ASLEFJOURNAL APRIL 2020 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen But seas between us broad have roared since long ago

Inside: Kevin Lindsay, Jim Baxter, and Richard Leonard on the state of the railway in ; on rails in ; The train drivers ’ and ASLEF calls on the DfT to cut a driver’s age from 20 to 18 union since 1880 railway enginemen’ s tax fr ee saver plans

tax fr ee savings plans for anyone who works on the railways... we don’ t mean just train drivers..! tax fr ee policies fr om 70p per day , £5 per week and £20 per month

for further information call us on freephone 0800 328 9140 visit our website at www.enginemens.co.uk or write to us at Railway Enginemen's Assurance Society Limited, 727 Washwood Heath Road, , B8 2LE

@RailwayEnginemens Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authorit y. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authorit y. Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 GS Mick Whelan

ASLEFJOURNAL APRIL 2020 The railway is key The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen HIS is not a time to score political T points or air our views on the strategy in relation to covid-19. It is a time to ensure that our country and communities come out on the other side of the current pandemic in the best way possible. It is a time for Mick: ‘Please take cross-party and cross- care and stay safe’ 5 6 industry co-operation and we have been working with all the unions on the issues News affecting interfaces and integrated transport l Covid-19 – what now for public transport 4 issues. We are working closely with sister unions as the UK goes into coronavirus lockdown? cross-sector and intensely on a sectorial basis l How the author of A Christmas Carol lost 5 with the government and the DfT. There are his final festive turkey; plus Off the Rails: similar conversations with the Mayor Kenneth Rose, John Bercow, Boris Johnson and TfL and regionally, where appropriate, and and Wee Jimmy Krankie, and Priti Patel with key stakeholders including Rail, TOCs and FOCs. l Evening Star at Full Steam by Terence Cuneo 6 8 In an ideal world we should be at home with goes under the hammer in Essex for £65,000 our families but, at times like this, people l Elizabeth Green of the National Trust on the 7 remember we are a public service and the key to Hugh Napier which worked Penrhyn quarry ensuring other key workers in the NHS, l Our campaign to cut a driver’s age to 18 8 emergency services, and social care get to work. Features Our railways are vital to the movement of food and medicines and equipment around the UK. l Q&A with Ken: Transport 10 Security of future employment for all workers, Minister and South AM Ken Skates safety, cleanliness, and safety-critical operation answers questions from ASLEF members 10 at a time of limited resources is a juggling act l DO2 Kevin Lindsay and EC2 Jim Baxter 11 and your reps are at the heart of that. This is not report on the state of the railway in Scotland the first time in 140 years that we have had a l Archie Barr & Ian Diggle; Kev Bell; James 12-13 national crisis where the rail family has come Glew; John Hay; Rab Wicksted; and ScotRail together for the greater good with emergency company council report on TOCs and FOCs timetables. We may have to be more flexible in and Craig Finnie on ASLEF Education the short and medium term but, remember, we need to rebuild confidence in rail for the good of l Richard Leonard and John Finnie – it’s 14 the economy when this is over and our thoughts time to take profit out of public service 11 are with workers going through harsh times at l Rochelle Jackson reports from ASLEF’s 15 airlines and on ships. national school at Quorn in Leicestershire Many companies are not holding physical Regulars meetings and, in line with advice, we are advocating that branches do not meet but do l Branch Lines and Upcoming Events 16 necessary business through committee, and our l Sheena Strevens on a District 8 quiz night 17 annual assembly of delegates is cancelled. and the TUC women’s conference Processes have been put in place for the day to l Obituaries 18-19 22 day running of the union and branch secretaries, l Letters and Classified Advertisements 20-21 LDC company councils, and trains functional l Last Word: It’s 250 years since William 22 council, along with our full-time officers, remain Wordsworth, the radical Romantic who contactable for advice and support. wrote Daffodils , and celebrated the We are moving to the containment phase French Revolution, was born in Cumbria with fewer people travelling but train drivers will be expected to come to work. Every day we are On Track: Edith Nesbit; Prize Crossword; 23 l working behind the scenes and will endeavour ASLEF’s Legal Services; and members’ to keep you up to date with arrangements Change of Address form dictated by the government or circumstance. This is a resilient industry, key to the economic The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN security and wellbeing of the country, and every Tel: 020 7324 2400 l email: [email protected] 23 one of you is part of that. We will bounce back. website: www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: @ASLEFUnion Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Please be safe and well. EdiToR Mick Whelan l dESiGNER Michael Cronin l PRiNTER College Hill Press, London, SW19 4HE AdvERTiSiNG ASLEF Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 020 7324 2407 or [email protected] l clASSiFiEd AdS [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a Yours fraternally display or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of that product or service by ASLEF Mick Whelan, general secretary chANGE oF AddRESS Please post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN

APRIL 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News

l Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s organiser on Covid-19: What , was interviewed for ITV ASLEF is doing London’s early evening news on SLEF has has written to all Tuesday 10 March acted to branches and reps: about the A protect ‘Following public coronavirus. He said: members in the light health advice ‘Management at of advice from Prime regarding the Minister Boris coronavirus chris Whitty, Boris Johnson and Patrick vallance order a UK lockdown need to move fast to Johnson, Professor pandemic all internal reassure Tube staff Chris Whitty, the and external and training events – home, where sent by email, with that they are doing government’s Chief meetings, including such as AAD, and the possible, for as long scanned copies of everything necessary Medical Officer, and branch meetings, branch secretaries’ as necessary. associated to keep the system as Sir Patrick Vallance, company council, course – are also to Unfortunately, this paperwork, in case safe as possible. That the government’s and district council be cancelled and/or may mean some postal services are means urgent action Chief Scientific meetings are to be postponed. services are affected. affected. Normal on properly cleaning Adviser, on Monday cancelled until ‘Staff at head Correspondence sent service delivery will driving cabs and 16 March. further notice. All office will be moving by post to head be resumed as soon depots as well as GS Mick Whelan planned conferences to working from office should also be as possible.’ offices.’ The Silver Fox TWEETS OF THE MONTH To the train operators, bus drivers, Derrick Fullick, of Waterloo Nine Elms branch, maintenance crews, Tube cleaners & who was general secretary of ASLEF from 1990 station staff who are enabling other to 1993, after serving as AGS from 1987 to essential workers to get around today – 1990, and EC president in 1982, has died at the thank you. You’re London’s unsung heroes. age of 91. ‘Derrick was a very well-respected Heidi Alexander @Heidi_LDN man and honorary member of ASLEF,’ said GS Mick Whelan. ‘Our thoughts are with his family It is totally unacceptable to announce at this sad time.’ that people shouldn’t visit pubs, clubs Derrick, who was known as the Silver Fox, Ray Buckton (left) with derrick Fullick and restaurants without measures for those joined ASLEF on 30 June 1944. As GS there was businesses and staff. The Chancellor needs nobody more dedicated to the union, its ‘Yes, I know I f****** did but what has that to come back with extended sick pay, rent members, and its cause – but he was politically got to f****** do with it?’ holiday, rates holiday and VAT holiday. incorrect, like DCI Gene Hunt in Life on Mars ! There were numerous disputes – and press Louise Haigh MP @LouHaigh Barrie Clement, of The Independent , had conferences – during his time as GS but TV arranged an interview with Derrick at crews realised the danger of letting Derrick on Andrew Sabisky always dreamed that Arkwright Road when female drivers were in live and would pre-record so they could delete one day he would work at 10 Downing the news. When Barrie asked why the number his more colourful f****** responses. St. And that one day was Monday. Weird of women drivers barely reached double In the Standard offices late one night I that a self-styled superforecaster couldn’t figures, and what was he going to do about it, answered the phone of my colleague, Tony predict that being a racist eugenicist who Derrick replied: ‘If God had meant there to be Maguire, the industrial editor. It was 10 believes women should sexually submit to f****** women train drivers he would have put minutes before Derrick ran out of breath, and men might just get him emptied from a a f****** kitchen sink in the cab.’ expletives, as Tony had, in that day’s edition, high-profile job. This duly appeared, minus the expletives, in suggested a merger between ASLEF and the @cbrookmyre the Indy next day. Barrie was at his desk when RMT. Derrick’s views fully covered Tony’s he answered his phone and faced the full fury, f****** fate in this world – and the next… with furious expletives, of the Silver Fox. Dick Murray , Evening Standard WILLIAMS STILL STUCK IN THE SIDINGS ‘But, Derrick,’ protested Barrie, ‘It was all on l A full obituary of Derrick will appear in a the record and you actually said those words.’ future edition of the ASLEF Journal The much-delayed Williams rail review has turned into a three-way struggle between Keith Williams, who finished his report in On track with diversity November, the , our hip, hot and Downing Street. A source told us: and very much LNER ran a special Flying ‘Until they are all singing from the same happening red Scotswoman service with an hymn sheet – or, at least, appear to be – it baseball cap all-female crew, including won’t be published.’ Probably in June. will keep the driver Tori Weightman, of sun out of No 2 branch, to your eyes this spring. London on Friday 6 March to DIDCOT, STRATFORD AND RIPPLE LANE Price £5 (inc p&p); email celebrate International The Didcot and Stratford branch reunions [email protected] or visit Women’s Day. ASLEF has been on 25 April and Brighton on 5 May have our online shop at urging TOCs and FOCs to been cancelled because of the covid-19 www.aslef.org.uk recruit more women drivers. pandemic. Ripple Lane’s meetings this Photo: Charlotte Graham month and next have been cancelled, too.

