I'm back...

I'm back from the sick. Perhaps a bit earlier than I should be; my sit-upon is still causing me some discomfort; but I'm back.
It's nice to see that nothing has changed during my absence. I guess I did not really expect it to. Anyway, people seem to be pleased to see me and I've been doing some splendid long-distance coach-work.
I was in the bank the other day, paying in some much needed sponds. I looked at the cashier sitting behind his screen and my mind went back to the cashiers I remember from 20-30years ago. Whilst they were not all jovial souls in those days, they did look as if they knew what they were doing and why they were there. This young man was none of those. He seemed extremely morose (teenagery morose) and had that vacant stare of someone who wished to be somewhere else. Why do we insist on keeping people in post who clearly wish to be somewhere else and doing something better? Why do we not let them go so they may pursue their potential? Once they realise that hard work, diligence and commitment are what is required to get anywhere (unless, of course, you are truly gifted and brilliant) perhaps they will buck-up and do the job properly.
But then I snapped back to reality. This is how he probably thinks "doing the job properly" is exactly what he is doing. He probably thinks that sitting there, trying to act "cool" and (probably) "wellard" is the requirement for a young man of his talents who has only to wait until the company recognises his talents and promotes him the senior, well remunerated position that he deserves.
It is not fair, however, to lay all the ills of the current generation on the shoulders of one acne-scarred teenager. He may have just been having a bad day and would normally be a cheerful, well-mannered and highly efficient cashier on the bank's advanced management scheme. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
Having said that, do you notice his like elsewhere in shops and offices around town? Do we not meet his like when we go to the Town Hall, or phone up the Gas/Electricity/Water etc... company? Is it something to do with the idea of instant gratification that has affected this wonderful nation of ours? Instant stardom for mediocre talents; instant fortune for lottery winners. You can even learn to conduct an orchestra in eight weeks, apparently. What ever happened to paying your (metaphorical) dues, working the clubs and gigging; whatever happened to having a bright idea and taking the risk and doing it? And the highly talented musicians in the orchestra must be loving the idea of being conducted by a complete novice who can not read an orchestral score.
Then again, why not? If you can fool the public into buying your records; win millions of pounds-sterling at 14 million to one and, perhaps, conduct an orchestra after only a few weeks practise - well, go for it.

On the Sick

I've been off sick for a few weeks now. A problem with my sit-upon. Luckily the company pays sick pay although it's only 82.5% of the hourly rate and then only for 39 hours per week. Since I normally work a good 50 hours per week this is taken a goodly toll on our bank balance. My wife is taking this in good cheer. She has me at home, grumbling about pain and discomfort, getting in the way when dusting and hoovering has to be done, re-washing dishes that have not been cleaned up to standard.
Still the company has my best interests at heart. Luckily I used to be in a staff position and know the score. For example, I know the rate of pay I am supposed to be getting and the periods I am supposed to be getting it for.
You see, things are a bit of a burden. Admin' has to be done and weekends have to be planned for. Which takes priority? Yes, "Le Weekend". Never mind that someone is sitting at home itching to get back to work, yes really, with no money and little chance of getting any. And all because someone at payroll head office can not be bothered to find out how much we are supposed to be paid for sickness.
It makes you wonder what it's all for.
By the way, I found something out today that I did not know and I found it out on a program about kiddies GCSE. In the word "IT'S" the apostrophe only stands for "IT IS" and nothing else. I didn't know that.

The Road

Things are not looking too good at the depot. Overtime has become a contentious issue and the EU Driving regulations make it more complicated to control daily rest when we do coach work.
The trouble is that although the hourly rate is not too good compared to other industries I have worked in, the overtime compensates for that, bringing me up to above the national average wage. I have to do quite a few hours to do that!
What happens if we are forced to move from four-day working on a 43 hour week to five-day working on a 39 hour week? That means to get in the same number of hours will be almost impossible! That then makes the job difficult to justify. Why would someone who has an HGV license, for example, bother to stay when there is a better hourly rate on the lorries. The working week may be more restricted (I still have to check that out) but overall the annual wage is better.
I know, I know, the terms and conditions make bus driving the more attractive employment. But the utilities companies and council, mortgage holder and supermarkets do not care how I pay for their goods; just that I do.
Ho hum.