Train conductors go on mass strike

Airport news for Travel on 01/03/2010.

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Europe seems to be the strike capital of the planet at the minute with a whole range of strikes that all seem to be linked by transport. Train conductors in Scotland are the latest to throw a hissy fit when they staged a 24-hour walkout today over a new procedure.

The latest operating procedure for a new piece of track between Airdrie and Bathgate will witness the train driver work the doors for passengers to get on and off the service instead of the conductor. According to Rail, Transport and Maritime union, passengers are at risk of being injured. This has led to more than 500 conductors to organize the second industrial action against the train operator, the first being last Saturday. Services on four lines today will come to a complete standstill affecting 100 routes by the strike.

ScotRail is aiming to run nine out of 10 routes with the aid of managers and staff from other train operators in the region. This will help with the deficit, though people will not be able to check or sell train tickets. Barriers will be erected to check that tickets have been purchased before entering the station.

It has been a year of strikes so far with British Airways crew agreeing on industrial action, Lufthansa pilots walking out and more staff from across the travel sector appearing to take further action to get what they want. If it carries on like this, they may see traffic lights refusing to function, because of the gloomy working conditions.

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