Quote:
Originally Posted by swisstrains
I don't think those concerned have any real desire to provide a train service over the Christmas period. Although privatisation is partly responsible, it can't be blamed entirely as for many years negotiated work arrangements have strived to eliminate Christmas working wherever possible
|
Where does this come from ? I don't know of any TOC in my (London) area which is prevented by local agreement from bringing in its workforce on Christmas Day. The series of Drivers Restructuring Initiative agreements in the mid 1990s enabled most companies to persuade their staff to give up the old working practices of the BR regime in return for pay settlements.
I worked lateshift on Christmas Eve (for unenhanced rate contrary to beliefs in another thread). I would have been quite happy to continue into Xmas day if it had been necessary.
As LesG had already said (and taken flak for !!) he may well have had to work Xmas day, and whilst we moan about these things at the time we still willingly do it because it's always been swings and roundabouts in this job.
We're paid silly money for Christmas and I reckon you'd see drivers fighting to be given the l
ongest turns ! We certainly wouldn't object to working Christmas day - Bring it on !!