4 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 News

What the dickens did you do to my turkey? off the Rails

LETTER KENNETH ROSE , who wrote the discovered in celebrated Albany at Large diary A the archives column in the Sunday Telegraph for 36 of the National years, was an inveterate snob and Railway Museum in social climber – his nickname was York has sparked a ‘Climbing Rose’ – but he was well-informed, not afraid to bite A portrait of the lively debate about the hands that fed him, and kept a waspish journal. In Who author as an old how Charles Dickens, Loses, Who Wins: The Journals of Kenneth Rose Volume 2, man (above) and his the celebrated author 1979-2014 edited by DR Thorpe (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, £30) letter to GWR (left) of A Christmas Carol , we learn how ‘When Andrew, Duke of Devonshire, joined the Hard Times , and Bleak ‘Sir, in reply to your stretches back more SDP, the Labour MP Eric Varley said: “He will bring to the House , came to spend letter I beg to say that than 200 years. party that common touch which Roy Jenkins lacks”.’ Ouch! his last Christmas I have no doubt my Dickens played a key And ‘Edward Adeane tells me that Cyril Alington, without the prize Christmas fare was role in popularising headmaster of Eton, when asked how he prepared a sermon 30lb turkey to which destroyed by an Christmas as we to be preached before the king and queen, said, “As if it were he was looking unavoidable accident, know it today, for the lower chapel at Eton, with the difficult bits left out”.’ forward – after an and that I bore the including the And when Andrew Roberts, the right-wing historian, invited accident on the Great loss with unbroken luxurious choice of Rose to a book launch, and patronisingly told him, ‘There Western Railway. good humour turkey instead of the will be lots of people you know,’ Rose witheringly replied, A goods van laden towards the Great traditional goose in A ‘Yes, and you may know a few of them, too.’ with parcels from Western Railway Christmas Carol . The Hereford – including Company. Faithfully bleak irony of this JOHN BERCOW really lets rip, mostly at a Christmas hamper yours, Charles discovery is that the former Conservative colleagues, in for Dickens from Dickens.’ man who did so Unspeakable: The Autobiography George Dolby in Ed Bartholomew, much to shape our (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, £20). He calls David Ross-on- – curator at the NRM, Christmas may Cameron ‘an opportunist lightweight, caught fire between said: ‘Every now and himself have been sniffy, supercilious, and deeply snobbish’; Theresa May is ‘as Gloucester and then we are fortunate left with an empty wooden as your average coffee table’; Michael Gove is ‘prone Reading. David to uncover a hidden stomach on his last to oleaginous flattery’; Amber Rudd is ‘all gong and no Copperfield ’s gem in our railway ever Christmas day. dinner’; and Michael Howard is dismissed as ‘a decidedly Christmas dinner was archive, which Hard times indeed…’ cold fish’. But he describes Jeremy Corbyn as ‘decent to the burned to a crisp and core’, has huge admiration for Gordon Brown, who invited JC Kingett of the GWR the Speaker and his family to his home in Scotland and wrote to apologise. QUOTE… cooked fish fingers for his kids; admires Ken Clarke and, er, Mr Pickwick ’s reply, ‘Reality puts the brakes on self-driving Boris Johnson, who, he says, can be ‘charming and witty’ and, addressed to Mr cars and the driverless future.’ – Andrew perhaps better still, is a man he beat at tennis 6-0, 6-0, 6-0. Kingett in the up English , Daily Telegraph parcels office at …UNQUOTE BORIS JOHNSON should know by now Paddington, reads: that his Posh Boy Old Etonian English Tory schtick plays badly north of Hadrian’s Wall, CONFERENCES & RALLIES especially with those who raise a glass to The Scottish Trades Union congress is at the Concert Hall, Perth, from the memory of William Wallace and Robert Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 April. Workers’ Memorial day is Tuesday the Bruce. But he doubled down when Claire Perry 28 April. ASlEF’s annual assembly of delegates is at the Hilton Hotel suggested he offer Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First in from Monday 11 to Friday 15 May. With Banners held high is Minister, a role at the climate summit in in in Wood Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on Saturday 16 May. The December. According to Claire, Johnson said, ‘Over my Wales TUc is at the Venue Cymru in from Tuesday 19 to f***ing dead body’ adding, ‘I’m not being driven out of Thursday 21 May. The STUc lGBT+ conference is at the Golden Jubilee Scotland by that bloody Wee Jimmy Krankie woman.’ Wee Conference Hotel, Glasgow, from Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 May. The Jimmy – a fictional Scottish schoolboy played by Janette STUc youth conference is at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel, Tough – was one half of The Krankies comedy duo who Glasgow, from Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 June. The durham Miners’ enjoyed a TV career – and several hit records – back when Gala is on Saturday 11 July. The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival , near Johnson was growing up, glued to the telly, in the 1980s. Dorchester, is from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July. The Burston strike school rally at Burston, near Diss in Norfolk, is on Sunday 6 September. PRITI PATEL , the hapless Home Secretary, was The Trades Union congress is at the Brighton Centre from Sunday 13 skewered, beautifully and elegantly, by to Wednesday 16 September. Michael Deacon in the Daily Telegraph when he described contestants on The Apprentice on 500 CLUB: John Clamp, with number 242, won the February draw, BBC1 as ‘Polished, superficial, ravenous for scooping the RMS prize money jackpot of £414. advancement and, no matter what blunders they perpetrate, impenetrably self-confident’, adding, ‘I can see Priti on The Our smart black leather wallet – with embossed Apprentice . Insisting on appointing herself team captain; ASLEF logo on the front – has three fold-out and refusing to accept blame for her team’s defeat; getting fired; removable plastic inserts (ie, the wallet can hold muttering “Thank you, Lord Sugar” before flinging her six credit cards). Price £10 inc p&p; email wheeled suitcase into the back of a black cab, and then [email protected] or visit our online shop at www.aslef.org.uk sitting there fuming in an outsized overcoat.’

April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News End of an era

ERENcE haworth & co for cuneo’s the company’s 1964 T evocative calendar. it became image of the one of haworth’s Evening Star at Full most successful Steam , a 3ft 4in x 2ft prints; copies of the 6in oil painting of original edition of the last steam 2,500 sell for £75, QUOTE… engine built for while later ‘When you start to close libraries you British Rail, was sold reproductions trade are taking away an absolutely at auction for on eBay for £40. fundamental part of culture, one of £65,000 at Sworders class 9F the great foundation stones of society.’ fine art in Stansted locomotives were – Edmund de Waal , author of The Mountfitchet, among the biggest The BR class 9F engine, completed at Esssex, on Tuesday steam locos built in Hare with Amber Eyes Swindon in 1960, and now at the National …UNQUOTE 10 March. Britain; when they Railway Museum in York, running at her top cuneo (1907- entered service in speed of 90mph and (inset) cuneo shows 1996), a renowned the 1950s they were haworth the finished canvas railway artist, was dryly dubbed of James haworth & muttering, ‘They’ll commissioned to ‘spaceships’ by trademark mouse, telegraph pole. A co, asking, ‘do you probably spend so paint the engine in drivers and firemen. which he liked to parody postcard of think anyone will much time looking, october 1963 by The painting hide in every John haworth, find the mouse in it’ll drive them up the printers James features cuneo’s picture, on the managing director this?’ has cuneo the pole!’

Mail heard about the FINN DEMANDS TESTS ON TOXIC DUST Power of the press university’s decision, ASLEF is calling on Transport for London to and rang to ask why carry out urgent research into the impact of We were due to run university it expected trade breathing ‘toxic’ Tube dust. a three day equality conference centre union activists to Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s organiser on London and diversity said we would have cross a picket line, Underground, said: ‘Our members are worried training course at we prefer to say, to reschedule before and Kevin Maguire about the long term impact of dust levels. Aston University, their deferred the end of March or wrote a piece in his They are being exposed to a potentially with tutors from the wages, and we don’t forfeit the booking – New Statesman dangerous atmosphere for eight hours a day, College of Haringey cross picket lines. and our £7,753.44 column about ‘the five days a week. LU claims to be “world class” & Enfield & North So Lee James, fee. ‘We are price of solidarity for so staff should not have to breath in air that East London, from ASLEF’s equalities absolutely insistent Mick Whelan and his does not meet WHO standards and could be Wednesday 11 to adviser, called to on enforcing our train drivers’ Aston making them ill.’ Friday 13 March. But reschedule and cancellation policy,’ had a change of the University & suggested April they said heart. How Kevin, STEPHENSON’S ROUNDHOUSE FOUND College Union is on when Aston had unhelpfully. and the Post & Mail , A railway roundhouse designed by Robert strike to protect availability. But, But after the got wind of the story Stephenson, the Victorian engineer who built their pensions or, as perversely, the Birmingham Post & is a mystery. the Rocket steam loco, has been found at Curzon Street station in Birmingham by archaeologists working on HS2. It was in use Grayling to chair House from November 1837, predating the oldest Intelligence Committee intact roundhouse, in Derby, by two years. ‘For once in my life I agree with all those Tory FIRST PUSHED OFF US YELLOW BUSES MPs who have condemned the Prime Minister First Group, which operates GWR, SWR, TPE, for putting Chris Grayling on the Intelligence & and , is selling its yellow Security Committee,’ said Mick Whelan. ‘The school bus services and Greyhound obvious joke aside, Boris Johnson’s decision is coaches in North America after pressure from suspect in the light of the staggeringly inept – activist investor Coast Capital. and costly – decisions Failing Grayling made in government. Why him? Why now? And what is the government trying to hide about Russian interference in the general election last year?’ Stuart James receives his retirement QUOTE… certificate from fellow driver dave hazleton. ‘Unite tough guy Steve Turner muses that he has met Michel Barnier in carry all your stuff – Stuart joined the railway, and ASlEF, at Brussels but Boris Johnson won’t see papers, sandwiches, hastings on 6 January 2005. he had various him in Downing Street. There, in a keys – in style with our jobs before he joined us, including at the nutshell, is why the Tory right wanted smart new sturdy black BBc, and would tell us some great stories out of Europe.’ ASlEF bag. Price £17.50 (inc p&p); about his time there. Everyone wishes Stuart – Kevin Maguire , New Statesman email [email protected] or visit our a great retirement. online shop at www.aslef.org.uk Rick McCairn , Hastings 198 branch …UNQUOTE secretary

6 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 News Hugh and I Meet the new boss same as the old boss LIZABETH Green, lead Gwyn Topham, curator for Wales at transport E the National Trust, correspondent of The when asked to pick one item Guardian , paid tribute from the Trust’s enormous to The Who in an collection, chose a working article about the steam locomotive from Won’t get switch on the West Penrhyn in . ‘My fooled Coast main line from parents brought me up on a again? to Avanti. diet of industrial archaeology, ‘Meet the new boss. Just like the mountain walks, and historic old boss,’ he wrote. ‘First Group has buildings, and I love this little hired Virgin Trains’ entire Welsh steam loco from management team to run the Penrhyn quarry because, for London to Glasgow service. me, it links all three.’ ‘Phil Whittingham, MD of The Hugh Napier , a saddle Virgin, the operator since 2013, tank locomotive, made by the if the cap fits, wear it – working the Hugh Napier in becomes MD of First’s West Coast Hunslet Engine Company at Partnership. He confirmed that the Leeds in 1904 to haul slate shaken by explosions, crashing international renown and local existing senior management team wagons, was restored to full rock, and the clatter of horse- hatred – George Sholto Gordon have joined him – a host of working order at Boston drawn wagons succeeded by Douglas-Pennant, the second directors in charge of people, Lodge, the engineering works the puff and whistle of steam Baron Penrhyn, presided over finance, commercial, information of Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland locomotives like this one. one of the world’s longest technology, and corporate affairs. Railways, in 2012. ‘This little loco represents industrial disputes, the Great ‘While most rail staff, such as ‘Penrhyn quarry was the the best and the worst of Lockout, from 1900 to 1903. By drivers and crew, are automatically largest man-made hole on the Penrhyn’s story – the time it ended, 2,000 given jobs in the new operating planet – a vast, echoing place entrepreneurialism and workers had left the area and company under transfer rules, it is swarming with people and industry, riches and poverty, Bethesda had changed for ever.’ unusual for all senior managers to retain their roles. NORTHERN DECISION IS COMMON SENSE ‘The move can be seen as a Larry Elliott, economics editor of The Guardian , says: ‘Few tribute to Virgin’s performance in ‘We take trains long-suffering passengers will mourn the charge of the line – or another news that it has been taken into public ownership. That indictment of the rail franchising everywhere’ state control is seen as a common sense solution tells us system, which has been something: Britain has moved to the left on the condemned as unfit for purpose.’ Jo Fairley economy. There is no appetite for austerity; voters want and Craig higher NHS spending; polls show that support for the Sams, the nationalisation of rail and public utilities now stretches Ticket to ride husband across the political spectrum.’ Lidewij Edelkoort, a Dutch and wife ‘futurologist’ or trend forecaster – team TOP TORY: DON’T LET CHINA BUILD HS2 it’s like an astrologer but without behind Tom Tugenhadt, chair of the House of Commons Foreign saying it’s written in the stars – Green & Affairs Committee, Conservative MP for Tonbridge & reckons rail is the mode of travel Black’s Malling, and a Territorial Army officer who served in the of the future. organic Intelligence Corps in Afghanistan and Iraq, has warned Green & Black’s ethical ‘In the next decade,’ she says, chocolate, Boris Johnson not to allow China to build the HS2 rail entrepreneurs craig & Jo ‘we will fly one-tenth as much as Whole line because, he says, ‘the cost to our sovereignty could we do today. In Scandinavian Earth Foods, and Carbon Gold, say: be higher than we ever imagined’. countries people are already ‘We want to tread as lightly on the selling their houses abroad rather planet as possible, echoing the Native than face the disapproval of their American philosophy that we do not QUOTE… friends at their regular flying. Train inherit the earth from our parents, we ‘All the candidates are wrestling with the travel, the green alternative, will borrow it from our grandchildren. inescapable fact that Labour’s lost four times in a take off instead. KLM, which has ‘We try to keep our carbon row. The party has to be able to win power in order already advised customers to fly footprint low. We each drive fewer to put its principles into practice and bring about less, and BA would be smart to than 1,000 miles a year and take trains real change in the country.’ – Tony Blair invest in the rail sector to make up everywhere we can.’ …UNQUOTE for the shortfall in income on domestic flights.’

