Oh dear..more tube strikes!

It's called efficiency, Penstemmon, which means more profits for the shareholders.

Sadly that is often the motivation.... never mind the greater good!

On the subject of ticket machines ....

I went to see my mum the other day and instead of buying my day return ticket from the ticket office at my local station, I waited until I got to Liverpool Street. I tapped in my requirement and the sum of £30 came up. I asked a member of staff why £30 was coming up rather than the £20 that I usually pay. I explained that I have a Freedom Pass (which allows a discount but this still doesn't account for the £10 difference) and he said "Oh, you can't do it on here then, you'll have to get it at the ticket office" - which I did, and paid the usual £20.

I realise that this was for overground, rather than tube, travel. But it did make me think that machines are all very well but they are inflexible and you can't ask them questions.

I also think that in an almost deserted station at night, someone sitting in a ticket office provides some sort of reassurance. And what about people with poor eyesight, people with a learning disability, or elderly people who are not so comfortable with technology?

Maybe they are just not supposed to travel on trains Eloethan.

I went to Shildon NRM last Monday with my grandson. He likes sitting on the platform and watching the trains go past to Bishop Auckland or to Saltburn in the other direction.
Out of 19 stations on the line, there are only 3 with disabled assistance available, Darlington, Middlesborough and Redcar. Not even Bishop Auckland.

I'm meant to be at a meeting that day
Strikes affect loads of people who can't do anything about the situation. Strikers are attacking the wrong people!

If they do not go on strike, though, goldengirl, nobody takes any notice of them. About the only right the worker has left is the right to withdraw his/her labour. Even lawyers are realising that.
There was a case in the northeast of an 81 year old man accused of murder. He was given a lawyer to represent him, but nobody from the firm turned up in court for him because he was refused legal aid. The judge was not amused. He apologised for having to keep him on remand, and assured him he would sort it out so he could get bail.

It is a bloody nuisance Goldengirl

The public need to share the anger between those striking and the managers . It takes two to quarrel and strike is the only 'power' one side has.

Which day are they striking Penstemmon?

I am not sure but five days were mentioned in the news report.

I really hope that one of them is not next Wednesday