ASLEFJOURNAL APRIL 2018 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen Flower of Scotland

The train drivers ’ union since 1880

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GS Mick Whelan Clock is ticking... AS LE JOURNALF APRIL 2018 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen

5 8 ‘Rail fragmentation is getting ever more surreal’ ARKET madness caused by the News fragmentation of our industry is getting M more and more surreal. We have at least l Trade union link at heart of Labour Party 4 two operators in the south-east replacing new rolling stock with new rolling stock because it’s The WRC mark International Women’s Day 5 l cheaper! Traction and coaches were criminally l Hey ho, let’s go – ASLEF’s new political tee 6 undervalued at privatisation creating a cartel where the ROSCOs have the industry – and the l GS Mick Whelan a media magnet in March 7 government – over a barrel. l Driverless trains is ‘madness’ says Sadiq 8 New trains were introduced with a fanfare on 11 one TOC only to go to another because of Features franchise delay – putting passengers back on the crap they had before! The cost of borrowing is so l Snouts in the trough – Gregor Gall lifts the 10 low new trains are being replaced by new trains lid on the way British business likes to even though they have a 30 year shelf life. This reward failure as much as success should be good news but, in those areas where l Kevin Lindsay and Hugh Bradley open our 11 these trains are required, we hear no plans for their four page special report on Scotland introduction. Will they stand idle? New figures on investment highlight the l Murray Fraser on ScotRail; Rab Wicksted 12-13 massive disparity between the south-east and the on VTEC; Mark Frend on Virgin West Coast; rest of the UK. Mr Grayling’s recent speech on the and John Hay on CrossCountry Northern Powerhouse was big on numbers but l Hugh Bradley on freight on rail in Scotland 14 14 light on detail leading commentators to believe and Wullie Simpson on ASLEF Education this is not new money but part of existing projects. Crowded services in Scotland are being hit by a l Jim Lafferty on the Scottish Labour Party 15 lack of coaches due to the old contract ending and conference in Dundee and Ashleigh Smart the new trains not being ready; one of the reasons on the TUC women’s conference in London is that the windscreen on the new 385s is not fit for purpose. You might think the driver’s ability to Regulars see out of the train properly would have been a l Branch News 16 prime consideration? Carillion’s impact on the economy, including l Steven Nimmo reviews Detroit ’67 , a 17 rail, continues; ARC has withdrawn from bidding book that lifts the lid on music, politics for the Wales & Borders services. And the DfT and ethnic tensions in motor city, USA; seems to be blocking the necessary funds to make and 100 Years of Union 19 an independent Assembly-run railway a 21st century reality. l Obituaries 18-19 Despite the government – and Boris Johnson l Letters and Classified Advertisements 20-21 when London Mayor – slashing the cash to TfL, leaving a £1.5 billion shortfall, it is great to see Last Word: Chris Proctor follows in the 22 l Sadiq Khan reinforce the commitment to Crossrail sunny footsteps of Ernest Hemingway 2. Crossrail fares will mirror Tube fares, except for l On Track, Prize Crossword, ASLEF’s 23 Heathrow, which is very welcome. Legal Services and Change of Address The most significant figure for our industry is the 9% drop in season ticket sales – the economic The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: basis of most franchises is season ticket revenue ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN supported by step up and go leisure travel. Have Tel: 020 7324 2400 l email: [email protected] high fares reached the point where the model is website: www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: @ASLEFUnion 22 collapsing? Fewer people bidding, more direct awards, and keys being handed back – the clock is ticking on the time bomb that is privatisation... 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 0207 324 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 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News If the kids are united ICK WHELAN, as well as being general secretary of ASLEF, is chair of TULO, M which co-ordinates the activities of the 13 trade unions that affiliate to the Labour Party, and sits on the party’s national executive trade unions formed the labour Representation committee in 1900 at a meeting in committee. Farringdon, central london, just a few hundred yards from where the ASlEF head office After a controversial call for the stands today. the 29 lRc Members of Parliament returned to Westminster in 1906 elected Keir disaffiliation of unions, Mick wrote a hardie, MP for Merthyr tydfil, as leader and adopted the name of the labour Party thoughtful article which was published on the centre pages of the Morning Star on 13 March ‘To remove the collective voice of this country of a Conservative government spelling out the importance of the union link. organised labour from the Labour Party would that is damaging working men and women ‘I’ve been a member of the Labour Party, destroy its foundations. And for what purpose? every day. and an active trade unionist, all my working Other than to shift the party – which, under ‘Labour’s link with the union movement has life. For me, as for many people, they walk Jeremy Corbyn, is on the brink of power – to been an historic – and successful – relationship hand in hand. Why? Because the Labour Party perpetual opposition. The call to disengage for more than a century. Trade unions formed was built by the collective voice of the trade the party from the unions will only sabotage the party to give ordinary working people a unions – and the work on the streets of Britain all the good work that Jeremy has been doing voice in Parliament as well as the workplace by hundreds of thousands of trade union since he was elected leader two and a half and that link is as important now as it was members – at the start of the 20th century. years ago, and undermine our efforts to rid then.’ What’s not to like? RAIL’S KEY ROLE IN CONSTRUCTION The latest quarterly ORR freight statistics show record Nazmeen expansion in construction traffic – up 5% – demonstrating the Ishfaq (right), Drive on importance of moving freight by rail around the country. a trainee driver with MTR TWEETS OF THE MONTH Crossrail, and a member of It’s good to see the usual anti-Corbyn crew lining up Paddington to prove the old saw about the profession of branch, was patriotism being the last refuge of scoundrels. featured in an article in the Finn Brennan working.mums.co.uk online magazine. RIP former @FT & @heraldscotland industrial Under the headline ‘The correspondent Roy Rogers. The wittiest man I’ve ever rewards of being a train driver’, met, Roy bore his name with great humour. Asked by a Nazmeen explains: ‘Salaries rise bumptious restaurant owner where Trigger was, he shot to well over £40k. There are back: ‘I think I’ve just eaten him.’ Gone too soon. good holidays and flexible Kevin Maguire work patterns for a better work/life balance than the Very sad to hear about the death of Brenda Dean. A average 9 to 5. What’s not to Good to see thomas the tank Engine tough woman, leader of SOGAT, who took the fight to like? If all goes according to supporting ASlEF and Sadiq Khan Rupert Murdoch at Wapping. plan, I’ll be driving on the and coming out firmly against Frances O’Grady Elizabeth line from the end driverless trains. of this year.’

