Train drivers work on a different track

May 24 2007

THOUSANDS of Sunday shoppers had their travel plans disrupted last weekend when Central Trains cancelled services between Walsall and Birmingham and on the Cross City Line.

The official version is that too few staff volunteered for work, but The Stirrer can reveal that the real cause was wildcat action by drivers angry at what they claim is insensitive local management.

A senior union official admitted there had been an unofficial strike, saying: "I've heard that there's been a groundswell of opinion of people unhappy with things around New Street station.

"We haven't organised any official action, but because one or two line managers have been heavy handed in their treatment of drivers, my understanding is that people decided between themselves not to work."

This is just the latest example of a crazy loophole left over from British Rail days when it wasn't compulsory for staff to turn out on a Sunday.

In the ten years since privatisation, the issue has never been resolved, leaving passengers as a convenient punchbag for workers whenever they want to flex their muscles and intimidate their bosses.

It was a similar story in December when disagreements about a new roster system forced Central to cancel services on the two Sundays before Christmas.

Company spokesman Ged Burgess says the company has no reason to believe the same thing will happen again, but admits they are powerless to prevent it.

"If people don't volunteer on a Sunday, that's their choice and nobody has to tell us why. It's a flaw in the system."

Too right. Central Trains are due to lose their franchise in November, but it remains to be seen whether the new operator will be any more successful in persuading railway staff to live in the same century as the rest of us.