Bus Strike

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 01 Aug 2005, 10:33

Could we have more of the same please? I've thoroughly enjoyed my two days of relative peace and quiet. We've been able to listen to the telly, stand beside the window without being stared at by the entire top deck of the 26 and the teenagers have been able to eat their chips in comfort without having to share with people waiting for a bus. I think we should make it a regular occurrence.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 01 Aug 2005, 10:45

Do the Drivers have cause to strike? I have not been following the story.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 01 Aug 2005, 10:49

No idea. Something about wanting 5%. I'd like 5% too - of anything

Post by **wangi** » 01 Aug 2005, 10:53

Although LRT have offered an unconditional 5% increase (and another offer), the union has not put this forward for a vote...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4733945.stm

I think they're now wanting Â£9/hour (I don't know what sort of increase that is in %age terms).

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 01 Aug 2005, 10:58

Think it was Â£7.50 an hour before so i make that a a 20% demand. However, I don't know whether Â£7.50 an hour was a fair rate?

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 01 Aug 2005, 11:00

I think working conditions have been altered so drivers want an increase of 6% in order to partly make up for loss of wages due to the new conditions being imposed. 5% has been offered, but it is a staggered deal and has been rejected by the Union.
Can any drivers out there tell us if that's right?

Post by **wangi** » 01 Aug 2005, 11:08

Marya wrote:drivers want an increase of 6% in order to partly make up for loss of wages due to the new conditions being imposed. 5% has been offered, but it is a staggered deal and has been rejected by the Union.

The 5% offer is unconditional, the 6.something% offer is staggered.

This news last week in the EE points to some disagreement among the drivers wrt rejecting those offers, but I've also heard that some consider this news article a "plant" by the council to stir things up:

http://news.scotsman.com/archive.cfm?id=1672092005

EDIT: Plus everytime I've went past Annandale St or Marine Garage on strike days there seems to be a lack of a picket line - maybe 10-15 drivers. Surely they should be out picketing rather than, say, enjoying a BBQ on a "day off" or down the pub??

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 01 Aug 2005, 11:33

Plus everytime I've went past Annandale St or Marine Garage on strike days there seems to be a lack of a picket line - maybe 10-15 drivers. Surely they should be out picketing rather than, say, enjoying a BBQ on a "day off" or down the pub??

Is there not a legal limit on the number of pickets allowed these days?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 01 Aug 2005, 11:37

Are you pooping in my emporium today?

ras · Post by **ras** » 01 Aug 2005, 11:39

It was quite pleasant without all the buses.
It seemed to encourage more cyclists too.

Maybe it could be made a regular occurence. Would save paying bus driver wages at the weekend and allow their pay rise for during the week.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 01 Aug 2005, 11:40

Poppy wrote: Is there not a legal limit on the number of pickets allowed these days?

Government 'advise' a limit of 6, I think

Post by **wangi** » 01 Aug 2005, 11:40

Poppy wrote:Is there not a legal limit on the number of pickets allowed these days?

http://www.yourrights.org.uk/your-right ... ting.shtml

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 01 Aug 2005, 11:43

From our office notices

The DTI publish a Code of Practice on Picketing which, though not binding on the courts, can be relied on for guidance by judges. For example, it suggests that, in general, the number of individuals on a picket line should not exceed 6 so that the weight of numbers does not intimidate those who wish to go to work.

So the drivers are legally obliged to go and have a drink or an undercooked burger!!

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 01 Aug 2005, 14:35

Reporter on TV said that the proposed hourly rate would be the highest in country outside London.

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 01 Aug 2005, 15:01

Porty wrote:Are you pooping in my emporium today?

Ecm has just told me off for 'blanking' you about this question, but I had not seen it - honest.

A. is: Prob not as have to work til 5 tonight having treated myself to a lie in after Mr Poppy and I went on walk supposedly on a circle from Dirleton along the beach and back to Dirleton ..... somehow we landed up at Muirfield

Then we had to wait 35 mins for a bus that was due in 5 mins when we got to the bus stop.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 01 Aug 2005, 15:33

Pal of Porty wrote:Reporter on TV said that the proposed hourly rate would be the highest in country outside London.

That is consistent with our Taxi's. One "advantage" of Edinburgh taxi fare is that they are so expensive when you go anywhere else, Taxi's seem relatively inexpensive. Even in places like New York.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 01 Aug 2005, 21:20

Poppy wrote:So the drivers are legally obliged to go and have a drink or an undercooked burger!!

They're obviously legally obliged to leave their buses, with engine running, outside the chippy while they nip in for their supper too then?

