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Was talking to the driver on the bus this morning and he said that the drivers had voted to go on strike by over 90%. The main problem is, he said, constant bullying and intimidation by management. Means a 3 mile walk home from work each day but they have my support.
Begins on August 2nd if there's no resolution.
I'm not sure what's been offered (Lothian buses claim a substantial pay raise and benefits) Vs what's demanded. Your info makes it sound like it's not driven by money though, so might not be an easy issue to resolve if that's actually the case.
They'd just sorted out their contactless payment as well (for some tickets).
Having spoken to a few drivers and family members of drivers the way they are treated at times is shocking, good on them and hope they get the change that is needed
Good on them.
Lothian Buses throwing the pay bribe in at the last minute and using that line in all their communications about the strike is as shameless an attempt at manipulating local opinion as I have seen in a while. As I said elsewhere this is classic 'divide and conquer' from management. Paint the drivers and Union as greedy and try to influence opinion against them.
Reading through various social media channels it seems that has failed and public opinion is very much on the drivers side.
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?
Behind them 100% although it will impact on going to the Festival.
The drivers are at the sharp end of what everyone in this city has had to endure due to over tourism.
Driving in town must be hard enough, without having to keep to a timetable and act as the tourist information service .
The final straw has to be that driver getting the sack for mocking the CEO. Good for them for standing up for themselves.
The rest of the city needs to get behind them, and take a leaf out of their book.
Yes, and the guys who shared it were suspended.Quote:
Originally Posted by RyeSloan
They wouldn't reinstate him and then the bullying culture accusations came out.
Ah I thought I had read that.Quote:
Originally Posted by stoneyburn hibs
Seems petty to say the least and maybe does reflect the overall management culture. That said I’m sure the drivers used to have a beef with the dude that ran LRT for years as well (Renilson?) so maybe this driver / management thing has been a long term issue.
I know most big businesses have ‘out of work’ clauses re conduct etc but there is an interesting privacy thing here as well re the fact it was done on a private WhatsApp thread.
You don’t hear about these things on the news and this is the first I’ve heard of this. It sounds as if it’s all about ego’s and they are being put before the interests of the public.Quote:
Originally Posted by stoneyburn hibs
However, there are probably strict rules regarding social media and private or not, they’ve been broken and the company are going by the book.
It’s a difficult one but I’m siding with the drivers here and a more mature management strategy would solve the problem. Social media is a fairly new phenomenon so the rules regarding its use therefore have to develop as we begin to get used to it becoming a part of our lives.
One of the lessons here is that there's no such thing as privacy on social media. As soon as you share a comment or photo etc. you no longer have control over what happens to it.Quote:
Originally Posted by RyeSloan
Bonanza time for the taxis :greengrin
Unite recommended that their members accept the deal offered by Lothian buses. Why did the the drivers overwhelmingly reject the offer and what do they they actually want?
My stepfather is an LRT driver, there is apparently a lot more accusations that could be aired.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete
I fully support them.
If the dispute isn't about money then I don't know why more money would be an adequate solution?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Grieves
Part of the offer was seemingly that management would abide by company policy going forward - why wouldn't they be expected to do so already?Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Grieves
It's poor form that management and the media are trying to spin this as being about pay.
There is such a thing as common sense though. It seems that the executive involved is so caught up in his own self image that he has lost sight of what is good for the business.Quote:
Originally Posted by Future17
This strike is an ideal opportunity for the board of LRT to revisit their management philosophy, as the current one is about to hit them in the pocket.
Stupid ******* should have been able to take a joke, but he acts the big I Am instead. Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
I am confused. Their union has twice recommended an acceptance of a deal but the drivers refused.
The complaint isn't about money? I wish someone would be specific about an example of bullying, not the original parody of an executive.
As someone who complained to management about bullying at work there is always a particular instance of intimidation that lead to a settlement.
In my case it was to the agreed departure of said manager.
LRT seem to have different methods from your employer. Good to know your situation was resolved though.Quote:
Originally Posted by pollution
So what exactly are they striking for? Who has been bullied? Because by the sounds of it, the people who were bullied (on social media) have taken action against the bullies and now the bullies are the ones going on strike? :confused:
Quote:
Originally Posted by GlesgaeHibby
That's fair enough, but it would appear that their own union aren't clear about their demands. So what is it that they actually want?Quote:
Originally Posted by Smartie
If it’s not about money what are the drivers holding out for? Do they want some management to be sacked?
