Hello
Oh, blimey, there is to be a demonstration and rally by the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Train workers), combining with other unions who want to join in.
The date is 17th October as published by Eamonn Lynch of RMT’s blog.
It will cost so much money to police, when we are reeling from expenditure on rooting out people who plan war against our country. If the cost of policing is put against possible financial gain for Trade Unionists, is there any left over? Different budgets, they will protest.
I am not sure whether or not this is the object of the strike, but the management at RMT was talking about removing guards from trains.
May I suggest another way of using the guards, as Public/ LWT Marshals, who walk up and down the train, where possible, to identify suspect packages. To yell, if need be, down the carriage to ask if customers can see one. Essentially, the public needs Guards for protection against attack and also peace of mind that there is someone at the back of the train, who is taking their backs.
Lots of times in the Tube, I have seen a Guard help people onto the platform, including baby buggies and elderly people. He usually communicates with the train driver, as to the status of the train and can it depart for the next station safely? Often London Tube platforms are straight, but the railtrack is curved and there is quite a big gap between the train and the platform edge.
Otherwise, is the driver expected to leave the train to check himself? That is a wide-open choice for criminals.
Protection. Call them LWT Care Marshals, give them a slightly different uniform, not to make them easy to single out, but to give them status. I also want them given a higher salary, danger money and life insurance, as every day they are taking risks with suspect packages.
Virgin Trains has Advisers, who can be approached on all journeys for information and help.
I am sure LWT can do as well if not better than that.
LucyLou
Lucyloupoliblog 