The RMT is a bully, throwing its weight around without thought of consequences, and weeping crocodile tears. This seems to happen very regularly, and cause loss and inconvenience to so many, that it is pertinent to ask whether anything can be done to reduce the consequences or reduce its power.
I assume that the Ronald Reagan solution isn't possible here. (the President confronted the troublesome air control operators, and gave them a deadline on pain of dismissal. When they wouldn't comply, he sacked them.)
There needs to be some medium term preparations, with many possibilities.
1) Privatisation, and breaking the system into several sections to be licensed to private operators. The operators would need to be able to sack and employ other (lower cost) staff. Such a policy would need a sympathetic (Tory?) government in support of Boris.
2) Make contingency plans for extra buses, by encouraging new operatives into the transport market. Some regulations could be suspended permanently or temporarily. Rules governing taxi and similar vehicles likewise
Margaret Thatcher defeated the miners by laying in stocks, and then taking them on at a time when they could not win. Boris should be considering making similar preparations.
The RMT drivers are extremely well paid, those on the left can hardly claim that they need to strike when those will pay for the increases in pay and pensions including millions who earn a good deal less.
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