FOUNDER POCKETS £59M AS OCADO DELIVERS LOSS our natty folding black umbrella – with white Ocado co-founder Tim Steiner pocketed a pay packet of logo and auto button opening – will help £58.7 million last year, one of the highest salaries for a make sure you stay dry during the showers FTSE 100 boss, despite the company losing £214 million. this spring. Price £8 (inc p&p); email The firm insisted Steiner had hit his targets. [email protected] or visit our online shop at www.aslef.org.uk

April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 7 News

the GS be instructed The young ones to raise the issue with the ASLEF SLEF is to 18,’ said GS Mick parliamentary group leading a Whelan. and all other relevant A campaign to ‘You can leave bodies.’ reduce the age at school at 16 – Mick said: ‘We’re which young men although, in , ironing out an and women can you have to do an inconsistency, become train drivers apprenticeship, or addressing the issue in Britain from 20 to traineeship, if you’re of an ageing 18, bringing not in full-time workforce, and trying locomotives on the education – you can to increase diversity Mick Whelan: ‘We need to get younger blood into the driving grade’ main line into line drive a car at 17, drive in the driving grade with Tube trains in a Tube train at 18, Young Members’ issued with abilities and by encouraging more London. The and drive in depots at Representatives’ international licenses responsibilities of an black people, more campaign, to be 18, but you can’t, at Committee delegate, the principles are the 18-year-old women, and more launched officially at the moment, drive on ‘that this AAD same, and there is no compared to a 20- young people to the end of April, is the main line until instructs our difference in the year-old. Further, that become train drivers.’ designed not just to you’re 20.’ executive committee correct that anomaly, ASLEF’s annual to lobby the Office of but to increase assembly of Rail and Road to QUOTE… diversity in our delegates in Leeds decrease the ‘Clement Attlee is the political figure I regard most highly. No industry. last year adopted licensable age of train bombast, no high-flown rhetoric. He presided over a ‘We’re calling on agenda item 77, drivers from 20 to 18, government determined to create a better, more equitable the Department for moved by Matt bringing it into line society.’ – Michael Morpugo , best known for his children’s Transport to reduce France, of with London books, including War Horse the minimum age of Hammersmith & City Underground. Even …UNQUOTE train drivers from 20 branch, sitting as the though they are not Face it: nod’s as Mark a call good as a wink Ronnie Wood, guitarist with the of the Wild Rolling Stones and, back in the Mark Wild, chief day, The Faces, tweeted a selfie of executive of him travelling by Tube to the Brit , has Awards at the O2 Arena on promised to ‘do Tuesday 18 February. Ronnie, 72, this job without taking advantage of his TfL older Start me up: Ronnie on the Tube (left) and on stage with Rod the Mod a bonus’ in the person’s , posted a light of criticism video of his Jubilee line carriage, Tube.’ Then, later, he joined his old with a storming version of The of the multi- with people tapping their feet, muckers Rod Stewart and Kenney Faces’ good time pub rock boozy ‘i’m here to million pound and the caption ‘Knees up on the Jones on stage to close the show blues hit Stay With Me . deliver the incentives railway’ snaffled up by his predecessors – who failed Tory in ten grand of trouble to deliver the project on time. A handful of top execs have A conservative MP who promoted the products of a company after it gave shared £6.5 million during the her a £10,000 donation is embroiled in a ‘pay to play’ scandal and been last decade. Wild told the forced to deny claims that she’s ‘another pig with her snout in the trough’. House of Commons Public Fay Jones, Tory MP for Brecon & Radnorshire, pocketed ten grand from the Accounts Committee his Radnor hills water company in January and then started posting about the predecessors ‘did not company’s products on Facebook and Twitter – in a clear breach of understand the scale of the Parliamentary rules. Ms Jones denied that she has done anything ‘untoward’ task’. Wild could, though, but Martin Pearson tweeted: ‘i’d be smiling too if i’d been bribed £10,000’ receive a bonus in future, but and T @stretbomb asked if she was getting another ‘envelope from them as said: ‘I don’t want any a thank you’. Nancy Rips it Up chimed in, rather dryly, with ‘Not at all more Radnor: he who pays entitlement until I deliver #TorySleaze’ and @Black6Pearl tweeted ironically ‘No #SnoutsinTrough’. the piper calls the tune something – which is an operational railway. For AVANTI REFURB avoidance of doubt, I’d do this ASLEF’s young members are All 56 Pendolinos running on the West Coast job without a bonus. I’m here driving the future. If you’re 35 or main line are to be refurbished in a £642 million to deliver the railway.’ under, wear our badge with pride seven year programme for Avanti West Coast, for just £3 (inc p&p); email the new operator, by , which built the TILBURY BRANCH [email protected] or visit our fleet. The revolutionary tilting trains entered Tilbury branch has now closed online shop at www.aslef.org.uk service between London and Glasgow in and all existing members have January 2003. been moved to Stratford branch.

8 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July

Every year in July, thousands of people travel to enjoy the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival . It is a weekend of family entertainment, stalls, political debate, comedy, music and a grand procession through the village. www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival

6th

April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 9 Wales

Q&A – Light breaks where no sun shines

KEN SKATES , Minister for Economy and Transport in the Welsh government, and Labour AM for Clwyd South, answers questions from ASLEF members for the Journal launched a brand new apprenticeship is there a strategy to reduce the programme which provides new career Q number of lorries on our roads, and to government looking to bring freight back opportunities for young people in the get any more freight on the railways, thus on the to and from transport industry. reducing the carbon footprint in Wales? ? Also, are there any plans to Russell Morris , Newport reinstate old railway lines, such as the There are lots of issues around historic and caernarfon, to allow these Q systemic overtime working in what is The Welsh government is taking forward the communities blighted by cuts to local bus now TFWRS. how do the Welsh government Wales transport strategy which is due to be services to have better transport links and and TfW plan to overcome that? Whilst published later this year. The strategy will set boost the local economies? protecting worker rights and the out why freight and logistics are important to Kevin Ederle , negotiating process? Wales, how it contributes to wider strategic Dan Masrani , Cardiff objectives – such as economic prosperity – In terms of opportunities for international but also how it impacts other strategic areas, freight movements the Welsh government The Welsh government has led the way in particularly in respect of the environment. As remains committed to working with trying to create a more inclusive railway that a Welsh government we are keen to integrate stakeholders to develop meaningful works for passengers and its workforce. We freight into our thinking on transport at the intervention in areas we can control, or have seen this through our collective same time as growing our public transport otherwise lobby the UK government where agreement to retain a second safety critical network and encouraging modal shift. interventions are required at a UK level; for person on all trains for the duration of the 15 example, port customs and investment in the year franchise, and the insourcing of the i know there’s been a feasibility study North Wales coast line, which are the catering function. However, the Welsh Q on a proposal for reinstating the line responsibility of the UK government. We need government is keen to make the railway more between carmarthen and Aberystwyth, a joined up UK approach to maximise strategic resilient and more representative of our which would link back up all the freight opportunities. In respect of reinstating population and modern societal behaviours universities of Wales. What is the old railway lines the strategic development of that are now the norm. This means we need to probability of this happening? Now the the is looking at options to develop working arrangements to reflect the national government has stated it wants to achieve this, as well as exploring other public seven day nature of the modern railway we are reopen some lines cut by Beeching. transport opportunities to improve the creating in Wales. We need to find a way that Wayne Hurlow , Carmarthen connectivity of communities in North Wales. ensures Sunday and Bank Holiday train However, there are significant capital costs to services can be operated as reliably as The announcement recently by the UK achieve this given the state of some lines and weekday services and this will need to be government of a £500 million UK fund to the level of investment required in new track underpinned by different and evolved reinstate railway lines closed under Beeching and signalling. It is also an area which is not employment practices. in the 1960s is welcome, but a much bigger currently devolved; the lines remain in the We need to ensure equality of opportunity. package of funding will be needed to re-open control of and the UK The railway offers high quality career old lines across Wales and the rest of the UK. It government, which makes taking this forward opportunities and employment. In awarding must be the first tranche of a long-term difficult for the Welsh government on its own. the rail services contract I was very proud that commitment to an annual fund, because if the we would be creating a further 600 current pledge is spread across the country it With increasingly separate and opportunities to work in this fantastic industry. is unlikely to deliver many schemes at all. For Q autonomous apprenticeship systems I want to make sure those opportunities are example, the work undertaken to explore re- developing in England and Wales, how do made available to as many as possible, and opening the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line we ensure that some workers in Wales don’t that the balances of gender, sexuality, ethnic identified the capital cost for this scheme miss out on access to funded origin and other protected characteristics of alone would significantly exceed the total sum apprenticeships due to lower economies of the workforce properly reflect the society the being made available by the UK government scale making it less financially viable for railway serves. through this new fund. Unfortunately, as rail awarding bodies to develop qualifications? To make the change requires more than infrastructure is not devolved in Wales, we are Ian Thompson , Treherbert words, it requires action from all of us. We not in the driving seat as to where different need to look collectively at how we can opportunities and approaches could be We’re very proud of our apprenticeship system encourage and be supportive of changes to developed to improve rail services between here in Wales. This Assembly term we are working practices which support the current Mid and South Wales. We hope this will creating 100,000 high quality, all-age workforce, offer career progression to those change through comprehensive devolution of apprenticeships while, in England, who aspire to develop, and attract the next rail infrastructure and a fair funding apprenticeship numbers are falling off a cliff generation to choose to work in the railway. settlement to go with it. and there has been significant criticism of This is likely to include considering more part- quality. has committed to time working, perhaps more flexible contracts, With the problems of congestion on creating more than 1,000 apprentice and and thinking differently about how we recruit Q the A55, road bridges over the Menai graduate opportunities over 15 years as part and retain our staff. We want to achieve this Straits and around the , of the £5 billion investment in the Wales and using the social partnership model we have especially with Brexit, is the Welsh Borders rail service. On top of that, it has developed here in Wales over many years.

