Postie Thrown on the Dole for Not Wearing Cycle helmet
It’s not often that we source news from The Daily Express (or indeed Lib Dem Voice who brought this to our attention). However the Daily Express reports that three postmen have been sacked for failing to wear cycle helmets. One is a father of two who has worked for Royal Mail for 17 years. The Express are, I believe half correct in suggesting that the bosses are looking to cut costs ahead of planned privatisation. But – at the risk of sounding ridiculous for critiquing such a paper as the Express in this way – such an approach is to narrowly economistic. The government have had trouble finding a buyer not simply because of Royal Mails high costs but because of the strength, militancy and organsiation of the work force. Moves such as this are not simply about cutting costs, in the immediate sense, but about intimidating the workforce and sapping there confidence. It is as much about industrial politics as industrial finance.
Reader Comments
Dear Third Estate,
You highlight an interesting aspect of the story, but don’t refer to some other rather important issues.
Nowhere with a helmet law or massive increase in helmet wearing has been able to show any reduction in risk to cyclists, rather the opposite in fact. The research which demonstrates this is large scale, long term, highly reliable and has never been refuted. The research showing huge benefits is small scale, short term, and is scientifically suspect. This research shows that wearing a helmet prevents leg injuries.
The myth about cycle helmets is the most pervasive and misguided of all the urban myths, being supported by the BMA, the BBC and many politicians, all of whom refuse to examine the facts.
Check out http://www.cyclehelmets.org
Richard,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. V interesting.