I will start by saying this job is #%£!e and only going to get worse. We all deal with the trials and tribulations of coach and bus and most days think “why do we bother?”
But then there are a few good days when everything goes to plan, you squeeze in that extra job, and your driver brings back the motor without having restyled it!
The industry has changed massively in the relatively short time I have been involved. Some of our more ‘experienced’ professionals will tell tales even more adventurous than mine.
That said, nobody can miss the lack of enthusiasm as it is now. There is more and more of an ‘it’s just a job’ attitude. That is something we need to look at doing something about.
Mental health is a massive issue. Nobody can miss the number of people who take, or attempt to take, their own lives. Men especially are buggers for keeping it all bottled up.
Given how our industry is male dominated (despite the Women in Bus and Coach team doing their very best to level the numbers), it is a shock that we do not see more ripples, both male and female.
You need only look at the number of mental health clubs to see that there is a pandemic in need of addressing. We might not be able to fix the country, but surely, we can help to look after our own.
We now go to younger industry members. They want to feel part of something and be included. A big part of our ethos is to encourage younger staff in and make them want to be part of a multimillion-pound sector. They want to feel like they are valued and that their health and wellbeing matters.
Then the bosses. They steer the ships to ensure the job is done how they want it to be and listen to the inevitable moans and whinges in one of the most heavily regulated industries around.
The job is extremely hard, and remember, your health matters as much as everyone else’s. You may think at times that you are the worst paid therapist in the land for looking after your staff, but it is part and parcel of the job at times. That said, there is nothing wrong with venting your troubles to fellow industry professionals. Trust me; it works.
The HGV sector has countless truck shows. Our industry has the UK Coach Rally and the odd heritage gathering. Nothing high profile enough to generate a buzz for drivers and management, as well as promoting it to prospective staff and their families.
Countless operators comment on the Honk for Hope events in COVID. Their social aspect was excellent, and they brought the industry together.
Operators throughout the country talked about their problems and had the craic. Knowing everyone was in the same boat kept people going through such a heartbreaking and stressful time.
So where is this going? I have laid out all the job’s pitfalls, but what am I trying to say?
I am trying to say that we need to celebrate our industry more. More social events, competitions and beer drinking opportunities for staff and management alike. More gatherings where people can get together and put the world to rights.
We have a few social events in our organisation to keep people interested. It works really well. The industry needs someone to take the bull by the horns and get the social side back. There is nothing better than standing in a field, drinking beer, talking diesel fumes and occasionally brandishing a polishing cloth for good measure.
Or in the case of a good friend, industry colleague and out-and-out true gentleman, a giant pork pie, a lump of meatloaf and centuries of experience to tell tales about. Rest in peace, Mr Cartwright!