10 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 Scotland

stations and signals people of Scotland ScotRail should be in meet the necessary chose a different path. group standards. The SNP landslide public, not private, We have had more has given them a success in removing mandate to hold a ownership – now ‘classic’ HSTs from second independence Scotland’s railway. By referendum. That KEVIN LINDSAY , ASLEF’s the end of March decision should not organiser in Scotland, opens every train Abellio be a power our four page special report by runs in Scotland no Westminster holds examining how Abellio railway in Scotland. We have had longer spews human over Holyrood. It stumbles from crisis to crisis and calling With this would come numerous complaints waste onto the tracks. should be the Scottish for Holyrood, not Westminster, to a share of Network Rail about the lack of If they do run a ‘classic’ Parliament that decide whether or not to hold another debt but it would also vision when stopping HST there is a financial decides whether to referendum on independence give the Scottish trains with right-hand penalty to be paid. hold a referendum or Parliament control platforms. The issue is With the pending not. Supporting the VERY year terminating over infrastructure so serious I’ve told loss of the franchise right of the Scottish when I sit immediately, but in projects. Abellio that we want Abellio has informed Parliament to a E down to three years’ time. And Abellio continues these trains removed us it will not be referendum is not the write an article for the it would put the to stumble from one from the Cathcart embarking on any same as supporting Locomotive Journal I franchise back out to crisis to another, the circle and Newton restructuring talks the break-up of the usually reflect on the tender, but support a latest being its new services; if they don’t, without the authority UK, but that’s a debate previous 12 months public sector bid. flagship train the 385. then we will instruct of Transport Scotland for a later date. but, as there is so It is ridiculous that Most members will our members not to so if a driver or As democratic much happening in the Scottish taxpayer remember the fiasco stop at Maxwell Park member claims to trade unionists, we the here and now, I’m has to bid for a over the cab window and Crosshill stations. have insider should always support going to focus on that. franchise that the which gave drivers a We have also knowledge of talks the right of people to When the Scottish people of Scotland distorted vision when identified seven they are making it up self-determination. As government already own. The looking at signals in signals where there is and spreading fake a union our policies announced it was Scottish government the dark. Well, limited time for drivers news. If ever these are always set by lay terminating Abellio’s hides behind Tory problems continue to see them, and are talks get started then members and that will contract to run the privatisation by not with these units. The demanding I’ll communicate it continue to be the ScotRail franchise it leading the way and fact that Transport mitigation is put in with our members. case so if any member was well received by taking the franchise Scotland bought the place, such as banner Finally, following wants to change passengers, political back into public trains with gangway repeaters, or a the devastating policy or set new parties, and trade ownership. I support doors in the cab has reduction in line general election result, policy they should unions. However, the demands of the made them an speed. Whilst we have giving us five more take the issue to their there was a sting in Scottish Parliament to extremely poor been raising these years of Boris Johnson branch, gain support, the tail; the Scottish have full devolved experience for drivers issues Abellio has and his right-wing and send it to the government was not power over the working these units. consistently stated the Tory government, the executive committee.

that affect our members daily, injury, we now have Freightliner such as bad timetabling, bad threatening to close the Coming to a head diagramming, and heavy Coatbridge terminal. If this is workloads. Obviously, the next allowed to happen there will be JIM BAXTER , our executive committee member for two years will be very interesting long-term and wide-reaching Scotland, reflects on his first full year in office – and as we await the Scottish consequences for the movement issues affecting members including Brexit, government’s decision on what of freight in Scotland. The independence, ScotRail, Avanti and freight it will do with the franchise now Scottish government cannot be it has, finally, made the decision allowed to sit back and do AVING now completed through this transition period of to take it back from Abellio. nothing. my first full year serving Brexit we are still no wiser as to Many members have It’s not all bad news, though. I H the membership of our what sort of Brexit we will have experienced their first change of believe the AAD motion great union, and reflecting on all and how that will impact on our franchise with Avanti West Coast regarding four hours maximum that has happened, I’d like to members. The debate on (First Group and ) driving, before a driver must get thank everyone, branches and whether there should be a taking over from Virgin. So far it a break, will help with the issues individuals, who have supported second independence appears to be a change of livery of bad diagramming and intense me during my first year referendum in Scotland is and uniform and carry on as workloads. We continue to see representing District 2 on ongoing but, I believe, will come before, but we will continue to recruitment across many ASLEF’s executive committee. to a head, one way or another, monitor this. companies. And we have a new The help and support I’ve very soon. The rail freight industry TransPennine Express depot in received has been greatly Within ScotRail we have had continues to create uncertainty Glasgow up and running and the appreciated. issues with 385s, 170s, and the for our members with the merry- new timetable in December saw In the Scottish edition of the HSTs. Thankfully, we appear to go-round of contracts won and the introduction of new services. Journal , this time last year, I be getting all the issues resolved lost. I still believe the only way to I continue to get around the mentioned that we are living and can move on to whatever stop this unsustainable model is bothys, when out driving, and through some very interesting comes next. As a union we for the whole rail industry to be I’m always happy to discuss with, times politically, and that clearly continue to put pressure on the brought back under public and listen to, members on the hasn’t changed. As we live company to deal with the issues ownership. To add insult to issues that concern you.

April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 11 Agenda Bye bye Abellio THE ASLEF DRIVERS’ COMPANY COUNCIL reports on ScotRail as Abellio works its notice for the next two years

HE Scottish government has triggered the release clause in Abellio’s 10 year T franchise. Numerous calamities have befallen the Dutch company since taking over and the keys are due to be handed back in and the possibility of 200 more to come; 75 Abellio ScotRail: ‘it’s been a blast’ March 2022. Beset by problems from the start, drivers left last year, a high proportion for other when staff were told to cover up the old First 385 units are encountering further problems TOCs, but restructuring talks to alleviate this logo on uniforms with duct tape, the company in the Glasgow area with difficulty viewing right- issue are on the back burner due to the franchise has gone from bad to worse in its attempt to run hand side platforms and signals. In conjunction ending. the best railway Scotland has ever had. with Network Rail it is envisaged they will be Millerhill depot has a proposed opening date The various issues are too numerous to withdrawn on Cathcart circle and Newton of December. And vacancies have been mention here but, as we await the Williams diagrams in the May timetable. Signal sighting advertised for a new depot at Elgin. 314 units report, we are wondering who will be next in and cab ergonomics are under review and we were withdrawn in December and the 40-odd- line to run the soap opera of Scotland’s railway. await further developments on these. year-old HSTs are increasing across Scotland’s Last year saw huge numbers of cancellations and The second man’s windscreens are still seven cities although with no seat reservations major passenger dissatisfaction due to training awaiting renewal, causing problems getting between January and May due to reliability and being woefully short. This led to ScotRail offering trainee hours in darkness. In better news, diagramming of units. a productivity deal which was narrowly voted in. recruitment continues with 180 trainees in situ Bye, bye Abellio. It’s been a blast… Azuma teething troubles Exceeded targets RAB WICKSTED , drivers’ company council secretary, CRAIG FINNIE , project worker, ASLEF reports on recruitment at LNER Education Scotland, reports on a productive year HE most important traction, drivers throughout lNER: ‘We are looking to achieve a four day week’ issue for us on the this transitional stage from ITH over 200 participants completing T is HST/Mark 1vs have shown true as current recruitment in place, programmes in 2019/20, the project has the introduction over the last professionalism. Health & there will be an additional 50 W significantly exceeded the targets agreed year of Hitachi Azumas. These safety reps, in particular, have drivers recruited throughout with our funders at Scottish Union Learning. trains have been, and are still played a key role in discussions the route until December 2021, In the area of mental health awareness, the being, delivered throughout with LNER relating to safety due to the increased timetable project has delivered four successful awareness the route, with drivers having issues being reported to them. plans, and age-related profile raising sessions to members in Glasgow, and to deal on almost a daily basis This year also finalises the retirements. Edinburgh, with a further two scheduled in with teething problems and last part of the pay deal from We are trying to achieve a Dundee. Sessions on wellbeing/nutrition were major dynamic brakes 29 March 2020, with the RPI four day week which, as the delivered in Glasgow and Dumfries and, in January, problems and some other figure from February being company states, must be self- 12 participants successfully completed the two- mechanical issues. This was paid from that date for all financing, as we still have 4.25 day NHS Scotland mental health first aid never going to be an easy task driver-associated pay rates. working days per week. certificated course, a challenging but rewarding and, with over 20 years since The company advised the Hopefully we can deliver this in experience. learning a completely new company council that, as well the very near future. A successful pilot focusing on trauma and the railway was developed with the University of dRS: ‘Andy Strathclyde throughout 2019 and delivered in Time to go through the t&cs has been a January 2020. With 20 participants, the teaching KEV BELL , company council secretary, great and resources were of high quality and the issues reports on Direct Rail Services mentor’ raised at the session will lay a firm foundation for VER the last couple of months we in relation to their grade, and look forward to future learning and development. have seen a number of trainee drivers welcoming them all into their own branch. The ULR team in Scotland has grown and new O come through the training academy. April is the final stage of the three year pay reps have come in with new ideas and enthusiasm. They all worked hard and now have their train deal agreed back in 2018 by the previous Each member of the team has contributed to the driver’s licence. Congratulations to each of company council and a credit to our project’s work, from organising courses to them! One is based at . A new predecessors and lead officer Andy Hourigan. arranging workplace events and attending driver, but not a new start, as he was a train Andy has worked hard alongside the present conferences. Four members completed their ULR1 person for 12 years, working out of company council since we took office a year training. A strong recreational learning programme Grangemouth, before progressing to the ago, and been a great mentor, and keen for members has run alongside the above footplate. listener, never too busy to talk to, help, guide programmes with classes in Spanish, photography In January a number of trainees joined the and advise us. Neither is he slow to put his and family learning for Maths homework available. academy. They, too, have worked hard to hand in his pocket, be it for a soda water & lime It has been a productive year for the education complete their classroom training and are now or a Drambuie! In the coming months we will project in Scotland and the enthusiasm and being mentored at their depots. The company go through the present t&cs to see which, if commitment from all involved provides a strong council met them, explained the role of ASLEF any, need to be changed or updated. footing for us going forward.

12 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 Scotland End this race to the bottom

JAMES GLEW , DB Cargo company council secretary, on the state of the rail freight industry in Scotland

T’S BEEN a long road since the dark days of October 2016. We saw off the threat of I mass dismissals and vastly improved the original diminished terms on offer. We have recently agreed further improvements that are ground breaking in the freight industry, including Dithering and delay 14 hours minimum rest between all shifts and maximum 9½ hour night shifts. The further JOHN HAY, drivers’ company council chair, improved conditions take us towards our aim of reports on CrossCountry achieving each item on the newly-published freight charter. Hopefully the rest of the industry T LOOKS like 2020 will be another follows suit and we can jointly end the race to the year of dithering with the DfT bottom in the freight market. I failing to award a new franchise for Focusing on DB in Scotland, in 2017 we had to the CrossCountry network, instead giving a make a hugely difficult decision and agree to direct award to Arriva to run the service merge Mossend and Millerhill depots into a until October. There have been changes in ‘Scottish hub’. Despite the tough decision, this the management structure with new MD protected jobs for drivers in both locations. : Another three or four years? Tom Joyner bringing in regional directors. Progress has since been made and, thanks to We are awaiting details to see how this they are in supporting members with mental tireless work by local reps, we now have dedicated affects the collective bargaining procedures. health issues. Mossend and Millerhill links. Whilst still not a full The 2020 pay negotiations will, The driver apprenticeship scheme is now split into two separate depots again, it’s heading hopefully, begin shortly and, given that the up and running with 32 trainees to be in the right direction. Further superb work by local CrossCountry franchise ends in October, any enrolled every year and, with the reps has seen an end to enforced lodging and pay deal will have to be sanctioned by the experienced driver step rates being excessive van driving. Perfect examples of why a DfT. CrossCountry is in discussions with the removed, recruitment looks secured for the good local rep structure is vital to enhance DfT regarding the possibility of another future. working conditions in each area. direct award, possibly three or four years. On a personal note, this will be my last This along with the news that DB is still report for the Scottish Journal as I have trying to sell Arriva. decided, after nearly 18 years on the The council, with the lead officer, company council, not to stand for re- submitted the ASLEF best practice mental election at the end of this year. I have been health policy to the company in May last privileged and proud to represent the ASLEF year. Disappointingly, the company has still membership and have worked with many not tabled a response or, indeed, proposed dedicated and hard-working reps. Thank its own. This makes you wonder how serious you for all your support. dBc: ‘A good local rep structure is vital’ As for the future, things look positive. We connected driver advisory dropped to an all-time low of just 36 drivers last All change system) in the cab. The Class year. Despite this, the drivers still managed to 221 Super Voyagers are just to deliver sandite season, Georgemas pipe campaign ARCHIE BARR and IAN get a tidy up and be replaced traffic, and 385 unit testing, all in addition to the DIGGLE , company council by a new bi-mode Hitachi train usual contracted work. Their hard work kept DB representatives, report on in 2022. The company council going in Scotland and, thankfully, we are now Avanti West Coast attended two very good seeing the first live recruitment since 2006. The courses organised by Craig current aim is for an agreed establishment of 47. Finnie, on mental health The first batch of trainee drivers recently left the HE West Coast main Avanti is set to continue the awareness and trauma, which school and are beginning train handling. We line finally changed apprenticeship scheme T from Virgin/ provided essential information insisted this was done the right way, with internal Stagecoach to First/Trenitalia stage of route learning, ready for reps and raised questions promotions before external recruitment. at the beginning of December; for driving trains for the busy for reps to discuss and get I could have filled a full page with negative the company is now called summer period. Avanti has better treatment for drivers aspects cast upon us since 2016, but I could have Avanti West Coast. given a commitment to who have issues or have been filled the entire Journal with the positive progress Virgin ran a successful continue the scheme, involved in incidents. that’s been made since those dark days. None of apprenticeship scheme to recruiting another 50 this year, And at a celebratory dinner this progress would have been possible without bring new train drivers into the to replace retiring drivers from to honour Mark Frend’s the hard work of the company council, local reps, industry and the Scottish various depots. retirement due to ill health, officers and executive and, most important, the depots are now benefiting Avanti has said it will open speeches and presentations support of drivers in our two very active branches. from this scheme with the first new depots at Holyhead and were made by lead office Kevin Hopefully, the future brings additional improved batch fully trained and driving , refurbish the Class 390 Lindsay and company council conditions, further recruitment, and a thriving and the second batch, at the Pendolinos, and fit CDAS (a secretary Simon Goode. freight industry in Scotland.

