Once again, it seems, the Socialist Menace has been averted. Militant trade union activists have pulled back from the brink of causing social chaos and anarchy on the streets.

For the Great New York Doorman Strike of 2010 has been called off.

Under the marvellous headline “Deal Reached That Averts a Walkout by Doormen” (what would they walk out from, eh?) the Fish Wrap of Record, the New York Times, tells us that the strike scheduled to start in a few hours time (7am Wednesday there) will not happen after last minute talks.

The strike could have had truly terrifying effects on the very fabric of all we hold dear:

Along with picket lines in front of many of their homes, they would have been confronted with the loss of the people who sign for their packages, carry their luggage and let the pizza deliverers and dog walkers into the building. Residents of many buildings had been asked to pitch in to sort the mail, announce visitors by intercom, operate elevators and haul garbage to the curb if necessary.

In other words, the things that us less sophisticated people have to ourselves every day. If we were MPs, we’d notice, but thankfully we are all spared that shame.