I'm guessing they are looking for respect. It appears they haven't been treated that way, and want more than lip service.Quote:
Originally Posted by Danderhall Hibs
It seems that the management have taken them for granted, and seen them as weak an ineffective. A strike is an opportunity to show them they have power in the relationship too.
Sometimes in a work place it's not always easy to express perfect examples of bullying and harassment but it's still evident it exists.
A few years ago I worked for a business that was bought over. The new owner brought in his own GM who in turn brought in his own team, that's fair enough. The culture of the whole business completely changed and long serving members of staff were increasingly isolated and ostracised. We had a group of casual staff who only worked during special events and some of them were effectively dismissed from their jobs through not being given shifts, being excluded from training and being removed from email lists and so on. Senior members of staff were subject to de facto demotion as new roles were created that superceded roles they had carried out for years. Overtime was no longer optional and breaks were actively discouraged, it wasn't uncommon on a busy weekend to work 14 hours without stopping to eat.
If you asked me for a specific example of me being bullied I'd struggle to give one, I can stand up for myself. However I was aware a culture that fuelled bullying and harassment existed. Younger members of staff were treated as scapegoats, senior staff from the old management were systematically driven out of their jobs and it became a horrible environment to work in. I can't say I shed many tears recently when I heard the business was struggling.
Hopefully Bojo does a Maggie and puts these pesky workers in their place.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Really?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Seems like some people thought they could run off at the mouth on the world wide web and not be pulled up for it. They do realize this is 2019?
You seriously think 90% of eligible drivers, with an 80% turnout, voted for strike action because of one incident?Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
This is just a further example of your scattergun, inconsistent approach to every topic. You rant away about Tories this and Tories that and then a local industrial dispute sees you immediately take up a position against local workers arguing for improved working conditions. For all your slavish devotion to SNP rhetoric when you go 'off piste' you often appear as though you would be right at home amongst the more extreme Tories you claim to despise.
:hilariousQuote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
What are the details then? What exactly are they striking for? What are they hoping to gain from this?
Perhaps it's more sensible to know the actual details before jumping on the bandwagon?
If only this mantra could be applied to every thread!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
I know no more than has already been published on MSM & social media, but a few years ago I used to dip in to a forum called "scümbus". It was an anonymous blog/forum by Lothian Buses drivers. Some of the stories there were hilarious, the blame that management would put on drivers for issues and incidents well beyond their control was ridiculous. There was also a fair rift between the regular drivers and the Airlink drivers, apparently the 100 drivers were meant to be the creme de la crème but in some instances it was a way of getting a troublemaker or nippy sweetie out the way.
If half the stories I read were true, then clearly there is a massive issue between the management and the workforce that provide an essential service to this city and beyond.
It's telling that part of the deal for the "drivers" was that the company were going to bring in external management consultants to assess existing management protocols which may have resulted in extra training for existing management, also, a company wide commitment that management would follow existing company policies!?! I couldn't write that sentence without using "management",,,, pretty much sums it up!
Clearly, there is a rotten core to this company and the drivers are striking (quite rightly) for something greater than money.
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 reasonsQuote:
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by MSK
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
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.
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".Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Why is the company not following it's own management policies and guidelines already???
Incidentally, what "law changes" are you inferring to?
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 driversQuote:
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cataplana
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mon Dieu4
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.
You are entitled to your point of view, thanks.:aok:Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
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 lineQuote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
They’ve posted a meme about the boss and there are not allegations about bullying? Is it the boss making the allegation?Quote:
Originally Posted by RyeSloan
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
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!
Or even his/her own posts.Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales
Not winning themselves any friends.Quote:
Originally Posted by BroxburnHibee
Or perhaps there weren't enough drivers available for the parade to go ahead?Quote:
Originally Posted by BroxburnHibee
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👍Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Seriously? That's petty AF!Quote:
Originally Posted by BroxburnHibee
Management not winning any friends there,,,,
Given the strike doesn't start until the 2nd of August that would suggest a monumental planning **** up by the management then.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
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!?!
