Navigating Turbulent Tracks: The Impact of the 2022/23 Strikes on the Transport Industry and the Power of Communications
The 2022/23 strikes, alongside the infamous Cost of Living Crisis, significantly impacted daily life and are far from over. More work hours were lost in England last year due to strike action than any year since 1989. Reluctant settlement offers have left many strikers feeling underappreciated and dissatisfied. This article focuses on the transport industry and highlights the centrality of communications to a business in times of crisis.
Impact on the Transport Industry
Despite extensive media coverage on rail strikes, journalists have typically focused on the impact on passengers and the wider public. However, what about the transport industry itself? As a specialist communications recruitment consultant, I have observed that many candidates are apprehensive about working in a polarized industry like transport. Leading industry experts agree that while the industry isn’t for everyone, it offers challenges and excitement for those who thrive in an ever-changing environment.
The strength of good communications departments in safeguarding company reputation and retaining talent has been emphasized during this period of crisis. However, apprehensiveness is unique to roles directly dealing with Trade Unions. In general, the transport industry has been on a positive recruitment trajectory since bouncing back from Covid.
Challenges with Trade Unions
Relationships between Trade Unions and companies are notoriously difficult to navigate, especially during negotiations. Media interest creates an exaggerated and often one-sided depiction of these challenging discussions. Union leaders often express themselves to the media to catalyze negotiations and draw attention to their cause.
Most transport companies avoid media engagement regarding strike action, but some believe they should own their narrative during Union provocations. Public transport is often taken for granted and makes headlines for negative reasons, such as strike inconveniences. Redefining this narrative and acknowledging challenges facing frontline employees could benefit the industry.
The Role of Internal Communications
Conversations with industry experts reveal that while the structure of communications functions hasn’t changed due to strikes, internal communications teams face added pressure to maintain high employee engagement and satisfaction. Internal communicators can shape positive, inclusive cultures where staff feel valued and excited to work.
Since the pandemic, the value of internal communications has been realized, resulting in more buy-in from senior stakeholders. Overall, the transport industry has faced immense challenges due to strike action in the 2022/23 period but has found light at the end of the tunnel, with many companies on the rise.
I encourage communications professionals to be open-minded to the unique experiences that can be gained by working in this sector.