April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 13 Scotland

Kevin lindsay, Take profiteering out Richard leonard, Mick Whelan, hugh of Scotland’s railway Bradley and John Mccue at RICHARD LEONARD , Labour’s campaign at Glasgow Glasgow leader of the Queen Street and Edinburgh Queen Street Scottish Labour Haymarket stations to get the for a rail campaign day Party, says message across to passengers that the privatisation experiment franchising doesn’t need to has been an expensive failure. be reformed, it needs to be While Abellio continues to run despite the private outsourcing would do nothing to take abolished our railways, evidence of its giant’s catalogue of failures, from profiteering out of Scotland’s shortfalls keep stacking up. In refugee housing in Glasgow to railways. HEN Scottish Labour January it emerged that ScotRail the operation of the Caledonian In March, Scottish Labour brought a motion to had been fined £3.3 million for Sleeper). In truth, continuing with revealed that both ScotRail and W Holyrood last autumn almost 5,000 service failures. It’s a any form of the failed franchising the are set to calling for the ending of Abellio’s drop in the ocean, however, system would deliver neither claw millions more from the ScotRail franchise, SNP and Tory compared to the £1 billion Scottish, nor public, control. public purse thanks to clauses in MSPs teamed up to vote it down. subsidy the company has received It’s no surprise, therefore, that the franchise agreements offering ‘Simply ending the contract early since 2015. Michael Matheson has put more cash if growth targets are will not wave a magic wand to fix Now we have won the proposals for a public bid on hold missed. All the SNP government the challenges we have on our argument that Abellio is not fit to pending the outcome of the had to say in response to this case railways,’ said SNP Transport run our railways, we must look to Williams review. It would be of reward for failure was: ‘We have Secretary Michael Matheson, the future. The SNP previously deeply embarrassing for the SNP if stated many times that the adding that our call was not ‘in voiced support for a halfway the Tories saw sense and current franchising system needs passengers’ or the Scottish house where the state could bid announced the end of the to be reformed.’ taxpayers’ interest’. against private operators – and, franchising system while Enough. Franchising doesn’t Just a few months later, most likely, foreign state-owned nationalists were still tinkering need to be reformed: it needs to Matheson bowed to mounting enterprises like Abellio – in future round the edges. be abolished. pressure and announced that the contests. Williams, however, is unlikely Labour is the only party franchise would be ended three Ministers floated the prospect to recommend the only measure committed to a fully vertically- years early in 2022. It is thanks to of the state-owned ferry company which will ensure our railways integrated, publicly owned, the tireless campaigning of Caledonian MacBrayne putting work once again for passengers, railway – and it’s never been more ASLEF, alongside other unions, forward the public sector bid. But workers and the public: full, important for us to join forces passengers, and activists that this this plan is coming unstuck. Not vertically-integrated, public with ASLEF to fight for this. was achieved. I would like to least because CalMac is currently ownership. In this he has thank, in particular, ASLEF’s suing the Scottish government something in common with the l You can follow Richard on organiser in Scotland, Kevin (because the SNP government SNP, who consistently seek to Twitter @labourRichard and on Lindsay, and general secretary awarded the Northern Isles ferries change the subject to the Facebook at Richard leonard Mick Whelan for backing Scottish contract to Serco, not CalMac, devolution of Network Rail, which MSP

thinking of as a private service Enormous untapped potential rather than a public good has taken place at the same time as a full assault on trade union rights JOHN FINNIE , Scottish Green policy making have left many firms unwilling, or is clearly no coincidence. They are predicated on Party MSP for the Highlands unable, to consider any alternative. the wrongheaded ideological principle that & Islands, explains his party’s The current malaise is a failure of successive people should follow where capital leads; a policy on rail and how public governments as well as the businesses which belief which has brought devastation to so many run the services. For too long our trains have transport can help in the fight against industries and services vital to the public. It will languished in private hands and parts of our rail take a concerted effort to undo this damage, but climate change infrastructure have barely changed since the the task is not impossible. tracks were laid in the Victorian era. We need to Scottish Greens recognise that the success of F OUR response to the ongoing radically rethink the nature of our public any public service rail network will require the climate emergency is to be even transport network and we need the workers participation and guidance of everyone involved I vaguely successful, then an efficient involved in providing the service to be a central in its operation. This means that the views of the and well-funded public transport network is part of that process. workers, via their trade union, should be essential. Particularly our railways which are, of Public transport should be run in the public embedded in the operation of the service at course, capable of carrying both passengers and interest, not to line the pockets of private every level. Those on the front line can provide freight with great speed. shareholders. Private operators are, by their very invaluable guidance and insight that might be The latter point is one that is often neglected nature, interested in growing profits, not in the overlooked, or ignored, by those further from the in public discussions. That’s perhaps common good. The climate emergency and coalface. By proactively pursuing worker understandable since the vast majority of people social benefits of an affordable public transport participation a publicly-owned network could see rail as a way to move themselves, rather than network are, at best, of secondary concern to build a service that works for both passengers goods, around but there is enormous untapped them. and staff. potential in our rail network. Tapping into that A publicly-owned and operated rail network Trade unions aren’t only a vehicle for striking requires planning and ambition. Emissions from would provide true accountability to the people though, when necessary, that is an important transporting freight by rail are significantly lower who use it and could be compelled to involve function; they’re a fundamental part of building than by road but decades of ‘road as default’ workers in its operation. That the shift towards a fair and just society.

14 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 Report Rock’n’roll high school

ROCHELLE JACKSON , of Abbey Wood branch, reports from ASLEF’s national school at the Quorn Grange Hotel in Quorn, a village near Loughborough in Leicestershire, from Monday 24 to Friday 28 February

S THE date approached for me to attend the ASLEF national school, I A began to get slightly nervous. Being out of school: the traditional team pic (top left); a relatively new driver, and the only person lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, and attending from my branch, coupled with this the Transport Select committee; candid camera; being the first ever national school, I didn’t back in class; and listening to the GS know what to expect! Just an hour after arriving at the hotel, any ‘I would recommend it to anyone involved nerves I had were put to rest. We had lunch with ASLEF. It’s so important to get out and and then headed over to the meeting room for would encourage anyone to put their names meet activists from up and down the country the learning to begin. forward for any ASLEF school, as it was a to share ideas and gain confidence in order to Marz Colombini, executive committee worthwhile experience. equip us for the future.’ member for District 1, and Simon Weller, Matt France , Hammersmith & City assistant general secretary, did their ON THE RIGHT TRACK IN SCHOOL introductions and then it was over to us – 21 ‘it was a great experience where i met some train drivers from all over the UK. ‘The ASLEF training school is proof of the amazing people and learned some very During the week, no two days were the commitment our union has to us, its members. valuable lessons which i will take forward in same and there was a wealth of knowledge to I think everyone who attended left with a my future in ASlEF.’ absorb. I learned about the history of ASLEF; greater understanding of what environment Martin Young , Bishop’s Stortford the ‘mystery’ behind AAD; how to structure a ASLEF is operating in.’ motion; how other trade unions operate; the Vinnie Humphries , Gateshead & Newcastle ‘I attended with the aim to strengthen my art of public speaking; the importance of position as a rep and provide the best advice member engagement; how branches engage ‘i thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The possible to our members – something they their members; how to research a subject you best part was learning about our political deserve. Engaging in the activities at the wish to talk about; and how ASLEF is history and understanding our views on school and sharing experiences has been embracing social media and, finally, getting national transport issues. it was great to be invaluable. I have gained a lot of knowledge, round to updating our website to make it in such a diverse group and i am proud that made friends, and established contacts that more user-friendly. we represent the future of ASlEF.’ will help me going forward to being a One of the exercises we had to do was to Sherelle Cadogan , Morden successful rep.’ choose a subject which we then had to Dean Burles , Gateshead & Newcastle research, write a motion, and deliver a three ‘It was a game changer for me. I have gone minute speech. Oh, and let’s not forget, that back to work brimming with knowledge and, ‘i highly recommend this course for anyone this was then video recorded! I was horrified at best of all, confidence to be a great rep.’ relatively new to their role in the union as it the start as who likes to hear their own voice Paul Coughlin , Northern Line North will give you a fantastic opportunity to played back to them? However, I now further your skills, meet new people and, understand why we had to do this. To see and ‘The media training was invaluable, even if most importantly, give you confidence in hear how we deliver a speech and then to embarrassing when watching yourself after your role going forward.’ learn and grow from this. I mean, I still don’t being filmed!’ Wayne Lidgbird , Birmingham New Street like hearing my own voice played back to me, Mick Higgins , Carmarthen but it has allowed me to change my delivery ‘It was informative, inspiring, and confidence when making a speech. This, in turn, will help ‘An extremely educational and enjoyable week building and I look forward to building on me whilst chairing branch meetings. where I learned so much about the history of what I’ve learned back at my branch and I made some good contacts with other our union, the challenges we face, and what depot.’ drivers and I know that they are only a phone we all can do to fight them. I feel much more Jamie Martin , Bournemouth call or message away should I need their empowered to represent my colleagues to advice. We plan to attend one another’s tackle those challenges head on.’ ‘Fabulous time, learned a lot about the branch meetings so we can catch up but, more Rob Davidson , Derby workings of the union, and met a lot of important, so we can share ideas to take back fantastic like-minded people. Particularly to our own branches. I will also try and attend ‘it made me understand that any enjoyed the sessions on radio interviews, AAD this year as a visitor, so I can gain a better achievements are never accomplished by a and podium speaking. Massively out of my understanding of what happens at our annual single person, but collectively, by all comfort zone, but gained a lot of conference. members, regardless of beliefs, knowledge and confidence which will, Spending a week with 21 other train drivers background or political views.’ hopefully, help me in the future.’ might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I Dan Davis , Reading Dave Harrison , Hull

