Bob Crow’s anger against Network Rail in the instance of signal workers strikes is unjustified and illogical.

An old tradition of ‘slotting in’ staff into vacant roles has been eliminated and the RMT is disputing the changes using the argument that if something has been historically done in a certain way, it should continue to be done in that way.

This obviously stands directly in the way of equality, progress and flexibility.

Of course some traditional practices are the best way of doing things, and there can be good reason for continuing to repeat them.

But the very fact that something has been done in a certain way does not necessitate that it is the best way, or even a good way of practising.

When groups suddenly lose privileges that they had previously held, there will be anger. Removal of a benefit you once had can be worse than never having the benefit at all. Workers in other businesses, and especially in the public sector, will be amazed that the union is planning strike action over so comparatively small a change to the status quo.

Union anger should not allow rail staff to disrupt services and harm passengers. Change is inevitable, and while it may not always be welcome, it has to be accepted eventually.