PREMIUM FARES TO Heartily welcome Simon Weller HEATHROW our hip, AGS Simon Weller, a guest of Fares on the Elizabeth line will hot and the All India Railwaymen’s match Tube prices across most of happening Federation in New delhi, posted London, but Heathrow black this picture on Instagram, passengers will be a charged a baseball saying: ‘I really don’t know what premium. Travelling between the cap will to think of this but it’s very airport and zone 1 in central keep the touching. It’s the picture from London will cost £12.10 at peak spring sunshine out of the tUc website!’ Simon is times – £7 more than the same your eyes. £5 (inc p&p); speaking about the deleterious journey on the Piccadilly line. email [email protected] effects of privatisation, against Crossrail journeys everywhere else or visit our online shop which the federation is in zones 1-6 will cost the same as at www.aslef.org.uk campaigning. pay-as-you-go prices on the Tube.

4 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018 News

Wisdom born of pain off the rails BIANCA RENNIE , WRC member for commitment to the District 5, reports on a new ASLEF cause of Votes for LISA STANSFIELD has been on feisty form badge and an exhibition celebrating Women. But promoting her new album Deeper . She the Suffragettes Suffragettes were not remembers her parents in Rochdale buying the just militants. They Daily Mirror , but voting Tory, and seeing no SLEF Suffragettes were successful discrepancy. ‘Working class people vote Tory celebrated exhibition at the fundraisers, because they think it makes them look a bit A International Museum of London. accomplished posh. They don’t know the Tories are going to shit all over Women’s Day on More than 1,300 organisers, and them because they’re poor.’ Lisa, a Labour donor, was invited Thursday 8 March by women went to inspirational to meet Tony Blair in his pomp. ‘He’s like you would imagine. commissioning a prison for their speakers. That good, he’d eat himself. He asked me, “How’s it going?” badge – sent to all and I said, “The tour’s going really well, thanks,” and he said, female ASLEF “I’m talking about me!” I gave him a lot of money but I’m not members, branch going to f***ing do it again! I hope Labour get in, but I see equality reps, and Jeremy Corbyn as someone who plays guitar in church to get officers, and which down with the kids. One of those people who’s always will also be given to talking to young people because he’s afraid that if he talked delegates at AAD in to a peer he might, you know, get it a bit wrong?’ Liverpool next month – to mark the 100th SAUL DAVID , in his review in the Daily anniversary of the Telegraph of Philip Walker’s new book Behind Representation of the the Lawrence Legend (OUP, £25), about People Act which Lawrence of Arabia and the part British gave women over 30 agents played in the Arab revolt against the the right to vote for Ottoman Empire, observes: ‘Walker repeats a the first time. claim that Captain Norman Bray, an intelligence officer in The Women’s Jeddah, was able to read a secret dispatch from a German Representatives agent in Syria to Kaiser Wilhelm II “which seemed to state Committee was lucky that Germany intended to make war in August 1914.” Walker enough to be given a likens it to a passage from John Buchan’s spy novel guided tour – by Greenmantle , yet fails to question the doubtful authenticity. Katie Balcombe and In reality, there was never a blueprint for war and even the Ellen Stuart – of a the WRc celebrates 100 years of women’s bellicose Kaiser would have backed down at the last minute fascinating suffrage at the Museum of london had not his generals told him that, because of railway timetables, there was no going back.’ A point we made on the HIGH HOPES centre pages of the Journal in February… ASlEF’s Black & Ethnic Minorities’ Representatives committee is holding a fundraiser for hope Not hate to mark Black history REX TILLERSON , the former chief executive Month at the castle in Farringdon, near head office, from 6pm on of Exxon Mobil who was fired as Secretary of Wednesday 10 october. State by Donald Trump on 13 March – due, the President said, to a lack of ‘personal chemistry’ CONFERENCES & RALLIES – was always living on borrowed time after The 121st Scottish trades Union congress is at the Macdonald calling Trump a ‘f***ing moron’ last July after a Highlands Hotel, Aviemore, from Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 April. meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Pentagon officials The Welsh labour Party conference is at the Venue Cymru in at which Trump – apparently seriously – called for a ten-fold Llandudno from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 April. Workers’ Memorial day increase in the United States’ nuclear arsenal. is Saturday 28 April. ASlEF’s annual assembly of delegates is at the Marriott Hotel, Liverpool, from Monday 21 to Friday 25 May. The JOAN BAEZ , touring to promote Whistle durham Miners’ Gala is on Saturday 14 July. The tolpuddle Martyrs’ Down the Wind , her first studio album festival , near Dorchester, is from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 July. The 150th for ten years and, she says, probably her trades Union congress is at the Manchester Central convention last, was asked about the best piece of complex from Sunday 9 to Wednesday 12 September. The labour advice she has ever been given. ‘I was 21 Party conference is at the Arena & Convention Centre in Liverpool from and splitting up with my first serious Sunday 23 to Wednesday 26 September. The StUc women’s boyfriend and I was in a state. Should I do this or should I do conference will be held from Monday 29 to Tuesday 30 October. that? “Don’t sweat the small shit.” I try to adhere to that.’

