It’s time for my annual performance review. My line manager sits me down to discuss my hopes and dreams for the next twelve months. They don’t involve hitting “mystery shopper” targets, but I just go with the flow.
At the end I’m asked if I have any personal objectives. Feeling cheeky I suggest starting a workplace bulletin. “Great idea!” she says, although I imagine my concept is quite different to hers. So I now have management approval to spread propaganda through the workplace. I’d better get some articles together.
I’m having a chat with K in the control room. I wonder if he’s seen the new Taylor Swift concert film. “Urgh, I’m not giving any money to Disney, not while they keep supporting Israel.” I challenge him on this. How is boycotting a western company going to help the Palestinians? It turns out this is a common view across the station. Both Coca Cola and M&S are also being avoided.
The war in Gaza is quite a sensitive topic at work, especially with the large proportion of Muslim staff. I’ll question anything that slips into conspiracy theories, but there is genuine disgust at the treatment of innocent civilians.
• Steve Allan works on the Elizabeth Line in London