As ASLEF yesterday announced yet another round of strikes, all the while Britain’s railways continue to crumble, their union boss has met the same fate on the broadcast round. Mick Whelan appeared on the Today programme and was left fumbling when pressed on the reality of train driver pay. Nick Robinson pointed out that drivers had gained a 17% pay rise, in real terms, over the past decade. The national average is 1%.
Robbo’s charge that “you’ve been doing very well, Mr Whelan, haven’t you?” was met by a period of confused mumbling as the rail baron scrambled for a response. If Nick thought his drivers were doing well, wait until he finds out what Mick earns…
This all comes as new polling conducted for the New Statesman found support for strikes is strongly correlated with earnings. A strong majority, 52%, Oppose those earning over £50,000 going out on strike, with just 17% supporting them. The New Statesman conveniently includes a low estimate for train driver’s starting salaries in their article, of £24,000, this doesn’t account for their rapid rise upon qualification. Even the Guardian is happy to admit they do average over £50,000…
Top Corbynista and ASLEF boss Tosh McDonald is Labour’s candidate in a Doncaster council by-election this week. Nice top-up on the expenses…
Big Tosh displayed the attention for detail for which he is renowned by managing not only to spell ‘Doncaster’ incorrectly on his leaflet, but also his own name. Elect this genius at once…
A bizarre protest is underway outside the Department for Transport tonight. Around 40 noisy supporters of the hitherto unknown Association of British Commuters are chanting “Grayling out” and demanding the government intervene in the Southern Rail dispute. Shouldn’t this protest be taking place outside the headquarters of ASLEF and the RMT?
