I have a thorough appreciation of what bus drivers do, and am
invariably polite to them whenever I interact with them. I am a member
of L.O.T.S., Cobham Bus Museum and have a huge transport-related
memorabilia collection.

Bus drivers who strike, however, deserve nothing but contempt. I don't
care what their "grievances" are - they are providing a monopoly
public service and the sooner they are prevented by law from striking
the better. There is absolutely no excuse to inconvenience thousands,
probably millions, of Londoners for 2 consecutive days in this way -
pensioners that can't get to the shop, children who can't get to
school (or are late), others who have to get taxis to work etc.

I am self-employed. I don't have the luxury of going on strike if I
don't like my pay or conditions. I chose my career - I either accept
it or go and do something else. What makes bus drivers (or anyone
else) think that anything other than market forces can sensibly
dictate their pay and conditions?

Personally, if I were taking home �30,000p.a. (or anything like it),
I'd be laughing!

Marc.