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RMT faces scrutiny over tube strike's cost to economy
I understand people’s frustration about the Tube strike – I’m spending most mornings this week waking up half an hour earlier than usual, cramming myself into what feels like the world’s slowest bus. But before everyone starts complaining about ‘greedy’ workers and union bosses, it’s important to remember that this strike is (at least partially) about passenger safety.
RMT says that overstretched staff are becoming dangerously tired on the job, and if that’s the case then the increased risk of potentially deadly accidents is obvious.
Many of those staff seem to think so, given that 6,000 union members voted to lose a week’s wages in order to take industrial action. If this is what’s needed to keep people safe then so be it.
What I find ridiculous is that this strike is estimated to cost the economy £230million, much more than the cost of the additional workers needed to achieve the RMT’s ultimate goal of a 32-hour working week.
Alternatively, TfL could take a more modern approach, and give their employees skills training and support to help them better manage their fatigue, plus some extra staff to help with stressful periods. But no. They won’t invest in their people.
So us Londoners are stuck waking up early, and cramming ourselves into maddeningly slow-running buses. JWA Caley, St Pancras
Reader questions tube drivers’ salary demand
Tube drivers are demanding salaries of more than £70,000 per year – more than double what many NHS nurses earn, and almost twice the UK average salary. Perhaps it’s time for TfL to open up fresh vacancies – I’m certain there are plenty of people who would gladly take on the job even for £30,000 a year. David, London
Reader says Angela Rayner stamp duty saga is ‘small beer’ compared to Tory government affairs
The Angela Rayner saga seems pretty small beer compared with the goings on during the Boris Johnson years and which (with recent allegations he personally profited from contacts and influence he gained in office) may well still be going on.
Both the Rayner affair and past and present charges relating to Johnson must revive the call for the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Court, something possessed by many other countries. Andrew McLuskey, Ashford, Middlesex
Blurred Party Lines?
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The current conservative government is no better than the previous Conservative government. Richard, Dartford
‘Which is it?’, reader questions defence of diversity policies
In a past MetroTalk debate, readers argued that the most qualified person should get the role and that policies enabling minorities were unfair. The same section of society are now up in arms that Oxford graduate and barrister Shabana Mahmood is home secretary. Come on guys, which is it? Neil Dance, Birmingham
Reader calls out online trolls
I cannot believe how cruel some people can be!
I read about Claire Bell who went ahead with her hen do even though she had been jilted (Daily Mail, Mon). She bravely and selflessly took her 12 friends to Chester Races, and decided to wear her wedding dress. And why not? Once there, she was demeaned by some small-minded and nasty people – with one saying ‘he had a lucky escape’ and another branding her ‘mutton dressed as lamb’.
Claire, ignore those ignorant people, you are worth more than that and I wish you so much love and luck for your future. Kym G, Tyne & Wear
Reader claims Metro’s Monday cover said more than what was written
The juxtaposition of Monday’s Metro cover aptly reflects our society: the headline screams ‘Asylum’ and details ‘1,000 more arrive in boats’, while the top-right of the page pictures a gigantic luxury cruise liner and reads ‘We’re definitely not gonna need a bigger boat’. Christina Egan, London
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