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 01 Aug 2005, 22:12

Epykat wrote:
Poppy wrote:So the drivers are legally obliged to go and have a drink or an undercooked burger!!
They're obviously legally obliged to leave their buses, with engine running, outside the chippy while they nip in for their supper too then?

And to nip in for a pee at the toilets next to the Pumping Station.

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 02 Aug 2005, 10:01

Epykat wrote:Could we have more of the same please? I've thoroughly enjoyed my two days of relative peace and quiet. We've been able to listen to the telly, stand beside the window without being stared at by the entire top deck of the 26 and the teenagers have been able to eat their chips in comfort without having to share with people waiting for a bus. I think we should make it a regular occurrence.

Hmm, I enjoyed lying in my pit at 5am not listening to the early buses whizzing off to the start of their run at great speed. It's a tricky equation though - how to get good public transport without the actual transport bit causing everyone grief...

Now if they really want to make an impact they should be saving themselves for August - Festival time, kids at school, everyone back off hols, the Haar lurking over everything - that would be a nightmare!

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 02 Aug 2005, 12:41

Epykat and Mr M, it looks like you might get your wish!!!

ALL OUT

ras · Post by **ras** » 02 Aug 2005, 14:13

This could be a solution to congestion.
I have always thought that cycling daily to the west end to work is a bit of a trek, but if the buses are on strike I may just be tempted to give it a go.
I may then be tempted to leave the car on the other days.

I am also assuming that if the drivers get their pay rise, the price of a ticket will go up as well. More incentive to cycle.

Post by **wangi** » 02 Aug 2005, 14:22

Just walk/cycle to Brunstane and get the train to HM - a lot better than the busses.

ras · Post by **ras** » 02 Aug 2005, 14:30

How much is the train?

Post by **wangi** » 02 Aug 2005, 15:03

Â£2.60 peak return, Â£2.10 off-peak return, Â£1.60 single to Waverley or Haymarket. Â£3/2.40/2 to Edinburgh Park.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 02 Aug 2005, 20:49

Poppy and ECM - alright for you, you both can walk to work!

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 02 Aug 2005, 21:59

Sandra wrote:Poppy and ECM - alright for you, you both can walk to work!

But it will fair muck up the flexi so I think I'll get up very early and try to squeeze onto a 129 .. !

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 02 Aug 2005, 22:36

wangi wrote:Â£2.60 peak return, Â£2.10 off-peak return, Â£1.60 single to Waverley or Haymarket. Â£3/2.40/2 to Edinburgh Park.

and Â£10 peak return to Bellshill, should you ever be interested...

ecm · Post by **ecm** » 03 Aug 2005, 12:51

Poppy wrote:
Sandra wrote:Poppy and ECM - alright for you, you both can walk to work!
But it will fair muck up the flexi so I think I'll get up very early and try to squeeze onto a 129 .. !

I've heard talk today that the First group may be out on strike soon too. Looks like we might have to walk after all, Sandra.

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 03 Aug 2005, 12:54

ecm wrote:
Poppy wrote:
Sandra wrote:Poppy and ECM - alright for you, you both can walk to work!
But it will fair muck up the flexi so I think I'll get up very early and try to squeeze onto a 129 .. !
I've heard talk today that the First group may be out on strike soon too. Looks like we might have to walk after all, Sandra.

Or could I borrow D's scooter and scoot with you!?

ecm · Post by **ecm** » 03 Aug 2005, 13:05

Poppy wrote: Or could I borrow D's scooter and scoot with you!?

You'd never keep up with me. I am scooter queen.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 03 Aug 2005, 13:07

Poppy wrote:Or could I borrow D's scooter and scoot with you!?

Have you seen her on that scooter Poppy? She'll leave Robin! and his mates stalled at the lights as she's
Movin' on the queens' highway
Lookin' like a streak of lightnin'

It's that powerful left leg that's her secret....pity her right leg doesn't quite match

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 03 Aug 2005, 13:11

Have you seen her on that scooter, Poppy?

No. And am trying not to think about it!!

thumper · Post by **thumper** » 03 Aug 2005, 13:30

UPDATE LOTHIAN BUSES HAVE JUST WENT OUT ON STRIKE

Post by **wangi** » 03 Aug 2005, 14:02

thumper, are you talking about the all out strike from next Wednesday:

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/44195.html

or something else?

thumper · Post by **thumper** » 03 Aug 2005, 14:31

no they are out on strike at the moment....

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

Bus Strike

Bus Strike

Re: Bus Strike