GTR launched a social media campaign inviting passengers to take sides, but it backfired with many passengers angry at an apparent attempt by the company to undermine its own staff.
Under a banner of ‘Let’s Strike Back’, GTR told customers: “The RMT won’t listen to us. But they may listen to you. Tweet @RMTunion to tell them how you feel and help us get #SouthernBackOnTrack.
Hundreds of passengers responded, but not in the manner that rail bosses might have hoped. Hardly any people voiced support, with the messages then enthusiastically re-tweeted by the union and by the campaign group Association of British Commuters. Leading social media news outlets highlighted the campaign as a spectacular failure.
Nik Fletcher tweeted: “My connecting train home has been cancelled every day under revised timetable. And now you expect me to advocate for you?”
Bex Hamilton: “Horrendous campaign. We are customers, not something to beat the unions with. Sort out your own issues.”
- For much more on this, read RAIL 811, published on October 12.
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Comments
FrankH - 05/10/2016 00:38
I notice they didn't ask the customers to tweet them and tell them what they wanted ie a conductor all of the time guaranteed or 2nd member of staff on board when it suits Govia. They daren't.