On a normal day there would be about four trains stopping at Surbiton station every minute, but not today, Patrick Sawer reports.
Thanks to ‘Joanne’ and hundreds of her fellow RMTs across the country, this station, one of the busiest commuter stops in London and the South East, looked like a lazy holiday Monday.
The 40-year-old railroad was part of a three-strong picket line outside the famous Art Deco station on Tuesday, determined to show its support for its leader’s decision to call the biggest rail strike in 30 years. years.
And so far at least his mood has been optimistic.
“We’ve had buses sounding horns in support and people passing by who would normally be taking trains expressing their sympathy for us,” he told The Telegraph on condition of anonymity.
“Obviously we want to keep the traveling public on board, so it’s rewarding when people show their support.”
The mood among those who normally depend on trains could be described, at best, as resigned. There was little anger with the strikers and some frustrated travelers expressed sympathy with their goals.
“They need the money. We all do it. They have to feed their kids,” said Emm Carscaddien, a software development worker in the city. “We’re all struggling and wages aren’t up to date with inflation, so I fully understand why they’re doing this.”
Not that the strike didn’t bother her. Far.
“I had to drive 40 minutes from Leatherhead, which is only seven miles away, because this is the only nearby station that offers any service to Waterloo. So yes, it’s frustrating. The whole situation is difficult for everyone, “said Mrs. Carscaddien.