April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch lines The magic of Merlin Upcoming Events n RAMSGATE – THURSDAY 2 APRIL Southeastern reunion from 11.00 at the Red Arrow Club in Ramsgate. Dig deep when the raffle comes round as that pays the bill! Remember this is your reunion; use it or lose it!

n NORWICH – FRIDAY 3 APRIL The Norwich Loco Welfare Fund has kindly sponsored this reunion for footplate staff past and present. Colleagues from other depots and other grades are welcome to join us, too. From 17.00 at the Sprowston Sports & Social Club, Blue Boar Lane, Sprowston, Norwich, NR7 8RY. Free buffet.

n YORK – FRIDAY 24 APRIL ARMARTHEN welcomed Reunion from 18.30 at the York Railway Institute, Queen Street, the GS, DO7 Brian York, YO24 1AD. Buffet provided. All members, past and C Corbett, and EC7 Andy present, from all branches, welcome! Hudd to our February branch meeting. At what was an n DIDCOT – SATURDAY 25 APRIL enjoyable social event, it was ASLEF members past and present welcome from 12.00 at the insightful to hear the views of GWRSA, Station Road, Didcot, OX11 7NR. Buffet provided. senior ASLEF officials on current events that impact our union and n STRATFORD – SATURDAY 25 APRIL how we are preparing to address Annual reunion from 17.00 at the Railway Tavern, Angel Lane, them. The GS presented a number Stratford. Buffet provided, and a prize raffle. Further details of badges, which was greatly from Chris Daughters on 07809 430257. appreciated. Highlight of the afternoon was the presentation to The GS takes questions (top) n BRIGHTON – TUESDAY 5 MAY Bro John Boreham, who was and (above) presents John with The 10th annual Brighton & Sussex branches reunion for all deservedly made an honorary his certificate and medallion ASLEF members, past and present, from 14.00 at the Brighton member of our union. John, who Railway Club, Belmont, off Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3TF. recently retired, has been a hugely is more than ‘just a diary’! The influential member for many years branch would like to congratulate n HITHER GREEN – WEDNESDAY 6 MAY and, as a company council rep, John. All the best, brother! The Old Farts’ Reunion is at the Richmal Crompton pub near assisted many colleagues in their Chris Owen , Carmarthen 045 Bromley South station from 11am. ‘ time of need. Proving that ASLEF branch secretary l In the light of government advice about the coronavirus pandemic, all these events are likely to be cancelled. Please Thanks, check a reunion is still on before you catch that train...

Alan Simon Coles, Anita Ship shape… McNulty and Zoe Loudon-Godfrey (20); on behalf of all Bristol branch the work they do Rachel Gentle and Ian drivers at chingford celebrated 1,205 years representing our Chamberlain (5). and West Anglia, of long service on members. The GS Massive thanks to all past and present, i Wednesday 2 October. then presented our our guests for their would like to place GS Mick Whelan, EC members with their contributions. A great on record my president Dave Calfe, badges: Ken Millard evening was enjoyed sincere gratitude to DO7 Brian Corbett, and Mark Gregory (40 by all. one of the greatest DO5 Nigel Gibson, years); Shane Bernard Kennedy , reps i have had the and DO3 Andy Melanophy (35); Bristol 036 branch privilege to know. Hourigan all spoke on Bernard Kennedy (30); secretary Bro Alan Edwards has decided to retire and enjoy life with his wife Jackie after 25 years as a rep. he has been a mentor and friend Alan receives his retirement and to colleagues on the appreciation certificates from howard railway and in the union and is the penny. (Thanks, phone call away if only person i know howard!) he and his we need him. who has bought the knowledge will be Paul Cutmore , whole pub a drink sorely missed but i Chingford 248 …AND BRISTOL FASHION (‘in good order, from the days and never paid a know he is only a branch secretary when Bristol was a prosperous port’ OED )

16 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 Report I am woman hear me roar SHEENA STREVENS , of Worcester branch, reports from the TUC women’s conference at Congress House in London from Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 March and debates about equal rights, debbie Reay, Sherelle the hidden homeless and, er, Chef’s cadogan, Bianca Chocolate Salty Balls Rennie, Alfie cochrane and Sheena Strevens (top left); ASlEF’s delegates with the GS and AGS (top right); on the picket line with the UcU (far left); and with the TSSA speaking up on behalf of Turkish women

before heading back to debate access to Palestinian women, condemning Trump’s ‘deal toilets, an issue which, it was noted, affected of the century’. And we are proud that Debbie men and women. The motion called for the has been re-elected to serve on the TUC EBBIE Reay, London Underground TUC to continue to campaign for all workers women’s committee for a further term. driver, chair of ASLEF’s Women’s to have a statutory right to loo breaks without Sherelle Cadogan, Morden, spoke in D Representatives’ Committee, and a detriment and for the government to enforce support of an RMT motion about assaults on member of the TUC women’s committee, health & safety legislation to look after women transport workers. Conference asked kindly invited conference delegates to the workers’ welfare. the TUC to campaign to toughen the law District 8 celebration of International Women’s against abuse and violence toward transport, Day. So, on the evening before conference, a THE RMT TORPEDOES OUR MOTION and other public-facing, workers and for small but perfectly formed gathering of ladies Then came the controversy. Bianca Rennie, employers to take more robust action to from many different TOCs and FOCs came WRC secretary, took to the podium to move protect all staff. together to share experiences, friendship and ASLEF’s first motion of the day, Day three began with a series of motions food. The quiz, hosted by quizmeisters DO8 acknowledging that HIV infection rates in highlighting sexual harassment in the Finn Brennan and EC8 Terry Wilkinson, was women aged 45-56 are rising and asking workplace, with the Musicians Union amusing, with the wholly non-D8 table conference to encourage affiliates to run HIV recording 48% of women members routinely sweeping the board and running away with all awareness campaigns with regard to experiencing sexual harassment. Bianca spoke the goodies! prevention, transmission, symptoms and in support and asked the government to testing, to form links with a charity working in ensure that employers are made responsible ASLEF’S POLICY A MODEL FOR OTHERS this field, and to raise the profile of the cause. for protecting all staff against sexual Conference opened with Ged Nicholls, TUC Sadly, this motion was not passed, as the RMT harassment. president, and Frances O’Grady, TUC general took exception to a detail in the wording and secretary, and a good part of the day was spoke against; we had a feeling this would be WE NEED A DIVERSE CURRICULUM taken up with debate around equal rights and the case, as an RMT delegate had hinted the Our final contribution was made by Sherelle equal pay for women in the workplace, night before that they would try to torpedo who gave an impassioned speech supporting followed by motions including one about the motion. We may have lost the vote (for 81, a motion from the National Education Union dignity in the workplace and the elimination against 89, abstentions 36) but we started a celebrating black women and girls in of the taboo that surrounds what used to be debate, and should probably be thanking the education; and calling on conference to known as ‘women’s issues’ such as RMT for the publicity for the cause, even if campaign for a diverse curriculum which menstruation, endometriosis, and the that was not their intention! includes black history; challenges menopause, supported by ASLEF with Sheena Next Alfie Cochrane, Orpington, moved stereotyping; supports black girls being able Strevens taking to the podium. ASLEF’s motion with regard to women as the to have natural hair; and promotes role models Conference coincided with the launch of hidden homeless. The chair initially stopped for the future. our model workplace policy for menopause Alfie from speaking, not for a bad reason, but To sum up, we met old friends and made and the release of our recent survey results; for the whole hall to unite in singing Happy new ones, caused controversy, and supported the motion was passed and conference asked Birthday to her! We want the government to women from all over the UK (and that all unions follow the lead of ASLEF and ensure that the needs of women are internationally). We laughed and we cried, the CWU by providing a model policy and considered when developing policies to sang karaoke, and enjoyed Chef’s Chocolate pushing for an end to the taboo. The day tackle homelessness. Salty Balls . Someone got their room upgraded, ended with a social gathering sponsored by Debbie Reay seconded a TSSA motion we had a cheeky G+T in a few places, and Thompsons solicitors where friends, old and calling for support and solidarity for human enjoyed a couple of lovely meals out. We left new, met and enjoyed good food and rights in Turkey, especially with regard to with drive and positivity to keep doing what is company; and the raffle was won by our GS! women, children, LGBTQ++ and opponents of right and supporting those less fortunate than Day two started with a trip to King’s the Turkish government. Debbie also took to ourselves. Because together we can make a College, London, and the UCU picket line, the podium with a statement of support for difference.

April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 17 obituaries

JOHN ROBSON AT AAD: EUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM OHN ROBSON – born in Norway and known to J family and close friends as Terje – was a hard working, principled, dedicated trade unionist and socialist; a committed and passionate opponent of fascism and racism; chair of Arnos Grove branch; a local and line rep on London Terje was one of the co- Underground’s Piccadilly line; ordinators of the secretary of our trains functional wildcat strikes on council; an elected trustee of the london Underground TfL pension fund; and a national in 1989 – and a victory trustee of ASLEF. for Tube drivers that prompted John joined ASLEF, the train the Tories to bring in another raft driver’s union, as soon as he of anti-trade union laws started on the Piccadilly line in 1977. He saw details of the local struggles of the time. And, in strikes were was a cartoon in the delegates where delegates are branch meeting posted on the 1989, he played a vital role in Evening Standard with the traditionally referred to by the depot notice board and went organising the wildcat Tube caption, ‘Well organised Tube name of his or her branch. I along. There was no one there. He strikes – fourteen 24-hour strikes strike. They ought to round up the remember him bringing the sat and waited for half an hour, mainly organised outside official ringleaders and promote them!’ house down at one conference then found a phone and rang the union structures by rank and file Well, some of the ringleaders when he disagreed with a branch secretary, interrupting his co-ordinators. did get promoted, over time, but proposition put forward by the dinner. ‘Oh, we don’t normally John’s style wasn’t the tub- John didn’t. Instead he was part of delegate from Euston. He strode bother with meetings,’ said the thumping platform orator. He was a group – including Terry to the podium and coined a later branch secretary. ‘No one wants to a meticulous and detailed Wilkinson, Steve Grant and others much-copied line: ‘Euston, we come along to them nowadays; organiser. Thirty years after the – who took over the leadership of have a problem.’ not like in the old days!’ strike he still had the handwritten the district in the mid-’90s and John was rightly proud of the Well, John wasn’t having that. list of those co-ordinators’ phone made huge strides in improving work he did to protect the So he brought some colleagues numbers. Leaflets were often drivers’ pay and conditions. The pensions of staff on London along to the next meeting, was handwritten and photocopied but five day 35 hour week was Underground. He was elected to elected branch chair, and kept the still looked professional and were achieved after hard battles and the pensions consultative branch active for the rest of his usually much funnier, and far harder negotiations. committee and, from there, as a career. more libelous, than any we John always did what he trustee of the pension fund. At a The 1970s and ’80s were a produce today. thought was right, rather than time when most of us thought busy time for trade unionists. Those strikes led to a change in what was politic or popular. He pension issues were too boring to John played an active part in the law, requiring trade unions to wasn’t always flavour of the be important, John grasped the organising to stop the National officially repudiate wildcat strikes. month with the union’s hierarchy difficult technical details and Front marching through Haringey Not the last time that a Tory – and he was very happy not to worked hard to make sure we – culminating in the Battle of government would change the be. He stood successfully for kept the top rank defined benefit Wood Green on 23 April 1977 – law to try to prevent rail workers election as a trustee of the scheme, one of the best in the alongside a local councillor called fighting to protect our pay and national union at a difficult time in country, that gives staff the Jeremy Corbyn, who went on to conditions. They also laid the basis our history, insisting that the chance of a decent life in make quite a name for himself. for Tube drivers’ reputation for union’s finances be run in an retirement. John was active in supporting the militancy and for being prepared effective and transparent manner. Over the years, I went to a few miners, the dockers, the printers, to stand our ground. He was a popular figure at funerals with John, and a line he and the other trade union A tribute to how effective the ASLEF’s annual assembly of liked to use was, ‘I have lots of different ASLEF ties, and the only one I don’t like to wear is this one’, BOB MONK MORNING, EVERYONE! meaning his black ASLEF funeral i have to report the sudden passing of Paddington hSS driver Bob Monk. he tie. At funerals, people will often was only 54 and, although an extremely quiet person, a massive part of say, ‘We won’t see his like again’. I Paddington depot and had a massive impact on anyone who knew him. he was hope this is not true this time; I someone who simply got on with his work, and never put upon his colleagues. hope we will see more people like last summer Bob had surgery on his hips – which had got so bad before the John in the future. op that when the lift on platform 1 wasn’t working he’d use alternative routes He was a friend, and a mentor to get to his train, often taking a lot longer to reach his cab than the time to many of us. Generous in allocated. When bollocked by colleagues for not going sick, he replied that he passing on his knowledge, couldn’t do that to his workmates because it would cause them to cover his experience, and advice. As we work to keep the things John Bob: smiling down work – that was the measure of the man. fought for, the labour and trade from the top link Bob would never let anyone down; he was always there when his colleagues met up. People hope he realised how much he was appreciated; he always had a union movement need many smile and a dry joke when he saw you in the mess room. more people like John. Farewell Bob was going to retire in a year or so but, unfortunately, left us sooner than we all wanted. comrade. The struggle continues. hopefully he is smiling down from the top link in the sky. Finn Brennan , District 8 Stephen Austin , Paddington 155 branch secretary Organiser