500 CLUB: M Davison, with number 124, won the March draw, HENRY ‘BOX’ BROWN , born into scooping the RMS prize money jackpot of £382. slavery on the Hermitage plantation in Louisa county, Virginia, mailed himself to freedom – to You’ll always be fully charged with our red Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, a free aluminium phone power bank, 2200 mAh state – in a 3ft by 2ft 8in by 2ft capacity, for smart phone use, output wooden crate in March 1849. ‘If you current d5v/1A. Includes USB cable with have never been deprived of your liberty,’ he said, ‘you micro USB plug. £7 (inc p&p); email cannot realize the power of that hope of freedom.’ [email protected] or visit our online shop at www.aslef.org.uk

April 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News Hey ho, Esther resigns let’s go Esther McVey, Secretary of State for Work and HE last two ASLEF Pensions, has resigned T tee-shirts making a from the advisory board powerful political of the Samaritans after point – the Kes top, based on accusations of hypocrisy. the iconic image from the As Minister for the Ken Loach film, and the Disabled in the Penguin paperback by Barry Gabba gabba hey! Marz wore our Conservative-Liberal Hines, with the line ‘ASLEF Kes tee-shirt and Mick the Democrat coalition says [the famous image of Ramones top at a demo against government she was David Bradley as Billy Casper the tories’ anti-trade Union Bill in responsible for the giving a V-sign] to strike Manchester in 2015 (above) and reviled bedroom tax and ballot thresholds’ and our our new Young Ones political tee benefits sanctions which affectionate tribute to the drove many desperate Esther walks away Ramones logo, with ‘Educate, this classic exchange from his replacement, Marcus people to suicide. from the Samaritans Agitate, Organise’ replacing the 1980s BBC comedy: ‘He Barnett, secretary of London ‘Tommy, Johnny, Joey, Dee threw us off the train because Young Labour, contributor to Dee’– have proved really you said ASLEF was an the left-wing US online popular with members, not anagram for “total and magazine Jacobin , and a QUOTE… just of ASLEF, but of other complete bastard”.’ ‘And former South West & Wales ‘Free market capitalism, left to itself, trade unions, too. apart from everything else… political officer for the RMT, always tends towards monopolistic and Our new shirt, designed by it isn’t, even.’ have both been spotted out anti-competitive practices.’ – Peter those Hoxton hipsters at Conrad Landin who, after and about sporting our new Wilby in the New Statesman Philosophy Football, features four years as industrial tee. Price £10 (including …UNQUOTE a snarling Rik Mayall as the reporter of the Morning Star , p&p); email [email protected] obnoxious anarchist Rick in is moving to Glasgow as the or visit our online shop at The Young Ones , alongside paper’s Scotland editor, and www.aslef.org.uk BTP merger on hold ASLEF has welcomed the decision by the Scottish government to put the controversial decision to merge the British Transport Police The outsider with Police Scotland on hold. Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF’s organiser in tosh Mcdonald, Ec the politics module on city’s Scotland, said: ‘We welcome the decision to president, was a guest one-year MA in journalism put the merger on hold. But the SNP speaker at a seminar on the course. the workshop was government should listen to the rail role – and success – of chaired by Barney Jones, companies, to the rail trade unions, to outsiders in politics at city Professor of Journalism at passengers, and to the Police Federation, and University, london, on city University, and call off this disastrous merger for good. Friday 2 March. tosh spoke programme editor of ‘The proposals are opposed by everyone about Jeremy corbyn and Breakfast with Frost from tosh Mcdonald who knows anything about the way the Barry Sheerman, labour 1993 to 2005 and the railway works. BTP in Scotland understands MP for huddersfield, about Andrew Marr Show from reporter with Look East , the way the railway works and has the special donald trump to post- 2005 to 2015 and, before Breakfast News , and expertise needed to deal with the special graduate students taking that, a producer and Newsnight . problems encountered on the railway every day.’ The BTP was due to be absorbed into Police Scotland on 1 April 2019 – a date and a TFL ACCUSED OF KEEPING REPORT SECRET decision condemned as ‘a savage April fool’s transport for london has been accused of keeping a safety audit on oversight of joke’. But Police Scotland has admitted that driver fatigue secret from investigators examining the Sandilands train crash on date cannot be met ‘without compromising the croydon tramlink network. Safety campaigner tom Kearney has accused tfl public safety’. of a cover-up.

