The unions attacking UK transport network
It was revealed today that First Capital Connect which runs the Great Northern Route from Hertfordshire and King's Lynn to King's Cross was forced to cancel all rail services today because of a lack of drivers. It would appear that with the unions currently in talks with the management about pay and working conditions, all drivers working for First Capital Connect have exercised their contractual rights not to work on Sunday. This is not the first time that the unions have taken "action" which has brought part of the UK transport network to a standstill.
There are concerns that the unions are now trying to stamp down on companies looking to save costs and consolidate but may well be putting at risk the long-term viability of certain businesses. Indeed, we saw the unions try to crack the Royal Mail only to find that public support drained away very quickly once the unions decided to ramp up the pressure as we approach the Christmas period.
It is unlikely that UK consumers would appreciate the ongoing shenanigans on the U.K.'s rail network and indeed the UK government will again at some point need to become involved. There are now just too many union disruptions throughout the UK and while it has to be said that the unions do have a number of valid points which they need to raise, is taking industrial action the correct way to instigate talks?
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