managers consent even in all the hot weather we have been having or being reprimanded for wearing the previous years fleece jacket before your shift has even started, those are two I've heard first hand from drivers

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Originally Posted by Cataplana

There may just be a point struggling to make itself known in what you are saying. But it looks to me like a triumph of covering all the bases, whilst saying nothing really.

It's pretty obvious to me from what those ITK are saying that it isn't a case of a lone worker. The nonsense over the guy getting the sack for taking the piss out of the boss is a sure sign that massive egos are at play, and that anyone stepping out of line is getting it in the neck.

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Which is the same as any other line of work where the employees never really get much of a chance to establish much of a working relationship with their managers.

If you're an employee for a company where you're rarely ever around the vicinity of the manager and you actively stick the boot into them publicly over the internet using a social media platform that clearly identifies who you are. Then you're asking to be sacked.

I have no sympathy for anybody who is daft enough to do that.

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Originally Posted by Mon Dieu4

How about not being able to take your tie off without managers consent even in all the hot weather we have been having or being reprimanded for wearing the previous years fleece jacket before your shift has even started, those are two I've heard first hand from drivers

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This doesn't just apply to bus drivers. I've heard of black cab taxi drivers being reported for similar things. There are some very strict policies in place and regardless of what your personal opinion of those policies are, the workers know what the policies are and that they must be adhered to at all times.

If an employee wants to take the risk by breaking company policy because they think the policy is stupid or for whatever other reason, then they always run the risk of being fired and have to take responsibility for their own actions when it happens.

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

Which is the same as any other line of work where the employees never really get much of a chance to establish much of a working relationship with their managers.

If you're an employee for a company where you're rarely ever around the vicinity of the manager and you actively stick the boot into them publicly over the internet using a social media platform that clearly identifies who you are. Then you're asking to be sacked.

I have no sympathy for anybody who is daft enough to do that.

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You are entitled to your point of view, thanks.:aok:

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

This doesn't just apply to bus drivers. I've heard of black cab taxi drivers being reported for similar things. There are some very strict policies in place and regardless of what your personal opinion of those policies are, the workers know what the policies are and that they must be adhered to at all times.

If an employee wants to take the risk by breaking company policy because they think the policy is stupid or for whatever other reason, then they always run the risk of being fired and have to take responsibility for their own actions when it happens.

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Unless you collectively get together and make people realise that things like this in the grand scheme of things don't matter, people are just after a friendly get me from A to B service, good on them, you don't get change by just keeping quiet or towing the corporate line

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

This doesn't just apply to bus drivers. I've heard of black cab taxi drivers being reported for similar things. There are some very strict policies in place and regardless of what your personal opinion of those policies are, the workers know what the policies are and that they must be adhered to at all times.

If an employee wants to take the risk by breaking company policy because they think the policy is stupid or for whatever other reason, then they always run the risk of being fired and have to take responsibility for their own actions when it happens.

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You hear similar stories coming out about the cab office the difference is taxi/phc drivers are not employees if they take a dislike to someone they can make life very difficult does seem the old fashioned tactics are alive and well in the council.

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Originally Posted by RyeSloan

Would I be right in saying all of this came about because one driver was sacked for posting a ‘funny’ meme of the boss on a private WhatsApp thread?

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They’ve posted a meme about the boss and there are not allegations about bullying? Is it the boss making the allegation?

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

Everybody in every line of work thinks it's ridiculous when they're pulled up by their bosses, regardless of the reasons. For all we know, the reasons may well be fully justified. Management may just be following protocol that has been introduced through law changes to make the service more robust.

I've yet to see or hear of any real actual examples of unjust reprimands from egocentric managers. Just because a worker feels hard done by, doesn't mean it was wrong for them to be pulled up under company policy.

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Some of the reasons are laughable, he told me he was pulled up because he forgot to pick up a roll of tickets, again after his module (electronic ticket dispenser) failed as they are meant to check them before they leave the depot, they sometimes work then fail on route, he was pulled up and lettered because he refused a buggy on board despite allocation being full, he asked the lassie if she could fold the buggy, she refused and he told her she couldn't get on (this is a regular occurrence) he closed the doors and drove off, she then reported him and the following day he was pulled up, not just for refusing her a place on the bus but he was alleged to have been abusive to her. Drivers have no protection nowadays, my mate has been threatened many times, had windows smashed (Rosewell and Niddrie) been spat on many occasions, all for providing a public service, dont worry about it though, we have cctv on buses now.

Of course there are regulations etc but these guys are professional drivers, many have been doing the job for a long time, rather than doing what they do best they are spending more time sitting in the managers office getting knuckles wrapped by the very same guys who done the very same job.

Thats just a couple of examples of the pettiness, Im sure many other drivers will have their reasons.

It generally really pisses me off when strike action inconveniences me, fortunately I no longer use buses so I'm not really bothered what they do :greengrin

So the bosses have cancelled the planned parade of old buses tomorrow.

Talk about petty!

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Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales

If only this mantra could be applied to every thread!!!

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Or even his/her own posts.

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Originally Posted by BroxburnHibee

So the bosses have cancelled the planned parade of old buses tomorrow.

Talk about petty!

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Not winning themselves any friends.

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Originally Posted by BroxburnHibee

So the bosses have cancelled the planned parade of old buses tomorrow.

Talk about petty!

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Or perhaps there weren't enough drivers available for the parade to go ahead?

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

Or perhaps there weren't enough drivers available for the parade to go ahead?

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Nope, plenty drivers available to drive the old buses, even drivers that are on annual leave put their names forward to drive them if a slot became available👍

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Originally Posted by BroxburnHibee

So the bosses have cancelled the planned parade of old buses tomorrow.

Talk about petty!