NETWORK RAIL FINED AFTER ORR PROSECUTION Network Rail was fined £733,000, plus £70,000 costs, at Bristol crown court on 15 carry all your stuff March for failing to undertake adequate maintenance to prevent the derailment – papers, keys, of a freight train four miles south-west of Gloucester station in october 2013. sandwiches – in style with our SIEMENS OUTLINES PLANS FOR NEW FACTORY smart black Siemens has announced plans to build a £200 million state of the art factory at documents bag. Goole in East Yorkshire to design and build trains in Britain. the company says it Price £10 (inc p&p); email will create 700 jobs on site, and another 1,700 in the supply chain. [email protected] or visit our online shop at www.aslef.org.uk

6 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018 News Mick in the media

ICK WHELAN was a media magnet in March. M The GS was interviewed by Haxie Meyers-Belkin and Jonathan Walsh for an extended report on the France 24 rolling news network on Thursday 22 March to coincide with protests in Paris against the part-privatisation of SNCF. Mick talked about the failure of privatisation in Britain, the problems with a fragmented rail network, the benefits of bringing Mick in his office – and ASlEF the wheels and steel back reception – with France 24 and in together, and the popularity – a basement at St John Street even amongst Conservative with the Free Öcalan! campaign voters – of bringing the train and freight operating companies back divided between Turkey, Iraq, jail. into public ownership. Syria and Iran. Ibrahim, 37, is the son of Mick was also interviewed by He was seized in Kenya in 1999 Kurdish refugees who fled to the Ibrahim Doğuş and Erem Kansoy by the Turkish National UK in 1994. He runs the Troia for the Free Öcalan! campaign. Intelligence Organization, aided restaurant in Waterloo, organises QUOTE… Abdullah Öcalan is one of the by the CIA, taken to Turkey, and the British Kebab Awards, ‘Why do so many people founding fathers of the PKK, the been kept in prison ever since. The launched Bira beer, founded the with severe asthma become Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which European Court of Human Rights Centre for Kurdish Progress and professional cyclists?’ – wants to establish an condemned Turkey in 2005 but SME4Labour, and stood for Jeremy Vine independent state for Kurds in an President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is Labour in Cities & Westminster at …UNQUOTE area which is, at the moment, determined that Öcalan will die in the general election last year.

RAIB PROBES LEWISHAM Laser pen targets The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into how trains came to be stranded for hours in freezing trains in Devon weather at Lewisham on Friday 2 March. Police have condemned the people who shone a powerful pin-point green laser pen at trains DANGER CROSSING in Devon on the night of 10 March. The BTP Network Rail staff have warned pedestrians said: ‘Shining a laser isn’t a good idea. This and cyclists after 787 dangerous incidents in could have seriously injured a train driver or 18 days at the Cotton Mill Lane level crossing members of the public. Unfortunately, we the beam of the laser pen at dawlish in St Albans in Hertfordshire . were unable to locate those responsible.’ the water of life tastes better in an ASlEF crystal DEBBIE REPELECTED whisky tumbler! Price £8 (inc p&p); email Deborah Reay, a driver on London Underground, member of Northern [email protected] or visit our online shop at Line North branch, and chair of our Women’s Representatives’ www.aslef.org.uk Committee, has been re-elected to the TUC women’s committee. What can you get for your new , shiny £1 coin? TBF membership... just £1 a week covers you, your partner and dependent childr en. 0300 333 2000 www.tbf.org.uk

Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901 , and Scotland, SC047016.

