Wrong job ?
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OK ... to avoid any more PM's from strange, humourless people who don't get the point ...
It seems you can attract a higher salary for operating a machine in two dimensions, than you can in three ?
It seems you can attract a higher salary for operating a machine in two dimensions, than you can in three ?
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Quite a bit of exclusivity was created around driving Tube trains throughout the years. You can only become a driver by internal promotion and with a certain amount of experience in a non-driving position within the system. Hands down, these folks know how to fend for themselves - unlike us, the flying lot, where it's everyone for themselves which often involves undercutting the competition by agreeing to some truly ridiculous work conditions.
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Don't knock train driving. It has to be incredibly difficult to keep the wheels on that thin bit of metal!
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Seriously though I know there is more than that to tube driving.
The clue of course is in the phrase “ heavier than air” .
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Surely the moral of the story is tube drivers have got their act together and a strong, united union delivers the goods. Unlike us pilots, who don't get the concept of solidarity.
It's the same here in Australia. Train and tram drivers are paid mega bucks with their allowances for outside 9-5 working hours/weekends/public holidays, same hours pilots work roughly. Even during the worlds longest lockdowns over the last 2 years here in Melbourne trains and trams ran to normal schedule, despite no one being allowed out of their homes, this didn't happen with pilots.
Union strength is the reason. Pilot unions are powerless for reasons stated above.
Union strength is the reason. Pilot unions are powerless for reasons stated above.
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TimGriff6
That's not correct - with the right qualifications you can apply directly to be a Driver - requirements can be found online.
I worked as a Guard for LT in 1966, having been trained to drive in an emergency. In those days, promotion to Motorman (i.e. driver) (& most other grades) depended on a seniority date. I imagine it's much the same as systems pilots still have in airlines. The obvious fault is that this system can result in unsuitable candidates. At least today's method will, hopefully, only take on the right people.
Add that to the years you have to go through being abused by the public as a station attendant before you can apply.....
I worked as a Guard for LT in 1966, having been trained to drive in an emergency. In those days, promotion to Motorman (i.e. driver) (& most other grades) depended on a seniority date. I imagine it's much the same as systems pilots still have in airlines. The obvious fault is that this system can result in unsuitable candidates. At least today's method will, hopefully, only take on the right people.
From memory, a number (a few) of BA Flight Engineers, when made redundant with the demise of the 747 Classic in ~2001 were able to transfer their skills to driving the trains of London Underground. This might need corroboration.
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Have any of you traveled on the tube during rush hour? I did it for years. Central and Jubilee lines were horrible. Drivers constantly telling people to mind the doors. Every station looking out for a jumper. I spent 2 years travelling through Stratford station on the central line and in that time at least a dozen people jumped. Horrible to think of it. I think they should be paid £100k a year.
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Tube drivers work in a very small, difficult to access industrial bubble, backed up by powerful and aggressive union, the union which has a some times during the last few decades had the sympathy and ear of government. They also do a responsible and safety critical job.
Some or all of those points could have been said about UK pilots in the period before 1980.
However, there are a lot more airline pilots employed now than 40 yr ago, and if you want to be one, there not much barrier to entry so long as you have the training money and a modicum of intellect. So maybe its not all bad news.
Both sets have existential risk from automation in the near future. I wonder which group will survive the longest?
Some or all of those points could have been said about UK pilots in the period before 1980.
However, there are a lot more airline pilots employed now than 40 yr ago, and if you want to be one, there not much barrier to entry so long as you have the training money and a modicum of intellect. So maybe its not all bad news.
Both sets have existential risk from automation in the near future. I wonder which group will survive the longest?