Boris Johnson to challenge unions with driver-less trains

[LeftishBrit]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/rowena-mason/9166138/Boris-Johnson-to-challenge-unions-with-driver-less-trains.html


Ahead of the mayoral election in May, Mr Johnson will pledge never again to buy a tube train with an old-fashioned driver’s cab as long as he is in charge of the city.


Londoners have been plagued by 23 tube strikes over the last four years Mr Johnson has been in office, as drivers demand better pay and conditions.


In a speech on his campaign trail, Mr Johnson will ask residents for “new mandate to automate the tube network”...


“It is time to move forward with ‘train captains’ with all the efficiency benefits at will bring, and absolutely no loss of safety,” he will say.'

(More at link)

Ugh! I hate this whole system of replacing humans with machines (e.g. on principle, I won't use those serving machines in shops, and will only get served by human beings - who are also much more helpful and efficient!) Also - and apart from the union-bashing aspect - the word 'efficient' has come to mean 'using as few staff as possible', whereas from the point of view of the service users, efficiency in the sense of good service is usually best when staff is NOT cut to a minimum.

I'm glad I don't live in London any more. And I wish Boris would take a very deep ocean dive!