Sir, – Striking tram workers! Employers attempting to break a strike! 1913? No, 2016. One wonders what James Connolly would have to say?
I am certain the irony of employing others in place of striking workers to transport members of the public to commemorate his and other Irish Citizen Army members’ memories would appal and horrify him. (As would any individual’s decision to avail of such a service.)
How far have we come in furthering the ideals for which he gave his life?
Is the motivation in providing transport really about the commemorations or simply more fumbling in the “greasy till”? – Yours, etc,
GRACE CHRISTIE
Rathmines,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – The recent Luas strike disrupted the lives of parents, children and businesses. While I support workers in seeking a fair wage, I object to the lives of the public being disrupted.
There are also plans to disrupt the public in celebrating St Patrick’s Day and Easter.
It seems that trade unions believe that the more they disrupt the lives of the public the more likely they are to succeed. There is another way.
The underground rail workers in Brussels some years ago took industrial action; they did not collect fares but they ensured that the rail system operated. Here is creativity at work – pressurising management while not upsetting customers.
Is it beyond the wit of our trade unions to be similarly creative?
They do not seem to have the capacity to do so or they care little for the Luas customers.
We can hope for an enlightened approach, I suppose?
– Yours, etc,
DANNY O’HARE.
Castleknock,
Dublin 15.