What are your views on unions & strikes?

When I was about 12 I saw a film called The Angry Silence which made me very opposed to strikes.

Obviously I've grown up and appreciate that sometimes a strike is necessary.

However I hope this isn't going to turn into a long running battle. The whole civilised world is having massive problems at the moment. It really isn't all Brexit or Boris's fault. Not a supporter of either before I get accused!

It's great to see all these comments in support of unions.

Here we go….?‍♀️

This…

I agree with Riverwalk. I do in general support unions, understand what they have achieved in the past and the support they continue to give their members. However, nationwide strikes adversely affecting not the ones they are in conflict with, but the public at large many of whom are in minimum wage jobs, I can't support.

I agree with that as well Nannapat1

I absolutely disagree with the rail strike, in my opinion, (and I am entitled to it), it is just an excuse to bring down the Conservative government, I agree people need trade unions, I was a member of one myself for a number of years, but feel that the leaders just try to push their own opinions forward and care not a jot for the members.

Why do people feel it necessary to write it's my opinion and I'm entitled to it?

Yes you are, and others are entitled to disagree with it. Especially on a discussion forum.

Because Volver on this site you are not entitled to an opinion unless you agree with the majority

That's absolutely wrong. Have you read this thread at all? People on both sides of the debate. None of them telling us how their free speech is limited.

jennyvg

Because Volver on this site you are not entitled to an opinion unless you agree with the majority

What a lot of nonsense!

it is just an excuse to bring down the Conservative government

Unfortunately, it will have the opposite effect - strikes tend to reflect badly on Labour.

The government is standing back and letting the strike happen as though it were a private company trade dispute, and laughing up their sleeve, despite the many billions of taxpayers subsidies.

I don’t understand why those working on railways have to use food banks.

I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m a complete technophobe and don’t know if I’ll ever be able to use a train again if there are no ticket offices.

The removal of one's labour is a human right which we should guard with all of our might- whatever our feelings about individual cases. The Tolpuddle Martyrs paid dearly for this a very long time ago, and we should be proud and respectful of all that their stand has gained for everyone over the years.

jennyvg

Because Volver on this site you are not entitled to an opinion unless you agree with the majority

You're absolutely entitled to an opinion, but other posters might think it's not a good one and will argue against it. They're not trying to shut you down, just disagreeing with you.

I think it takes courage to defend a minority opinion, though.

MayBee70

I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m a complete technophobe and don’t know if I’ll ever be able to use a train again if there are no ticket offices.

You’ll be fine booking online Maybe as it’s no different to doing anything else online. I downloaded the app Trainline and use that. However you must have a smartphone so you can show your ticket. At the moment you can still collect your ticket at the station even if you book online, but eventually you’ll need a smartphone. I think most of us have got one, but I know some Gransnetters haven’t.

I think it takes courage to defend a minority opinion though.

I think you’re right with this comment Maizie. Sadly I think some posters are rather intimidated when they hold a minority opinion which is a shame as more varied opinions makes the debate more interesting.

Why do they think their case is more deserving of anyone else? Unions were needed more when there was nothing to keep workers safe . We have moved on a lot from then. This is an arrogant push which disrupts thousands including my daughter whose trains to London were just cancellation after cancellation on a day they weren’t even SUPPOSED to be striking ! Do they think everyone else has had a rise and not them? It’s not happened . Have workers been asked to strike or TOLD?

Why do they think their case is more deserving of anyone else?

I don't think anybody has said that's what they think. Them going on strike doesn't mean that other people can't. They are not responsible for the situation that others are in. That's the government.

RichmondPark

They have my full support and always have.

The greedy striking rail strikers should hang their heads in shame. It should be made illegal to bring the country to a halt. It’s okay for all you retired people that this strike will not affect your life one little bit. But these greedy strikers will cause misery to thousands of people and it should not be allowed. They are already on very high pay. I don’t know how they can face people whose working day and holidays etc has been ruined. They are lucky to have a job. Again I say these strikes should be made illegal.

TwiceAsNice

Why do they think their case is more deserving of anyone else? Unions were needed more when there was nothing to keep workers safe . We have moved on a lot from then. This is an arrogant push which disrupts thousands including my daughter whose trains to London were just cancellation after cancellation on a day they weren’t even SUPPOSED to be striking ! Do they think everyone else has had a rise and not them? It’s not happened . Have workers been asked to strike or TOLD?

A strike is only legal now if there has been a ballot of the members at least 50% of the members must take part in any ballot. So no-one is being told.
There is very little now to maintain safety on the railways. Guards which some consider essential to safety have been cut despite protests. The railways are run to make the maximum profits for shareholders, they are not concerned with staff or passengers.

^ Have workers been asked to strike or TOLD?^

I rather thing that they have chosen to strike, TwiceAsNice

So They are not responsible for other people I didn’t say that either. They are responsible for being greedy and militant enough to ask for a 7% raise at a time when most workers have no chance of a fraction of that or nothing at all, and holding the country to ransom at the same time. It’s greedy and irresponsible and they should be ashamed

Nothing like spoiling a pithy post with bad formatting and typos

Try again

Have workers been asked to strike or TOLD?

I rather think that they have chosen to strike, TwiceAsNice