Rail Strike Averted In Time For Springsteen

The world breathes a collective sigh of relief as a rail strike in Northern England that threatened to cause travel problems for fans attending Bruce Springsteen’s gig in Sunderland is averted.

Well, maybe the whole world wasn’t watching, but fans don’t have to make alternate transportation plans to see The Boss at the Stadium Of Light June 21. Evidently workers on the Tyne and Wear Metro were planning to walk out on the day the concert is to take place.

But all sides apparently came to an agreement, according to The Northern Echo newspaper which reports employees received a pay increase plus a bonus.

And yes, the walk-out date wasn’t coincidental in regards to the June 21 concert. Now it appears that the trains will roll when Springsteen & E Street arrive.

“Metro will run as normal on Thursday 21 June and for concert goers travelling to the Bruce Springsteen concert at the Stadium Of Light,” rail company DB Regio’s customer service director Sharon Kelly said.

What would have happened if the walk-out went on as planned? If past episodes are any indication, an alternate form of transportation would probably have been offered. However, there was always the chance that Springsteen, long considered to be a champion of the workingman, might have nixed the show rather than cross strike lines.

Photo: AP Photo

Estadio Olimpico, Seville, Spain

An earlier walk-out threatened to affect Coldplay’s June 7 concert at the Stadium of Light. However, a fleet of buses was provided to transport fans to the show.