18 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 obituaries

JACK HOWE TOWSER’S TAN On a wet Monday afternoon, 24 February, at a packed Charing crematorium, family, friends and workmates came to celebrate the life of retired Ashford driver Jack Howe who died on Friday 31 January. Jack, affectionately known as Towser to his mates, reached the grand old age of 92, taking full advantage of his pension. Born and raised in Ashford, he spent most of his working life driving trains, with a break for national service in Germany. He was a keen footballer and loved gardening in his spare time, which gave him a great Jack howe: 4 April 1928 tan. A lovely, friendly, cheerful chap, Jack will be sorely missed by all. RIP brother. to 31 January 2020 Rob Kilkie , Ashford 009 branch reporter

MARK HUTCHINGS HE LOVED HIS WOOLLY HAT It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that Mark Hutchings, my brother, has died ROGER OWEN aged 61. He was a second man and driver for STEWARTS LANE STALWART 42 years and a member of ASLEF for almost all Retired driver Roger Owen died on Tuesday of that time. Mark was a great believer in 28 January at the age of 75. Roger started ASLEF – and so well known for wearing his on the railway at Honor Oak Park in ASLEF woolly hat, at work and away from September 1960, went to Essex House in the work, that he was wearing it in his coffin offices, and transferred to motive power in during his cremation. Thank you for looking October 1962 as a fireman at Norwood after him while he did the job he loved. Junction. Paul Hutchings , Kingston-upon-Thames Roger became a driver at Stewarts Lane depot, Battersea, and, when the depot It is with great sadness that we report the closed, we all transferred to Victoria mixed passing of our brother and friend Mark traction. He served as a staff rep, was a Hutchings – aka Butch. He had been ill for founder member of the Victoria train crew some time; however, the news came as a great social club, serving as secretary arranging shock to all of us. Mark joined British Rail in social events such as river trips and other 1977, initially as a second man at Old Oak, and activities. came to Strawberry Hill in 1981 as a driver, Our sincere condolences to his wife Carol. where he remained for the rest of his career. Ken Heydon , Battersea Steve Kihuth , Feltham Electric 078 Mark without his woolly hat branch secretary

April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 19 letters

Oh, what a lovely world we Keyboard warriors – it’s the branch room, not the lived in before the global mess room or bedroom, where we do the business financial collapse of 2008 Oh, what a lovely world we lived in, in the There seems to be an increase in bothy affluent countries of the world, before 2008. lawyers and keyboard warriors sitting Socialism was at its lowest level and the world at work or at home and holding court seemed set for years of milk and honey under over what our union has or hasn’t done. capitalism’s new high. But then it crashed. You But it seems to me that they do not know, the old chestnut of Marxism, about bother to find out what is actually capitalist highs and lows, boom and bust. taking place. They are usually, in my Here in the UK, and also in other places, like experience, the same people who do the US, where $700 billion was used, the banks not put reports in to llc when were bailed out with taxpayers’ money. It was something happens, whether it’s Brave in the bedroom because insulting finance capital, represented by the banks, that operational, signals, unit faults, or someone face to face may result in pain were the beneficiaries, not the working people safety issues, but then tell anyone who of these countries. The problem was solved, to wants to listen – and sometimes those Branch meetings are held regularly be sure, but only temporarily, because the who don’t – that the union is doing and posted in advance so, if you want to problem, as Karl Marx said, is endemic in the nothing! ask something, or hear what is actually capitalist system and now it’s going into if you can sit in a mess room or at happening in our union, make the destruction mode again. your keyboard and complain then you effort to attend your branch. Because Along comes the coronavirus. But it’s not can, surely, put pen to paper, or send an the branch is the place we do our the virus that’s the threat to society, that’s the email, to let reps know so they can get debating and where we will find out feint. It’s the finance capital elite again. And, as involved. it’s not too much to ask that what our union is involved in on our before, there is talk of a bailout for business you give the people you elect the behalf. We have a very good union that while the rest of us can whistle to the wind. information they need to do the job you looks after the members and we should And, now, talk of special police powers to elected them to do. be proud of it, not sitting, sniping, and protect the people. Well, how many people our union is member-driven and we trying to undermine it. We will not living under repressive regimes have heard have branches where everyone is always see eye to eye but that is why we that one in the past? welcome and will be given the have branches where we can discuss Something has to replace neo-liberalism opportunity to discuss what the union and debate things and come to a and something has to replace the old order of is doing on our behalf. They will also be collective agreement. capitalism, because it’s obvious that it’s able to listen to reports from llc reps, We work best when we help each finished. But what will it be, and when will it company councils, Ec members, h&s other, not sit and snipe at each other. if arrive? I think it’s being planned and placed as reps, and district organisers and ask you can’t be bothered to put in reports we sit worrying senseless about the questions if they want more to let reps know what is going on, or coronavirus all over Europe and the US. When information. The branch is also where not going on, then you have no right to did you ever hear a British government talk we can send items to AAd and change sit and hold court in the mess room or about special police powers? Special police the policy of our union. on your keyboard. i know this is in print powers are followed by troops on the streets, The success of our trade union has but it’s nothing i’ve not said in mess repressive laws, and Fascism. been based on this system and has rooms or in branch rooms. Look beyond the obvious, and try to see been proven to work. Jim Lafferty , Motherwell what is hidden. People say, ‘It’s for your own good, you know’. I bet that’s what people have always thought just before the storm. going to food banks don’t vote, and these are 14 February that year (the St Valentine’s Day Chris Dodd , RMS Derby the people who need our support most. We massacre) when most of our members moved need to move nearer the middle ground, but to Blackburn as a signing-on point (borrowing not that far right which happened with the last steam locos from nearby depots like Lostock Keep calm and carry on Labour government. Hall and Rose Grove). After a promotion I cannot speak for all, but I have no worries Arthur Walkiden , Ramsgate RMS transfer to Horwich works, Bolton, I returned to about my local supermarket running out of Blackburn until closure in the 1980s (when I toilet rolls so long as the racks are kept full of went to Preston). So I wish Blackburn every right-wing newspapers. Stay calm. Open the cylinder cocks success. Mel Thorley , RMS I don’t usually put pen to paper, but wish to Re ‘Tally-ho! Toffs on the line!’ ( Journal , belatedly congratulate our union on the February) I remember on my first day at Lower Labour has to get elected reopening of the Blackburn depot branch. I say Darwen, August 1950, we were three new reopening as I was a member back in 1966 starters awaiting the foreman cleaner in the It is a long time since I wrote to the Journal but after the closure of Lower Darwen loco on drivers’ lobby. Harry Smith gave us our first I feel I must express my thoughts on the Labour leadership election. Are we doing the right thing? I’m not questioning Rebecca BRITISH RAIL TRAIN Long-Bailey’s position as a socialist, but she 20% Discount CREW MANUALS 33056 was so close to the last Labour leader, and we For all active and retired SERIES WANTED for my have to remember, as socialists, that we don’t railway staff personal collection. only have to fight the Tories, we have to fight a Good price paid for all biased media. I would like to see the railway Beatons Tearooms Wellington wanted manuals. email 17 Market Square, Wellington, renationalised, along with other public , , TF1 1BU Tony Middleton, GBRf services, but to do this Labour has to get into Tel: 01952 957964 driver, at [email protected] www.beatonstearooms.co.uk power and, unfortunately, most of the people

20 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 classified Advertisements

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This and depart we have a statutory the people who on 07929 350146. branch line was Liverpool Lime speed restriction of always take the opened in 1866 Street station for 20-25mph on the brunt – ordinary CASH paid for original pre 90s and, when Queen towns and cities Bootle branch citizens – while the railway photographic slides or Victoria celebrated nationwide. system. Peel Ports of this negatives. Please contact GBRf her golden jubilee As Lime Street is We are all aware world laugh all the Tonbridge driver (and railwayana collector) John in 1887, trains were open 20 hours each of the total way to the bank and Waddington at [email protected] operating from the day, timetable slots incompetence of the Tories blatantly NORWOOD depot special pin badges Liverpool dock are sparse. The line Tory rail ministers, laugh at the people. including Cowden 25th anniversary. system faster than on which the trains and their cock-ups, Mark Dowd OBE , £3 each or £5 the pair (inc p&p). they are today. operate is the Chat too numerous to ex-train driver, ex- Proceeds to Norwood Drivers’ Social If Ms Truss Moss line, world mention. It seems chair Merseyside Club. Email Stuart Boxall at believes that ‘taking famous for the the Tories are Passenger [email protected] back control’, etc, oldest passenger offering trade Transport GROVE PARK branch 50th means a maximum service in the world, policies which Authority 1992- anniversary badge. £6.50 inc p&p. speed on the line of where trains ran cannot be achieved 2012 Contact branch secretary Ray Garland 07931 612615 or [email protected] AIRDRIE has produced a badge to duty, to read the standing orders, which stated the railways were nationalised, many of the commemorate its reopening as a the errors of moving locomotives that only same individuals who were running the big separate branch. £6.50 inc p&p. Please drivers qualified were allowed, etc, on pain of four up to 1947 were still there, and most of contact branch chair Ivan Wilson sacking; also there was ‘Hounds on the line’ them were Tories. This continued through the (07949 862393) for details. saying that, on observing any hounds on the Beeching era, with Barbara Castle doing very PERTH branch badge to line, drivers should open the cylinder cocks to little to reverse the trend, with the wrong commemorate 110 years (1908- disperse same. Steam, of course. How times political attitude at the board right up until 2018). £6 plus £1 p&p. Cheques have changed… privatisation. I had friends there who failed to payable to Perth branch ASLEF No John Holland , RMS Preston see the light. Whatever colour is in power do 134 General. Please contact branch not expect radical changes, as they all rely on secretary Grant Murchie for details on 07412 fuel excise from road transport, something 453454 or [email protected] They failed to see the light they do not get from rail. BUXTON & PEAK FOREST I endorse the comment from Mel Thorley Here, in Australia, it is just as bad. There 125 (Journal , February) as I had a similar years limited edition badge 1892- have been plans for a high speed rail line from 2017. £6 plus £1 p&p from branch experience at King’s Cross where some drivers Brisbane to Melbourne for years. The secretary Paul Costello; email openly admitted supporting Margaret government will not agree unless it goes via [email protected] Thatcher! You could not convince them that Canberra. All the experts say it should avoid it; their vote was assisting the Tories’ aim of what they don’t say is if it did go via Canberra PROFESSIONAL ENGRAVING at closing the railways and ASLEF completely. no politician would use it, they would still fly! sensible prices. I can engrave anything To me, this was nothing new. In 1948, when David Rollins , ex-King’s Cross you wish, such as the ASLEF logo on the pint tankard. Contact Paul Potts by email at [email protected] Come and join the conversation! Send letters by email to To place an advertisement please phone [email protected] or by Royal Mail to the ASLEF Journal 020 7324 2400 or send an email to at 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN [email protected]

