Union to Strike for the Right for Drunks to Drive Trains

chewmylegoff

antrobus wrote: »

Already done.

There are driverless trains on the Docklands Light Railway and on the Victoria, Central and Jubilee lines.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/davehillblog/2012/feb/29/boris-johnson-driverless-underground-trains

Although the Victoria, Central and Jubilee line trains all still have a fully paid driver sitting in the driver's seat pressing the button to open and close the doors.

Southend1

Interesting, though I do wonder what is the relevance of all this to house prices and the economy?

molerat

Southend1 wrote: »

Interesting, though I do wonder what is the relevance of all this to house prices and the economy?

Probably because a tube strike would have an effect on the economy.

Generali

RichardD1970 wrote: »

Is this the same issue as discussed in this thread?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5173534

if so post #5 is relevant.

The Union claim that the driver's diabetes caused both positives. This is what we economists call, 'rubbish'.

If diabetes could cause a false positive on a 'professional' breathalyser, the motoring board would be full of people complaining about it.

Graham_Devon

Generali wrote: »

If diabetes could cause a false positive on a 'professional' breathalyser, the motoring board would be full of people complaining about it.

Police already deal with diabetics via a doctor and a blood test, should the need arise.

There was one case on the TV a few months back on the Traffic Cops series. A man was arrested for driving while above the legal limit, but was later released with no charge due to diabetes. The diabetes itself was part of the reason for the accident in the first place.

antrobus

chewmylegoff wrote: »

Although the Victoria, Central and Jubilee line trains all still have a fully paid driver sitting in the driver's seat pressing the button to open and close the doors.

They do, yes. And I think the DLT trains have someone who is free to walk up and down the train and is responsible for pressing the button to open and close the doors. They are all nevertheless driverless.

I suppose that what that means is that the Zombie Robot Apocalypse ain't neccessarily gonna reduce costs that much if the RMT has anything to say on the matter.:)

antrobus

Generali wrote: »

The Union claim that the driver's diabetes caused both positives. This is what we economists call, 'rubbish'.

If diabetes could cause a false positive on a 'professional' breathalyser, the motoring board would be full of people complaining about it.

And the courts would be full of drivers appealing their positive breath tests on the same grounds.

Gangaweed

Graham_Devon wrote: »

Thanks, so the driver actually has a medical condition (Hypoglycemia) which is proven to sway the results of these tests.

He therefore needs a blood test to determine alcohol levels, as a breath sample could give false readings. The Blood Test was refused.

Theres a need for action there. If it has to go as far as a strike I don't think that's a reflection on the workforce. More a reflection on the business for not sorting it.

If you refuse the test you're guilty. End of.

danielanthony

princeofpounds wrote: »

Interesting, thanks. Timbo58, does that change your thinking at all? (not trying to be provocative, I'm honestly interested in your opinions as someone closer to this particular coalface)

Probably won't have changed his mind as it challenges the narrative that the workers are oppressed peasants and managers are inhuman bourgeoisie.

Thrugelmir

molerat wrote: »

Probably because a tube strike would have an effect on the economy.

I'm sure that people will find away around it as they have done in the past.

No tube services in this part of the country.