Comments on: Bus drivers threaten action over hours, pay

By: Toby

Toby — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:51:00 +0000

If the buses are too big then so are hundreds of other vehicles ( skip lorries , JCBs, delivery vans et al. ) – yet nobody seems to complain about them…….

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By: Bridge

Bridge — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:20:00 +0000

Thank you for your constructive and interesting feedback. I remain of the opinion however (probably along with a number of other readers) that irrespective of this or that legislation/policy/billet, the buses are too wide for our roads. End of.

But thanks for the info – it’s always nice to get constructive feedback.

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By: Quizzed

Quizzed — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 23:45:20 +0000

It is difficult when employees have to negotiate their conditions.

I don’t understand the ins and outs of this but hope that all stakeholders can arrive at an amicable agreement/way forward for the sake of:
The Staff
The Islanders that frequently use the service
The Islands infrastructure
The Islands confidence that the states can co-ordinate this issue to satisfaction.

@islander
Very interesting post there! Number 12!
Copied and pasted below.
12
(I symathise with drivers if they have signed a contract of employment and conditions and management has or tried to change without consultation of any new working conditions).

I whole heartedly agree with you on that one!Funny though, as in the pensions forum, which is a change to peoples contract of employment (due to it being compulsory)and conditions without consultation ‘from Ed Freestone’or anyone else for that matter, you simply posted:

Close the public pension scheme

Joe and the bus gang……. good luck with your talks.

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By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 18:00:44 +0000

I think everyone here seems to be making judgements!

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By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:59:15 +0000

I know the use of buses is delclining but a lot of people use it! – figures compared to the islands population of course will be low but how many times have you got a bus? Many a people use them throughout the day..

What if you go to town one night, drink too much and are over the limit the next day? drink and drive or get a bus? Recently I’ve done that and gone for the bus!

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By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:57:24 +0000

I’m local and by no means offended as to what he’s said.

It’s takes a long time for some people to drive a car, let alone something as big as a bus!

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By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:54:39 +0000

Why would someone opt to work 14 hours for rubbish pay though? I certainly wouldn’t!

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By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:53:24 +0000

Scarlett, not all of them are though!

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By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:52:14 +0000

Completely agreee with Joe! – stop saying they should be fired, they’re working ridiculous hours and guessing not much pay?

I’ve done 12 hour shifts before and it’s hard to stay happy trust me, let alone 14 hour shifts, what about social life, I bet you lot ocmplaining probably see your friends or have a hobby or go to town each week, they wouldn’t have the time!

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By: Stiletto

Stiletto — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 16:46:16 +0000

@Alan

Not sure why you troubled to make your comment, a bad day, nothing going your way? comes to mind.

I had been unable to drive, due to injury for 4 months and had largely relied on bus transport. I have only just read through this thread, but would like to say how much I appreciate the bus drivers’ help, taking time in my getting on and off a bus, on a couple of occasions, helping with my zimmer chariot.

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By: Alan

Alan — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 14:32:50 +0000

Who gives a r–s a–!!

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By: bcb

bcb — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 08:58:13 +0000

Thanks for the reply Joe and you make some good points.

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By: Joe

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:48:47 +0000

Dear bcb, you have my word it was not my intention to offend anyone. ‘Local’ was not the derogatory word, ‘new’ was. Bus drivers have been coming here from abroad for over 20 years now. Why? Maybe because locals didn’t want to drive the buses then, as they don’t now. You can’t force just anyone to drive a bus. I’d say firstly, you have to want to drive a bus. Someone not wanting to learn, but being forced by threat of withdrawing benefits will never make a good driver. It’s far too dangerous just to throw anyone behind the wheel of a 30 foot bus. Can I just add, I love living here and I love the people. The vast majority are friendly, warm and welcoming. But, there is a very small number who seem to think it OK to spout what I can only call xenophobic comments at us.

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By: john

john — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:55:49 +0000

I have driven about this island and have seen that the buses are to large for the roads and the drivers are poor. From the number of times they cut corners etc it is obvious that the majority have fallen into the lazy I’ve got the bigger vehicle so everyone else can move out the way attitude.

I wasn’t born here but remember the quality of the drivers in the 70′s, it has drastically allegiance then.

As I said I am not local so I do feel at ease to say that the bus drivers who go on strike should be sacked and if they are not local they should have their licences revoked and told to leave the island.

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By: bcb

bcb — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:40:11 +0000

Joe while you are rightly annoyed at those who throw insults and have every right to retaliate what you have posted is just as bad if not even worse.

“I’m sure the roads will be safer with a whole new bunch of local drivers. Not. Start training now and you might be ready in 6 months to take a bus out on the road, though I doubt it”.
What on earth is that supposed to mean? are you suggesting locals cant drive? maybe to thick to learn?.

I would imagine every local and many non local reading that would be just as offended as you are. If that is your true thoughts of Guernsey people then maybe this isn`t the place for you?.

If i have misunderstood your post then i apologize.

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