April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 21 last Word Trailing clouds of glory

KEITH RICHMOND celebrates the 250th anniversary of the birth of William Wordsworth, a fiery young radical who embraced the French Revolution, and changed the course of English literature, but ended up as Poet Laureate, establishment tool, and mean-minded old Tory

T IS William Wordsworth’s misfortune to be remembered these days – if at I all – for his somewhat fey, and much- parodied, poem Daffodils : ‘I wandered lonely ‘A naked savage in the thunder shower’: Wordsworth as a young as a cloud | That floats on high o’er vales and radical, and grumpy old man, and his home at Rydal Mount hills, | When all at once I saw a crowd, | A host of golden daffodils; | Beside the lake, beneath the trees, | Fluttering and dancing in the the history of the French Revolution, so far trajectory from fervent young thing to grumpy breeze.’ from stopping to bewail his death, you would old Tory. The radical republican, advocate of Unfortunate, because there was more – rather have regretted that the blind fondness revolution in France and democracy in much more – to this wordsmith than those of his people had placed a human being in England, accepted the patronage of Lord daffs. His autobiographical epic poem The that monstrous situation.’ Lonsdale, and the sentimental conservatism Prelude is, arguably, the crowning He added: ‘Equality, without which liberty served up by Edmund Burke. In Two Addresses achievement of English Romanticism, and The cannot exist, is to be met with in perfection in to the Freeholders of Westmoreland (1818) he Lyrical Ballads , written with Samuel Taylor that state in which no distinctions are backed the local aristocrats and traditional Coleridge, changed the course of English admitted but as have evidently for their object social order. poetry. the general good.’ As he settled into the public role of elder And as those golden daffodils – ‘Ten statesman – and Poet Laureate from 1843- thousand saw I at a glance, | Tossing their ‘What we need is not the will to believe, but 1850 – Wordsworth embraced the kind of heads in sprightly dance’ – usher in another the wish to find out’ patriotism that Dr Johnson dryly described in spring, and we mark the 250th anniversary of 1775 as ‘the last refuge of the scoundrel’ and Wordsworth’s birth, we might remember that Wordsworth was shocked when England abandoned the idealism of his youth. His he was a young radical who welcomed the ‘declared war on Revolutionary France – which literary output suffered, too. French Revolution with the words: ‘Bliss was it made it impossible for him to see his daughter Most of his best work was done when he in that dawn to be alive, | But to be young was – but became disillusioned during the Terror of was young, progressive, and inspired by very heaven!’ Maximilien Robespierre and his Committee of radical thinking; the Tory years are Public Safety. characterised by second-rate verse and too ‘The child is father of the man’ Wordsworth wrote as he walked, and wrote much time spent re-ordering his early poems beautifully. Lyrical Ballads with a Few Other (like an ageing rock group endlessly Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 at Poems by William Wordsworth and Samuel remastering the classic early albums). Cockermouth, in Cumberland, and educated Taylor Coleridge (1798) – which includes ‘at the infants’ school in Penrith, Hawkshead Tintern Abbey and The Rime of the Ancient ‘The things that I have seen I now can see no Grammar School, and St John’s College, Mariner – is a landmark in the English more’ Cambridge. Romantic movement and changed for ever the He went on a long walking tour of France, nature of English poetry. Byron and Shelley, his radical – and Romantic – the Alps, and Italy in 1790 and returned to the The two friends – who wrote many of the ‘contemporaries, mocked him as ‘simple’ and continent in November 1791 to spend a year poems when they were living near each other ‘dull’ while Keats distrusted his ‘egotistical in France. It was partly personal, partly in Somerset – set out to make poetry sublime’ and Hazlitt deplored a ‘lost leader’ political. Because he fell in love with Annette accessible by overturning the fusty artifice of who had abandoned his early radical faith. Vallon, the daughter of a surgeon who lived at much 18th century verse and replacing it with But Wordsworth, before he lost his mojo, Blois, on the banks of the Loire, between the living voice of real people. and became a grumpy old establishment man, Orléans and Tours, who gave birth to their helped enthuse a new generation with daughter, Caroline, in 1792. But he was also ‘But trailing clouds of glory do we come dangerous ideas about democracy, and fired by a passionate belief in the ideals of the from God’ changed the scale and scope of English poetry. French Revolution of 1789, became a fervent republican, and wanted to throw over the In 1799 Wordsworth moved back to the Lake tyranny of l’ancien régime not just in France, ‘District – to Dove Cottage on the edge of but in the rest of Europe, too. Grasmere – and in 1813 was appointed stamp l if you like daffodils, the Royal In A Letter to the Bishop of Llandaff (1793) he distributor for Westmoreland – Rabbie Burns, horticultural Society garden at harlow vigorously attacks the forces of darkness, who also backed revolution abroad and radical carr, harrogate, has a ‘golden mile’ of repression, and monarchy: ‘At a period big reform at home, was an exciseman, or tax 70,000 bulbs to mark the Wordsworth with the fate of the human race, I am sorry collector, in Dumfries from 1791 – and moved anniversary; while the RhS gardens at that you attach so much importance to the from Allan Bank in Grasmere, where he had hyde hall, chelmsford; Rosemoor, personal sufferings of the late royal martyr. lived since 1808, to Rydal Mount, near devon; and Wisley, Surrey, have You are one of those who are unpersuaded of Ambleside. special displays, too. the guilt of Louis XVI. If you had attended to Wordsworth’s life follows a familiar

22 The ASLEF Journal l April 2020 Across 21 Bobbin on Track Prize crossword 1 Stockbroker or 22 Indiscriminate market dealer crossword 168 by Tom Williams 7 Football trainer down 8 Golden sporting 1 Amsterdam bulb Sex was no dog? 2 A shortened form 9 Make corrections 3 A puzzle in the 10 Jetty or wharf form of a question Shaw thing 12 Grape plant 4 Waste metal 13 A winter fall 5 Secure and DITH Nesbit (1858-1924) 14 Intravenous unharmed (4,3,5) was a poet and novelist feeder used in 6 Dark reflection E who wrote more than 60 hospitals 11 Tear violently books, including The Railway 15 Nourishment 13 French coin Children , turned by Lionel Jeffries 17 Was put 14 Absorb food into a famous film starring Jenny into practise 15 Documents file Agutter, Sally Thomsett, and Bernard 19 Outfit or 16 Pie fruit Cribbins; a progressive left-wing costume (3,2) 18 Vision activist and feminist who helped 20 Foot treatment for found the Fabian Society; and, as corns and bunions Eleanor Fitzsimons argues in her new book The Life and Loves of E Nesbit Solution to crossword 167 (Duckworth, £20), ‘one of the most Across: 1 Explanation 7 Arms 8 Cheddar 9 Ewe influential children’s writers of the 10 Drone 11 Essays 13 Grisly 16 Earls 18 Own Name...... 20th century’. 19 Admiral 20 Inns 21 Disobedient She was also, down: 1 Errors 2 Peseta 3 Access 4 Ahead Address...... according to her 5 Indoors 6 Nursery 11 Emerald 12 Scrimps friend Alice 13 Gaoled 14 Ignite 15 Linnet 17 Shrub Hoatson, ‘without ...... exception the Congratulations to daniel dearest, Smart , of Gloucester , who ...... naughtiest, most was last month’s winner. The cruel, most winner of this month’s Prize kindly, Crossword will receive Marks & ...... affectionate Spencer vouchers to the value of £25 creature God ...... Edith’s best ever sent into the You can see more of Tom Williams’s known book world’. Alice l crosswords, word games and puzzles at Postcode...... moved in with Edith and her wordgames.co.uk husband Hubert in 1886, when Alice was already pregnant with his child; Thanks for all your responses to the 167th Prize Crossword in the March edition of the ASLEF Alice said Edith persuaded her to Journal . If you successfully complete this month’s crossword please send the solution to the seduce Hubert to lure him away from Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN by 14 April a woman Edith loathed. At one point, in 1889, both women were pregnant by Hubert; Edith’s baby was still-born and she brought up Alice’s son as her own. ASLEF’s legal services When Hubert’s brush-making have you been sacked, or are in trouble at work, and cannot get hold of business went bust Edith, obliged to support the family by ‘writing when your branch secretary, local representative or district organiser in an you don’t feel inclined’, began by emergency? call our industrial relations department on 020 7324 2400 walking up and down Fleet Street, (9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday or 9am to 4pm on Friday) or leave a hawking her pieces, as Mother does message on the answer service, or email [email protected] with a subject in The Railway Children . heading of ‘For the attention of the She would, on occasion, play the Victorian lady and, when crossed in industrial relations dept’. argument, faint during meetings; George Bernard Shaw refused to sit next to her unless she stopped pulling such stunts. Edith fell in love changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form with him, one of many passionate attachments she had to talented Name...... men, but GBS refused to have sex with her or, as he put it, ‘let her Address...... commit adultery with me’. Edith ...... responded tartly with a literary metaphor: ‘You had no right to write Postcode ...... Telephone...... the preface if you were not going to write the book.’ Branch...... Membership No......

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April 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 23 The ASLEF RMS 500 Club colleagues

The 500 Club is a fundraising venture for ASLEF’s Retired Members’ Section. conditions of Membership: Only retired and working members of ASLEF, including district councils and branches, plus permanent staff employed by ASLEF, can make an application to join the RMS 500 Club. The application form and standing order form can only be completed and submitted by the ASLEF member, or staff member.

Numbers in the draw cost £4 each per month. To begin making payments into club funds, all you have to do is complete the standing order form and return it to your bank. Alternatively, you can pay by cheque a year in advance; the cheque should be made payable to ASlEF RMS 500 club . Payments need to reach the club account by 1st of every month and the draw takes place on 12th of every month – with the winning number, name, and prize printed on page 5 of the ASLEF Journal . Once you have arranged your method of payment just complete the form and return it to Peter J Smith, Treasurer, RMS 500 club, 6 devonia Gardens, london, N18 1AF.

The Retired Members’ Section committee would like to thank you for your support and wish you luck in the draw!

Yours fraternally, Peter J Smith, treasurer, ASlEF Retired Members’ Section 500 club

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