April 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 7

News

Driverless trains Rechargeable loco dream ‘madness’ to run on network this summer ADIQ KHAN has branded the prospect of driverless Tube trains on S London Underground as ‘madness’. The Mayor of London told a meeting of the London Assembly that he would not risk the safety of millions of Londoners for the sake of saving a few pounds. Four years ago, the then London Mayor, Sadiq – and passengers – say they want Boris Johnson, who has a history of drivers at the pointy end of the train announcing projects that subsequently fall by the wayside, unveiled new-look driverless Shortly after Boris Johnson made his trains which he said would enter service on announcement, a leaked internal TfL the Piccadilly line in 2022. document revealed that driverless trains were But Sadiq said: ‘Anybody who understands ‘unlikely to be ready to enter operation before the Underground system will know there are 2030’ anyway, leading critics to suggest that some deep level, deep underground services, ‘Boris [was] just being Boris – opening his Adrian Shooter watches Simon Weller drive a where the idea of having driverless trains is mouth and grandstanding again’. prototype d-train on the vivarail test track madness. In the interests of saving some Surveys have consistently shown that there between Evesham and Stratford-upon-Avon pounds to risk the safety of Londoners, of staff is no appetite among passengers for driverless in Warwickshire and visitors, is the height of recklessness.’ trains or pilotless planes. IVARAIL , the firm run by rail industry veteran Adrian Shooter, former boss V of Chiltern Railways and DB Regio, Grayling says ‘no quick fix’ which is giving a new lease of life to old Underground trains, is to run its first Chris Grayling has told businessmen and women in production battery-powered unit on the the West Country that the government is ‘on the national rail network this summer, with full case’ but admits there are ‘no quick fixes’ for the approval for passenger service. Dawlish line in Devon. The Transport Secretary has The two-car D-train – Vivarail bought 200 been criticised because a scheme to make the line 30-year-old LU District line trains – has four secure has still not started, four years after the sea banks of lithium-ion batteries, two under each wall and track – one of the most picturesque vehicle, with a combined capacity of 106kWh. stretches of railway line in the country – were It requires an eight minute charge at each end washed away by waves. ‘It will be done,’ he of the journey, but with a 10 minute charge its promised. ‘This is the most important rail project range is extended to 50 miles. in the entire country and I am committed to finding The train can be charged through existing a permanent solution for this vital connection. I infrastructure – overhead line or third rail – understand the frustration locals feel but this is chris Grayling says he will make the only and, for non-electrified lines, Vivarail has unique and complex terrain and can’t be rushed.’ rail route to cornwall secure developed a static battery bank. The charging system is fully automated. The D-train – tested by AGS Simon Weller for the Journal in July SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO SEAT DESIGN 2016 – halts at the stop board and connects to After complaints about ‘numb bums’ from passengers the Rail Safety and Standards Board a power source without the need for human has called for more research into the design of train seats in order to improve comfort and intervention. The rate of charge is identified by safety. the research will include ‘human factors’ while assessing shape, cushioning, on-board electronics and, once complete, or vibration, material, lumbar spine support and leg room, as well as length of journey. when the system detects the driver selecting power, it shuts down before the train pulls PASSENGER SUES OVER WOEFUL SERVICE away. Seph Pochin, an ecologist from halesworth in Suffolk, has successfully sued Greater Anglia West Midland Trains will use diesel versions over train delays and its ‘woeful service’. A small claims court awarded him £350. of the D-train on the Marston Vale line, between Bedford and Bletchley, from December, subject to testing.

Are you made of QUOTE… the write stuff? ‘Nationalisation of the train operating companies is TRAIN BOSSES ‘SORRY’ FOR Snap up ASlEF’s a popular Labour Party policy. And you can see DANGEROUS OVERCROWDING smart black why. While non-dom Richard Branson jets off to his CrossCountry bosses have apologised for castelli moleskin private island, the rest of us just want a decent way overcrowding at Nuneaton station that notebook. £5 to get to work. Taking back control is not radical; it commuters described as ‘dangerous’. (inc p&p); email is both fair and plain common sense.’ – Chris Cancelled peak time trains meant that [email protected] or visit Williamson , Labour MP for Derby North, in passengers trying to get to Birmingham our online shop at Politics First were packed in on platforms and www.aslef.org.uk …UNQUOTE frightened of being pushed onto the tracks.

8 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018

Platform Snouts in the trough

In a coruscating analysis of what’s wrong with British business GREGOR GALL , Professor of Industrial Relations at the University of Bradford, lifts the lid on the boys’ club where, succeed or fail, the financial rewards are enormous

