This is not, for me a step to "And therefore the strikes were illegitimate". I am not anti-Union. My issue was the RMT coming across as absolutely fault free, shining and perfect, raging against everybody else as though only the Union way is the right way. Something has to give in any dispute, there has to be comprise.
I am certainly not saying the RMT are free of fault. Far from it. I have said since day one that sensible, mature, adult, compromise is required from both sides. My personal view is that this a completely unnecessary and politically motivated dispute.
BTW - of course the union will express their case as they only option. Just as the DfT have. That isnt the issue. Not talking and not having the desire or ability to agree a compromise are the issues.
A DOO train is massively safer than driving. Anyone who says that it is not safe enough for them should not use any form of road transport, even walking, unless the fear is of attack in which case what they want is a BTP officer, not a guard.
I am not sure that is the argument!
Honestly? No, I'm not, not from the point of view of my own position. I know where the egress is and a broad enough view of the risks not to get squashed, and that using the egress is a last resort.
However while you and I may be comfortable escaping in an emergency are you competent to contact the signal box and tell them of the issue? Are you competent to lay track circuit clips and protect the train? Are you competent to evacuate the train and get everyone off safely. No, me neither. That's the issue for me - without proper training an OBS is just a bloke in a happy to help tabbard.
The actual role of the Guard, or the role the Unions tried to put across and failed.
I.e, to reassure the passengers, and keep them informed?
For the final time: The primary role of the guard is to secure the safety of the train. It is clear you don't and won't accept this so it is pointless to try to discuss this further.
It's all about opinions. Some feel we can manage without a guard, some don't. I prefer to have one, some obviously don't. We can all argue it till we're blue in the face but it won't change this particular decision for now that Northern are keeping guards and that makes me and a lot of people happier. Not victorious, gloaty. No just happier and safer.
Well said.
( subject to a suitable agreement guards will remain for now
)