Is it time for unions to change their culture?

The lasted London Underground strike must be the most pointless strike in the history of the unions.

This two days strike serves no purpose whatsoever beyond disrupting innocent ordinary peoples’ lives. However, it massages the egos of union bosses and allows them to flex their muscles.

Even people who naturally side with union members, on this occasion are asking the questions all of us are querying, why and what is the purpose of this 48 hours strike?

As I understand it, the strike was called because London Underground plans to close some Ticket Offices and use their staff elsewhere on the tube network to boost customer service and front-line staffing.

So, no workers will lose their jobs or pay!

Then again, as the saying goes: “every cloud has a silver lining.” On this occasion, the silver lining must be exposing the unions and their bosses for who they truly are – a bunch of controlling tyrants, gluttonous for constant headlines at all costs.

I do believe in Karma, good intentions and doing to others what you expect others to do to you. I also believe, what goes around will somehow come around.

For years some elements in the unions, under the cloak of looking after the welfare of their members, have been using their powers for political pressure and manipulation. We saw union boss after union boss throw their weight around and hold the country and businesses to ransom on a whim. But we also know, like all tyrants their time will one day come.

This strike is that day.

People are not blind or simple. They see the economy is picking up, and things, albeit slowly, are moving on the right direction. They see this administration is trying hard to do what’s best for everyone. They see many are still struggling looking for work, more hours and working hard at doing the best they can.

So what does the union bosses, masters of the left do? Call a no reason none purpose strike. For no reason other than self-glory. In hopes to damping the mood, halt the little progress gained and put this government and the economy of their stride. Change the headlines even for just a day or two and hope its ripple effect and the fallout stay on for longer.

I can honestly say this strike is purely political.

And unlike elected politicians I’m not at all charitable to Bob Crow & Co and think Mr Crow holidaying in a sunny beach while London commuters are miserable for two days on his say so is tasteless and cruel.

Is it time for a Unions Spring? Let this strike be the unions’ Tahrir Square moment. Because a union should look after and protect the welfare of its members but not devoid of the communities they work in and people they work with and for.

It is high time unions change their culture of ‘cut my nose to spite my face’ or ceases to exist!