RMT union must stop living in the past and call off shameful Southern Rail strike immediately
Southern Rail strike is about trade unions showing Government they have the power to cause widespread misery
IT is a disgrace that 300 people can spitefully ruin the lives of 300,000.
Yet thanks to the RMT union, commuters who travel into London on Southern Rail will experience the longest rail strike for 50 years this week.
The industrial action, the knock-on disruptions from which could affect millions more, was taken on a ballot of just 393 staff and came after months of chaos where union members called in sick rather than strike illegally.
The RMT claims Southern Rail’s decision to switch control of opening and closing doors from conductors to drivers jeopardises public safety.
This is total rubbish.
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Train doors have been safely operated by drivers instead of guards for decades, including on the London Underground.
As always, this strike is about trade unions standing in the way of technological progress and showing the Government and train operators they still have the power to cause widespread misery.
In Mick Cash the RMT has found a union baron as stubborn and scared of the 21st century as the late Bob Crow.
And with Aslef and TSSA gearing up for copycat strikes, it’s clear the real motive is retribution for the Government’s crackdown on trade union activities — not passenger safety.
The RMT must stop trying to live in the past and call off this shameful strike immediately.
UK's coasting
GUARDING Britain’s coastline has been repeatedly and dangerously neglected by successive Governments.
So we fully support Dover MP Charlie Elphicke’s call for a force of Sea Marshals to patrol the Channel for illegal immigrants and people-smugglers.
It’s a disgrace that the Border Force has just three boats patrolling 7,000 miles of coastline while Italy, with 3,000 miles less, has 600 vessels to protect it.
Our security weakness at small ports around the coast is an open goal for gangs trying to smuggle illegal migrants into Britain.
A fleet of Sea Marshals would be a much-needed bolstering of our sea defences and we hope the PM takes Mr Elphicke’s suggestion seriously.
Pooled Talent
TEAM GB’s first gold, Britain’s first male swimming gold for 28 years, smashed his own world record – not bad for a 21-year-old who used to be scared of water.
Adam Peaty is a deserving champion who, in a Games marred by drugs cheats and organisational farce, properly embodies the Olympic spirit.
And his family – especially nan Mavis – are a great bunch too.