HE phrase ‘membership comes with benefits’ is a particularly apt way to T describe the elite club of directors theresa May, and executives running the companies and typically, has talked organisations that dominate everyday life in the talk but not Britain. This membership, though, comes with walked the walk over benefits of pay, pensions, bonuses and other scandals at BhS and terrific perks – collectively called the carillion as business remuneration package – that are not only eye- offers golden wateringly large but also, often, unrelated to handcuffs to top performance. execs They used to say ‘Succeed – do well, hit that target – and you’ll get a bonus.’ Now it’s ‘Fail – commitment – to force shareholder votes on offering barely any new – and much-needed – muck up, miss the target – and you’ll still pick pay, fearful that her backbenchers would not rights, and to further punish only the very up a bonus’. There’s room and reward for wear it. Instead, bosses will simply have to worst offenders. This fell well short of even the failure, rather than success, at the top. There publish information about pay ratios at their Taylor Review’s mild recommendations. are golden hellos as well as golden goodbyes companies, with no requirement to hold There is no commitment to ending the – sometimes referred to as gold-lined shareholder votes on pay. The worst Swedish derogation which allows agency parachutes – as well as golden handshakes companies will be named and shamed. If this workers to be paid less than permanent and golden handcuffs. Just for doing your job. is anything like the naming and shaming of colleagues doing the same job. Neither will Nice work if you can get it! employers that do not pay the minimum bogus self‐employment be ended. wage, there’s little for them to fear. Theresa, typically, announced more IT’S A BIT OF A RACKET So much for tackling the ‘unacceptable face consultation on various aspects of The situation has got so out of hand that even of capitalism’, as she put it, where a minority of employment. Despite this, she had the brass some Tories, card-carrying capitalists, and bosses, to use her words, ‘undermined faith in neck to claim: ‘Our response to this report will buccaneering right-wing businessmen and free enterprise’ and damaged ‘the social fabric mean tangible progress towards that goal as women are finding it frankly embarrassing. of our country’! we build an economy that works for everyone’. Because all this munificence has revealed the In fact, she has stressed the importance of free market economy, or capitalist society, to COLLAPSE OF CARILLION enforcing existing legislation and facilitating be a bit of a racket and not the meritocracy it In early 2018, the collapse of Carillion – which co-operation from companies, saying she was supposed to be where a fair day’s work paid out handsome dividends while losing wants to go down the route of persuading earned a fair day’s wage. The feeling is ‘money money hand over fist and leaving a £900 British business to change its practices begets money’ and those at the top want to million hole in its pension scheme – led May to voluntarily and for its own benefit. get their snouts in the trough. say that irresponsible company bosses who There are clubs and then there are clubs, of Enter Theresa May, stage right, in the ‘line their own pockets’ while failing to protect course. Right at the bottom of the labour summer of 2016. Making her pitch to succeed workers’ pension schemes would be hit with market are those self‐employed workers who David Cameron as Conservative Party leader, tough new rules and huge fines. want to be employed. Membership of this and Prime Minister, she promised her Those familiar with betting odds would club comes with the benefit of not having the premiership would lead to Britain having ‘an advise against placing too much money on meagre rights that other workers have. economy that works for everyone’. anything significant emerging from one of her One of her targets, she said, was executive periodic fits of moral pique. THE TROUBLE WITH THERESA pay. She found it troubling that top execs All this prevarication, watering down and Approaching the two year mark of her themselves could set their own pay without inaction follows the same pattern of retreat as premiership, some political commentators much recourse to shareholders or other her climb down on her pledge to put workers attribute May’s wavering and weakness to stakeholders such as trade unions or, in a non- on company boards – she performed a quick being mesmerised by Brexit. She hasn’t had unionised workforce, employees. She U-turn on that idea after behind the scenes the time or energy to do anything else. There promised action. But all we have had are warm lobbying by big business. All companies now is a little truth in this. words and talk about taking action rather than have to do is ‘take employees’ interests into But it’s not enough to explain why she is action itself. account’. This means employers can mount a buffeted by the rich and powerful in the big For nearly a year she did nothing, despite PR exercise to show they have done business boys’ club – and there are still far the BHS scandal rumbling on with its something when, in fact, they have done more men than women at the top of British pensioners left up the creek without the pretty much nothing at all. business. The trouble with Theresa is that she proverbial paddle after Philip Green and The Prime Minister’s response to the Taylor is a lame wooden duck. Wooden ducks, even Dominic Chappell both did a runner with their Review on employment standards was also lame ones, float rather than sink. But they are money. And, after the 2017 general election, pitiful, merely promising to raise awareness of like flotsam and jetsam – moving this way and May ditched her promise – a manifesto existing employment rights and enforce them, that on a tide they do not control.

10 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018 Scotland Groundhog Day

KEVIN LINDSAY , ASLEF’s organiser in Scotland, opens our four page special report by reflecting on a different year, with the same old problems, and by paying tribute to the EC member for District 2 who is standing down

VERY time I sit down to write a report for our but key issues around continuous E Journal I feel like I’m in driving, turnaround times, and the movie Groundhog Day as our diagram length must be union seems to be facing the addressed. The only thing the same problems every year. company has confirmed is that real problems, especially in the The way that the UK and Sundays will remain outside the Helensburgh area. Scottish governments have sat working week as they don’t have Our campaign to guarantee a back and allowed the demise of enough drivers – or the money – second person on every train the rail freight industry is to deliver it. continues to have an effect, with shocking. Rail freight is not only 385 units from Hitachi only to Politically, things in Scotland ScotRail recruiting more ticket environmentally friendly but vital discover that the curved have changed. The Scottish examiners, and under real to our economy. The destruction windscreen distorts the driver’s Labour Party has a new leader in scrutiny from the Scottish of freight on rail has FOCs chasing view of the signals in the dark and Richard Leonard, a former trade government to ensure that no each other’s contracts leading to gives the impression that there union official with the GMB and train has only the driver on board. mass redundancies and are multiple signals rather than STUC and a firm supporter of a This has been achieved by local uncertainty for our members. one! We’ve informed ScotRail and nationalised railway but, more reps recording and reporting The East Coast franchise is no the Scottish government that we importantly, he’s a lifelong every train that is single manned. different; we now have the won’t allow these trains into socialist. I look forward to working Finally, as the executive ludicrous situation where passenger service without the and campaigning with him to committee has called the election Stagecoach/Virgin hands back the problem being addressed. This is deliver a socialist government in for our EC member here in keys on the East Coast but gets an going to cause yet a further delay Scotland. Scotland I wish to place on record extension on the West Coast. in bringing in these trains but I also meet regularly with my thanks to Hugh Bradley, who These decisions are politically new trains must be fit for Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s has decided not to seek re- driven and don’t serve the needs purpose. Transport Minister, and keep him election, for his friendship and of the passengers and staff. This We’ve had several meetings abreast of the issues on ScotRail. support. franchise should be the first TOC with ScotRail on an updated DRI He is supportive of our stance on Hugh will be a big miss to our to be returned to public package but, again, it’s like the 385 trains and has given me union nationally and, especially, ownership. Groundhog Day as we continually an assurance that he will look at here in Scotland. Whoever is lucky Abellio ScotRail staggers from reject their one-sided proposals strengthening legislation to help enough to follow him will have one crisis to the next. We have an to make drivers’ t&cs worse with protect rail staff from anti-social big shoes to fill but I will be here unbelievable situation where the their changes. As a negotiating behaviour and violence. This is to support, guide and work company has purchased 70 new team we are up for doing a deal something with which we’ve had alongside him or her.

