<snip>
> A draft EA is being
>negotiated but some stumbling blocks include what to do with crews in
>the off season. The PTU are against the idea of casual crews.
<snip>
Perhaps they should look at the many private operators (well, mergers mean
it's down to eight) that operate trains for 5 months of the year and have
done for many years. I am referring, of course, to the sugar mills. The
danger if this sort of operation is not resolved then branchline work could
be poached by road feeders using B doubles or triples and casual drivers.
The PTU attitude is understandable but they may be fighting a losing battle.
Better casual jobs than none at all.
Barry Campbell