Is this him?Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...eron-1-4039481
It is indeed, would seem his namesake Rich Hall's alter ego "Otis Lee Crenshaw" would make a better job of running the company!Quote:
Originally Posted by Cataplana
:thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Weegreenman
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.
Expect management to turn the sympathy screw, people need public transport, they are gonna spin it to turn the public on the driversQuote:
Originally Posted by Weegreenman
Because the general public are too stupid to read the situation for themselves and come to their own conclusion on the matter?Quote:
Originally Posted by MSK
All sides of an argument are spun.
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 managementQuote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Ahh so the usual then.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
People are stupid.
Fife makes an arbitrary decision on the situation.
None of the above advances the discussion...
Are you suggesting that teachers weren't really after a payrise when the public accused them of getting greedy? Because i'm pretty sure they were.Quote:
Originally Posted by MSK
That’s what it sounds like - normally when a strike is called you get to hear what the demands are (eg reinstate my final salary pension, give me a payrise, more holidays or whatever). With this one it’s not clear what they want and if it’s respect they want.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cataplana
A lot of rumours about bullying but not heard many specifics, if they are being bullied they deserve support and if they go ahead with the strike the public shouldn’t use the limited service that will be out.
What about those who don't or can't drive? How are they supposed to get to work? The bus drivers aren't going to gain much public sympathy if they can't be clear about what they're trying to achieve with such a strike.Quote:
Originally Posted by Danderhall Hibs
Walk, cycle, use another bus provider, take a train. There are a few options to consider.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Not everybody is in walking distance of their work. Not everybody is able to cycle to their work either. You also assume that an alternative bus provider or train is an available option to all. It isn't.Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales
Telling people to boycott a service due to a strike that nobody really knows any of the details behind is ridiculous.
Did I mention Teachers ? Again you are spinning this to suit yer own agenda, Ive followed a lot of threads on here with your input and I honestly cant understand why folk waste their ****ing time attempting to debate with you, well Im certainly not, you crack on 👍Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Then why did you make that point then? Why would the public automatically assume that they are after more money? What is your basis for this claim?Quote:
Originally Posted by MSK
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
the situation you’ve just described is spookily similar to a situation with a company I worked for before my current employer.
Screamed at daily by senior management, unachievable targets being set then disciplinary action when unsurprisingly not being met, working 60+ hour weeks because of policy changes and that I/we should just ‘deal with it’, and more.
It became so ingrained, that when I moved to my current job, my new boss would make a point if checking in with me once or twice a week, until after a few weeks, she gently pointed out that I never started a conversation with her unless I had a problem, and that it was not only ok but encouraged that I could and should be able to have a conversation just to say hi, etc. I realised I had become so hemmed in by the working practices of the senior management at my previous job of ‘don’t contact me unless there’s a massive problem, and be prepared to be torn a new one when you do’, that I hadn’t even noticed it until she showed me.
where I work now has an incredible atmosphere, doing a job that I really enjoy, it’s night and day to the **** storm of the previous place. And like you PB, I didn’t shed many tears when that business went under (with the exception of a few former colleagues).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
You seem to be arguing for two opposing points here. I’m lost. :confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
The point I think MSK was making is that the company offered a pay rise the drivers didnt ask for. That looks like a cynical attempt to shift focus from what appears to be a genuine grievance from the drivers given that the company have acknowledged that management do need to make changes.
I probably should have added that is my mates thoughts and as I said, he has been with LRT a long time so he knows how it works. However I will add to that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
I worked many years ago as a Drayman, great but very physical job, brewery management, all ex Draymen or Heriot brewery operatives, great guys and gave great support. Then there came a shift, all of the brewery management were offered a financial package/redundancy. In came micro managers, brutal guys with absolutely no brewery or man management skills.
For example we had 30 dray lorries with load capacity of 9 tons but for working safety they would each carry no more than 6 tons. Some drays would do 6 tons and come back for another 2/3 tons and that would be their days work.
Management had other ideas, they would halve the fleet, offer redundancy to the long term employees then have the others carrying the tonnage. It was a disaster, we had meeting after meeting but all we got was threats. We decided to take industrial action, Edinburgh/Glasgow and Dundee depots. The action was either full on strike or work to rule.
