Friday

The bus drivers went on strike during 2013 TT fortnight, the busiest period of the Manx year and the Island’s showcase.

The union leaders came on the radio to explain why, although they intended no inconvenience to anyone, for technical reasons the strike had to be during the TT.

A friend in Ramsey, a merchant seaman, told us a joke from the heyday of union power in the 1970s:

The Liverpool dockers were on strike for higher pay and better conditions. Their leaders summoned the members to tell them the results of negotiations with management.

“They have caved in totally, and given us everything we want!” The members cheered loudly 

“Your pay will be doubled!”  Loud cheers. 

“And you only have to work six months a year!” More loud cheers.

“And you only have to work one day a week!” Less enthusiastic cheers.

“That’s on Friday.” Total silence, until a voice is heard from the back:

“What, every fucking Friday?”

Local opinion on the strike itself is divided, but apart from the bus drivers themselves I have not heard anyone in favour of it being held during the TT.