Monday, May 07, 2018

Bus drivers in the Japanese city of Okayama are on strike, but they're still working, driving around picking up passengers.


But they're not doing a key part of the job - accepting fares - as they seek greater job security in the face of stiff competition from a rival company.

The free rides are helping the company preserve its relationship with the passengers in the face of competition.

https://citizen.co.za/opinion/opinion-editorials/1916128/bus-strikes-learn-a-lesson-from-japan/


As the national bus strike enters its fourth week with no sign of a settlement – and with millions of commuters still inconvenienced, it is interesting to see how striking bus drivers in Japan highlighted their grievances.

Drivers employed by the Ryobi Group in the Western Japanese region of Okayama embarked on their protest action after they and their company could not reach an agreement on job security, following increased competition from a rival offering lower fares.

They continued to drive their buses, but covered up the ticket machines with cloths or blankets and allowed commuters to ride for free.

https://citizen.co.za/opinion/opinion-editorials/1916128/bus-strikes-learn-a-lesson-from-japan/

2 comments:

  1. In Denmark the bus drivers sort of 'striked' too some years ago. They still collected fares (certain way to get the commuters' sympathy), but drove strictly according the traffic laws. Commuters soon learned to leave a bit earlier for work, and noticed that the ride was much nicer without the usual 'pedal-to-the-metal/standing-on-the-brake' style driving.

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    1. So, when they went on strike they did nothing to make anyone upset? They drove better on strike? That doesn't seem like a reason to bend and give them what they are asking for in order to stop striking!

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