No sooner had those actions been discussed the news hit the pubs, publicans were up in arms, I remember going to Swannys bar at Ratcliffe terrace and we were confronted by the owner and a couple of his patrons who after pretty much calling us greedy *******s wanted to know who would deliver their beer. This continued over many a week and months, some understood but others were not prepared to listen to our side, they just wanted their beer.
A while later after speaking to a retired brewery rep he told me management had an emergency meeting with them and tech services and were to drip feed to publicans that we were requesting a sizeable wage increase. Lies lies and damned lies, we were on great pay and we got great incentives added so wage rise was never an issue.
Thats how those dirty *******s operated, it got worse, much worse. So I can draw parallels on how the LRT guys are feeling about their situation.
So there you have it, I now await your spin on things 👍
This is all well and fair enough. But what you're giving me here is your own personal experience on things witnessed through your own eyes and processed by your own mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by MSK
I'm pretty sure if I was discussing this with someone who was working management at the time, they'd have their own take on events. Mentioning things that you perhaps haven't. Or spinning things in a different way to suit their own personal narrative.
There are far more employees out there than there are employers. So the balance of narrative is and always has been in the hands of the employees.
Oh ffs, there you go again, ok just to suit your spin, I made it all up, management were great, fully supportive, no agenda, and we all lived happily ever after.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Hows that ? 👍
You talk about spin, then suggest i'm accusing you of making things up. Would you care to point out where i've made such accusations?Quote:
Originally Posted by MSK
You seem very determined that people only understand it from your own point of view, ignoring the reasonable suggestion that there are other view points out there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
:kettle:
I posted a lot of what my mate has said as he is a current bus driver. I have no reason to disbelieve him and I added my experience that relates to his. Im not expecting you to believe anything but you have thrown in chat about the school teachers pay rise which has nothing whatsoever to do with the proposed LRT strike so you have baffled me with that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
So far we know the strike action is about bullying by management and I have thrown in stuff from my mate who is a current driver. You are looking for something else.
The strike has nothing to do with wage increases and has **** all to do with Teachers.
The proposed bus rally has been cancelled by LRT management due to the impending strike and not because of lack of driver availability.
Im out now so the floor is all yours 👍
Your involvement in this thread reads like a total car crash and your position is the same as a drunk driver, swerving about all over the place unsure of what line to take.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
You probably could have said something like; "there are two sides to every story, so I won't be forming an opinion until I'm satisfied I know enough of the detail" and left it at that. Unfortunately, you're so intent on arguing and noising people up that you'll find a way to try and justify a position that's contradictory to what the majority of others have said, then express that position in an aggressive/patronising/dismissive way.
Of course, when the subject matter is subjective, everyone is entitled to an opinion. However, as other posters have noted on this thread and others, you carry on this pattern of being contrary until you're caught out on something factual and someone proves you to be wrong, which you then refuse to acknowledge and simply avoid the thread for a few days.
You are the Donald Trump of Hibs.net.
:agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
I wonder who will be manning this skeletal service.
Hell mend any drivers who cross a picket line. It wouldn’t be me anyway, not for all the tea in China.
He does make a good point. I will be facing a 2hr walk to work as there are no alternatives for where I need to get to/from.Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales
Not exactly best pleased at the prospect.
Im with you. I live too far away to walk and it would be a 3 and a half hour walk for me rather than the hour and a bit bus journey. Be a nightmare trying to get to easter road next saturday too.Quote:
Originally Posted by beensaidbefore
I thought it was a one day strike action?Quote:
Originally Posted by we are hibs
I was under the assumption that it was until it was resolved. Might be wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee
https://twitter.com/on_lothianbuses/...580541955?s=19
Just seen this
As you say, managers are capable of spinning things.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
You do seem fairly invested in characterising the management as blameless in the situation but there appears to be little being put forward to back up why.
Two things jump out from the information in the public domain.
The Union don’t understand the grievances: otherwise why have they recommended deals that have been overwhelming rejected.
The management are including in the agreement a commitment to tackle the bullying culture. That included bringing in management consultants.