trade union. Issues we face include re- Working well as a team in Scotland franchising bids with a requirement for more DOO trains; the Trade Union Act and its HUGH BRADLEY , EC member stability in the freight industry, some sort of implication for strike action and membership for Scotland, reflects on DB consolidation and, indeed, expansion to of the political fund; trying to take away our Cargo, Southern Rail, Theresa ensure job security for our members and the right to strike in the Southern dispute; total May, Donald Trump and Brexit future of rail freight and maintenance of the disregard for our freight members and their track in Britain. We also know there are going recent plight at DBC; reduced investment on E HAVE been doing these articles to be further challenges in relation to DOO track maintenance; reneging on promises of now for 10 years and, throughout and are ready to deal with them as they further electrification; and the uncertainty of W that time in Scotland, we have happen. Brexit. That is why we need to return a worked well as a team with Kevin Lindsay, As an EC we are also pushing for the Labour government and renationalise our the company councils, district council, Employer Justified Retirement Age to be railway. branches, reps, activists and members delivered in all companies, not just in the few It is gratifying that the Scottish normally being in harmony, and united, we have currently. We will also be pushing government has delayed the merger of the looking to improve conditions for the for the delivery of the four day week with at BTP in Scotland with Police Scotland – membership and delivering the policies of least 156 rest days. We are always aware of hopefully it will be a permanent delay! Every this trade union. the threat to our pensions and will be ever organisation which responded to the There are always challenges for us as a vigilant on any attacks we face and we are consultation was against it with the union and last year was, arguably, one of the aware of the desire of the membership for exception of the Scottish government! most difficult with the massive job losses on staff travel facilities for all. Finally, as this is my last article for the freight after the changes at DB Cargo and We endeavour to deliver the ASLEF Journal I would like to take this opportunity the ongoing dispute with Southern, which charter for our members with our reps but, to thank all the wonderful people I have met was finally resolved. equally, have to be mindful of the impact this over the years and their commitment to our We are now looking for some sort of government and its policies have on us as a small trade union.

April 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 11 Agenda

ScotRail problems hit the headlines

MURRAY FRASER , company council, is sceptical about ScotRail’s claim that the company is busy building ‘the best railway we have ever had in Scotland’

HE ScotRail alliance continues to hit the headlines on a regular basis these T days. Most of it is negative. Delays, overcrowding, cancellations and station skipping all contributing to passenger ire. The end of a lease agreement on four 170 units has also seen a reduction in seating at a time when passenger numbers are on the increase. the gap between what the company says – and The Edinburgh-Glasgow improvement what it delivers – can be seen by passengers project has been beseeched by delays, first to and staff every day the infrastructure, and now the new 385 units have been delayed. Testing continues and, approaching, in April, talks are ongoing. although driver training has started, the latest ASLEF continues to campaign for a problem is in darkness and low sunlight when guaranteed second person on every train and drivers are seeing two or three signals due to members are encouraged to report any the curved windscreen causing a mirror image instances where there isn’t one. reflection. A solution is urgently being sought. The electric depot planned for Millerhill was DOCCO – an acronym for Driver Open built but not opened for main line drivers and Conductor Close Operation – started last year will be used as a stabling depot using depot and will continue when the 385s enter service. drivers Our ‘new’ 42-year-old HSTs have also started to ScotRail is, the company says, ‘continuing to arrive and training started at the turn of the build the best railway we have ever had in year. Scotland’. It looks to those of who work at Restructuring talks are taking place. ScotRail like we may have to wait just a little Progress is slow and, with a pay anniversary bit longer.

