On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 16:44:21 GMT, "Richard J."
wrote:

wrote:
So this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4608578.stm is
announced on the same day that it is announced that Tim O'toole
gets a CBE.

Tim O'Toole's *honorary* CBE (he can't get a full CBE as he is not a
British citizen) was announced with the New Year Honours on 31 December.

Exactly what was the CBE for, not doing the job he is
very well paid to do by any chance.

Officially "for services to transport and the community". According to
the BBC report on 31 December, he "was made an honorary CBE for leading
the Tube management's response to the attacks" on 7th July. Many people
get honours not only for doing the job they are paid to do, but also for
doing it in a way that makes a real difference to the wider community.
From all that I have read and heard, Tim O'Toole's leadership of his
staff in LU was inspirational in recognising those who bore the brunt of
the front-line trauma, and in organising and motivating everyone to get
the network back in operation again. A well-deserved honour in my view,
though it's part of a flawed honours system.

Tim is the only MD I have worked for who I feel is true leader - i.e.
someone who knows where he wants to go and you feel you want to go with
him. You only have to listen to him speak.

I remember seeing him briefly on the telly in a newsagent as I bought
some water for the (long) walk home on 7 July - he was speaking sense
and I felt very proud on what was a traumatic day.

I'm not sure what your point is in relation to ASLEF's threat of
industrial action, but if O'Toole is standing up to the unions'
knee-jerk reactions to anything they don't like, good luck to him. I'd
be interested to understand what exactly is behind the ASLEF ballot, as
their press release, on which the BBC report is based, is full of
generalisations ("failure to resolve issues around 'harassment,
discipline, attendance, negotiations and health and safety'").

I guess it depends on your view as to whether management manage the
business that is LU or the trade unions do. I have no issue with trade
unions where sense is being spoken and where a partnership exists. It
hasn't felt like that for a very long time but I accept I see things
from only one angle.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!