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Seriously? That's petty AF!

Management not winning any friends there,,,,

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

Or perhaps there weren't enough drivers available for the parade to go ahead?

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Given the strike doesn't start until the 2nd of August that would suggest a monumental planning **** up by the management then.

Updated article on BBC website, Managing Director fanning the flames, "A bus strike in Edinburgh may pose a risk to public safety, the firm's director has claimed",,,, how?
The company will run a limited service with the drivers willing to come in to work, it's not like when there's a rail strike and trains are crewed by managers with limited experience and end up opening the wrong doors as the train arrives or even leaves a station!?!

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Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales

Updated article on BBC website, Managing Director fanning the flames, "A bus strike in Edinburgh may pose a risk to public safety, the firm's director has claimed",,,, how?
The company will run a limited service with the drivers willing to come in to work, it's not like when there's a rail strike and trains are crewed by managers with limited experience and end up opening the wrong doors as the train arrives or even leaves a station!?!

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Is this him?

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...eron-1-4039481

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Originally Posted by Cataplana

Is this him?

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...eron-1-4039481

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It is indeed, would seem his namesake Rich Hall's alter ego "Otis Lee Crenshaw" would make a better job of running the company!

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Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales

It is indeed, would seem his namesake Rich Hall's alter ego "Otis Lee Crenshaw" would make a better job of running the company!

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:thumbsup:

I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of people on his back by this time next week. Won't be the first guy to come a cropper due to hubris.

The likes of Underbelly, The Gilded Balloon, and Assembly are sure to feel the pinch. Not to mention employers like Standard Life, RBS and HBOS.

You do hear some horror stories about how the drivers are treated, so if the strike improves things for them then I support them.

Have a few mates who are drivers.

What i’ve heard is that management “ allegedly ”have reneged on previous agreements. One example and it’s one of many is that the moment the MD came to LB he started on the drivers straight away by abolishing an agreement regards allowing drivers to remove their ties between May and September I believe it was. Very petty and has now been reinstated. That’s the kind of management they are dealing with.
Just to touch on some of the other grievances. The high number of warnings that get dished out. Driving hours being extended, shifts being changed at short notice or without the Driver being informed. Rota changes. They have also recently had a whole new uniform and they the Drivers hate it. My mates say the shirts are cheap crap as are the jackets, although I think they have agreed to sort some of the problems.
One of the things I hear a lot is that they never back the drivers when it comes to a disciplinary. Drivers are expendable.

Oh ye and the micro management going on by the bosses at the top. So garage managers are not able to use common sense when it comes to making decisions regards Drivers discipline.

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Originally Posted by Weegreenman

Have a few mates who are drivers.

What i’ve heard is that management “ allegedly ”have reneged on previous agreements. One example and it’s one of many is that the moment the MD came to LB he started on the drivers straight away by abolishing an agreement regards allowing drivers to remove their ties between May and September I believe it was. Very petty and has now been reinstated. That’s the kind of management they are dealing with.
Just to touch on some of the other grievances. The high number of warnings that get dished out. Driving hours being extended, shifts being changed at short notice or without the Driver being informed. Rota changes. They have also recently had a whole new uniform and they the Drivers hate it. My mates say the shirts are cheap crap as are the jackets, although I think they have agreed to sort some of the problems.
One of the things I hear a lot is that they never back the drivers when it comes to a disciplinary. Drivers are expendable.

Oh ye and the micro management going on by the bosses at the top. So garage managers are not able to use common sense when it comes to making decisions regards Drivers discipline.

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Just seen Hall on the news. He says he is determined to improve Lothian Buses, thing is they were the best bus company in Britain when he arrived.

Seems he tried to fix a car that was already working. Looks like this is all about him.

Pretty sure he was brought in, because the person he replaced wasn't prepared to do Lesley "Hitler" Hinds bidding, and syphon off the profits for the tram.

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Originally Posted by Weegreenman

Have a few mates who are drivers.

What i’ve heard is that management “ allegedly ”have reneged on previous agreements. One example and it’s one of many is that the moment the MD came to LB he started on the drivers straight away by abolishing an agreement regards allowing drivers to remove their ties between May and September I believe it was. Very petty and has now been reinstated. That’s the kind of management they are dealing with.
Just to touch on some of the other grievances. The high number of warnings that get dished out. Driving hours being extended, shifts being changed at short notice or without the Driver being informed. Rota changes. They have also recently had a whole new uniform and they the Drivers hate it. My mates say the shirts are cheap crap as are the jackets, although I think they have agreed to sort some of the problems.
One of the things I hear a lot is that they never back the drivers when it comes to a disciplinary. Drivers are expendable.

Oh ye and the micro management going on by the bosses at the top. So garage managers are not able to use common sense when it comes to making decisions regards Drivers discipline.

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Expect management to turn the sympathy screw, people need public transport, they are gonna spin it to turn the public on the drivers

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Originally Posted by MSK

Expect management to turn the sympathy screw, people need public transport, they are gonna spin it to turn the public on the drivers

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Because the general public are too stupid to read the situation for themselves and come to their own conclusion on the matter?

All sides of an argument are spun.

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

Because the general public are too stupid to read the situation for themselves and come to their own conclusion on the matter?

All sides of an argument are spun.

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The management will play the wage rise card, joe public will be up in arms because those greedy ****ing bus drivers wont accept a wage rise, although all Ive heard so far is about management bullying so hopefully the public will see the real reason for the strike and not that of a **** bag management

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Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee

Because the general public are too stupid to read the situation for themselves and come to their own conclusion on the matter?

All sides of an argument are spun.

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Ahh so the usual then.

People are stupid.

Fife makes an arbitrary decision on the situation.

None of the above advances the discussion...