Growing up in the 1970s, I got a first-hand opportunity to see the true havoc trade unions can inflict on our lives. Homework by candlelight, exams in the hot summer of 1976 surrounded by flies from the emergency rubbish dumps, and the spectacle of mineworkers blockading businesses were all part of the daily humdrum of 70s and early 80s Britain. IN the end, unions’ power was limited, and privatisation brought an end to endless poor services.
I have a certain amount of respect, if not admiration, for the unions. Without them, workers’ rights would still be in the Dickensian dark ages. The Community Union here in Wyre Forest, who represented carpet workers, engage with me on a very productive way and I welcome their input. We ignore the unions at our peril, in the main, they should be respected.
But next week, as the economy faces increasing problems, we see commuters woes added to with the spectacle of rail strikes.
These strikes are for three days only, but alternate days. The truth is, next week will be a nightmare for anyone using the railways. Just as we get through the pandemic, just as we are learning how to deal with soaring prices, just as our businesses are struggling with lower demand and higher supply costs, the rail unions decide now is a perfect time to inflict more pain on our community and economy.
This comes at a time when the railways have been supported through the pandemic, and the government has tightened fiscal manoeuvring opportunities. It also comes at a time when we are working to save the planet by relying more on public transport.
This strike may be counterproductive as it will push more people onto private transport or working from home. Fewer passengers equal fewer rail workers.
The Transport Secretary has come up with a possible solution, to allow agency workers to fill in gaps when people are on strike. But I am not sure how this will work in practice as I certainly don’t want to see unqualified people driving trains or operating signals.
There is talk of this being as bad as the General Strike in the 1920s. It may be too early to tell, but we never know.
But for all our sakes, I hope that commuters and rail users across the country are spared the nightmare of strike-disrupted services.