The solution will come from something that addresses the toxic relationship that the union are now clearly reporting. There may be faults on both sides but the culture of an organisation is driven by management and they need to demonstrate how they are going to fix it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ah you’re right, I didn’t realise that it was the start of continuous strike action. A right pain for those affected.Quote:
Originally Posted by we are hibs
:agree: seems clear to me that the drivers haven’t articulated what the grievance is. The public don’t know and their own union don’t get it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Radium
The first question surely asked is “what is it you want me to do?”
Depends what you think walking distance is!Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Also, I have made no assumptions. On the arterial routes in to Edinburgh there ARE alternative services.
The area that Lothian Buses cover (traditional maroon buses) is perhaps Wallyford to Gorebridge, over to Penicuik, Balerno to East Craig's through Leith back to Wallyford.
For those that can, there are options. They won't be easy, as quick or as cheap, but there ARE options.
Many people around the outskirts of the city only have lothian routes to rely on. The only "alternative" is forking out taxi fares. Extortionate if you're working a minimum wage job somewhere around the city centre. Let's not kid on this isn't going to be a major complication for a sizable amount of people.Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales
Unless they get clear on what exactly it is they're trying to achieve through strike action, they're not going to build up much public sympathy.
For example,,,,Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Only? Surely not!Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Of course it is, what better way to focus the minds of those around the negotiating table.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
It would appear you are incorrect. It can be seen from here and other platforms as well as speaking face to face with bus users that members of the public do seem aware that there is a toxic management within the company and although there will be a massive inconvenience there is an element of sympathy and support for the drivers. That's not to say everyone is in support,,,,Quote:
Originally Posted by Fife-Hibee
Coming up for the game on Saturday with my two boys.
A major ball ache to get from the Braids to ER, but support the drivers 100%. It does ya well to be reminded that the workers are the most important part in the system. Will just have to make other arrangements.
Taxi drivers will be making a fortune.
J
Have you thought about using Borders Buses that come in from Penicuik to the bus station then a 15 minute walk down to ER?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bristolhibby
The strike will inconvenience people, but we shouldn't lose sight of whose fault it actually is. If people are prepared to give up a day's wages, it looks like it is the only way they can make their point.
As customers, we should be demanding explanations from the company, and not the drivers, who are exercising their democratic right to withold their labour. So far, LRT is not covering itself in glory.
Whilst I agree we should be demanding explanations from the company, I think we need to know more from the drivers. All I've heard about it is what I've read on here.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cataplana
Many of us who are reliant on the service to get to our work (some of us who have businesses have customers who use the service to get to our business premises) are going to be inconvenienced. As it is a service we all value, it would be good to weigh up the validity of the strike rather than just go on leaked management propaganda.
I've yet to speak to anyone that isn't sympathising with the drivers, good luck to them, they provide a highly efficient service.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cataplana
Most taxi drivers are of the opinion that it wont go ahead.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bristolhibby
Agree 100%, as consumers the buck stops with the company, not the employees.Quote:
Originally Posted by Smartie
Neither have I, but the BBC managed to find the only two people in Edinburgh who criticised them, on last night's news. As well as letting Richard Hall take the whole issue on his shoulders, "I am trying to improve the bus service", or words to that effect. Not, "we", or "the company", but "I".Quote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
The guy looks seriously out of his depth, and has probably found that running mass transit in a large city is not the same thing as making sure there are four buses a day between Campbelltown and Lochgilphead, as he did at West Coast Motors.
People who have risen too far tend to concentrate on the petty things like whether ties need to be worn in summer, instead of tackling the big issues like equipping the fleet with contactless.
Think your last paragraph totally nails it regarding this whole issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cataplana
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Have u seen his salary? £169 k. No wonder the fares are so high.Quote:
Originally Posted by Just Alf
I don't think they are.Quote:
Originally Posted by southsider
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedy_gonzales
How would you suggest I get from oxgangs to leith? Once upon a time there were alternatives, but those were priced out the gane by lrt a long time ago.
Walking through to Buckstone to catch the single decker coming from the borders would be a complete waste of time. They would be full long before they even got there.
Realistically I would need to walk to Princes Street and try and get on a tram, then walk from from Broughton St down to Leith.
Hope it's not raining.