Diary of a Tube worker: A quiet shift

Submitted by AWL on 2 February, 2021 - 4:49 Author: Jay Dawkey
Tube worker

It’s cold and not a lot is happening on a Monday as I start my shift at 5 am, at a quieter station than I usually work at. There are passengers, but those travelling to work at that time know what they’re doing and don’t need help from staff. I sit and wait for someone else to come in and take me off the gateline so I can get a cup of tea. Everyone is tired, waiting to go home while others make their way to work.

By the time the clock winds its way round to 12:30 pm and my shift ends, I have probably uttered two sentences at most. I walked round the station twice and wondered what I will have for breakfast or lunch. I am glad to get home. Some shifts, that’s what this job is like.

• Jay Dawkey is a London Underground worker and RMT union activist

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