basis, due to the problems Express failed – another £1 vtEc directors’ claim we’ve had, from pay, to billion will be delivered t&cs, etc. back to the public purse. The bad publicity How can the UK is shot down in flames recently regarding the government argue for RAB WICKSTED , company council secretary, franchise and how privatisation after the bad/good it’s doing failing of not one, but three reports on Virgin Trains East Coast – a joint beggars belief, as on the of its given franchisees over venture between Richard Branson at Virgin (10%) one hand we get the the East Coast route – and Brian Souter of Stagecoach (90%) – which Everything is always sunny Transport Secretary’s GNER, National Express and runs the East Coast main line franchise in Richard Branson’s world speech to the House of now Virgin Trains East – even when there are Commons, slating the Coast? The sorry thing is HE VTEC company years, and that drivers don’t clouds overhead and the company, with the that this Tory government council has been believe the company T heavens have opened termination of the franchise has also stated they will be trying to address doesn’t know, don’t hold come 2020, or maybe allowed to rebid for their and change the current your breath for the answers. biscuit in the way they treat sooner, and then we get failure. Oh to be a Tory and Professional Drivers’ The company, via the their employees; the informed, internally, at rich! Agreement and has directors’ newsletter, has employees who make their 18.30 the same night, just We do get comments continuously asked the stated that it has just companies great, but are how well and how great from drivers asking what company exactly what it finished the ‘training of the treated badly when failure and how amazing the we’re doing and, in reality, wants for the introduction first two drivers’ for the new looms on the horizon, company still is. this company just tells and training required for Azuma trains! A statement because all they’re Although this company everyone how good they the new Azuma trains, on that’s been shot down in concerned about is profit, thinks we are either very are. But maybe now drivers which we will negotiate the flames by our company and blowing their own naive, or just ignorant of will understand that trying t&cs. (Bearing in mind that council, as what actually trumpets by stating how believing the factual to get better agreements we can’t make changes took place was the training good they are to the media, evidence, the company with this company has until we know what’s of two managers – so why who at times believe their council knows exactly how been a continual nightmare required). did a director proclaim they propaganda, while we as much drivers know and for us as a council. We will We have been told they were drivers? drivers certainly don’t. how they feel about these do as much as we are will outline planned details We had problems with Never, in my years as a announcements. Hopefully, allowed to in seeking better of what they require very National Express which company council rep, has once this franchise is conditions with the current soon, but bearing in mind ultimately ended in another this company council ‘had brought back into public franchisee and with the that we’ve asked this failed franchise but this to attend’ our executive ownership – and this future franchise owner question over the last three company clearly takes the committee on a monthly happened after National whoever that may be.

12 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018 Scotland

left turn for labour Richard Leonard, who was endorsed by ASLEF, was elected in November to replace Kezia Dugdale as leader of the Scottish Labour Party. Richard, 55, MSP for Central Scotland, and a former GMB official, decisively beat the Jeremy corbyn and Richard leonard at the £63,000 productivity deal centre-right caird hall in dundee last month candidate, Anas Virgin West Coast company council rep Edinburgh) and to Sarwar, in a two-horse campaign,’ said GS wants to ensure MARK FREND reports on a good recruit 20 unqualified race. Richard set out Mick Whelan. Scotland’s railways productivity deal drivers, three under the his agenda – ‘I’ve known are run for the people driver apprenticeship including a radical Richard for many of Scotland, not to RIVERS on the new safety check. scheme. We agreed a programme of public years,’ said Kevin subsidise the fares of Virgin West The company has banked rest day trial, ownership – in an Lindsay. ‘He’s a our European D Coast started to publish a for four months from article in the ASLEF dedicated and neighbours or give returned a large drivers’ bulletin, a February to June 2018 Journal last year. hardworking socialist, away as dividends to majority in a newsletter aimed at (drivers can bank a ‘Richard shares our who recognises the line the pockets of referendum in favour of drivers who do not maximum of three rest values and we were value of public the shareholders of a productivity deal have (or wish to have) days). proud to support his ownership, and private companies.’ which involved Kevin access to the Finally, on behalf of Lindsay and the company’s on-line the council, I would like Kevin lindsay company council system Yammer. to welcome Mick with ASlEF negotiating with the The company gave Connelly, the new activists out company to withdraw a commitment to Polmadie council rep, campaigning the depot prep and recruit a further 18 who takes over from for a publicly- replace it with a driver’s qualified drivers Jim Morrison. We wish owned railway safety check. (including two at Jim a long and happy at haymarket This brought the Polmadie and one at retirement. station in drivers’ headline salary Edinburgh up to £63,000 and during the represented an overall general increase of just over 9% election last with all associated year allowances increased by the same amount. Local reps will monitor virgin – Yammering away on the West coast tough times ahead JOHN HAY , company council replacement Andy Hourigan. We secretary, reports on positive look forward to a long and developments at productive relationship with Andy. CrossCountry There is no doubt that tough times may await us going forward, ROSSCOUNTRY is heading with rumours of franchise hugh Bradley on the platform (centre) at the Scottish labour Party C to the end of the franchise remapping, and attacks on our conference in dundee in March as Kevin lindsay brings the in November 2019. The pension arrangements, but one conference to its collective feet with a barnstorming speech about 2017 pay claim was settled with the thing is sure – we have the best public ownership drivers’ headline salary coming in at chance of meeting these £60,772 with an improvement to challenges head on if we all stick Should auld the spare arrangements as part of together. acquaintance be the one-year deal. This year’s pay forgot? Jim lafferty claim has been submitted, after (Motherwell), Ec2 consultation with the EC sub group hugh Bradley, do2 on pay, and talks are expected to Kevin lindsay, GS Mick start soon. Whelan and Rab CrossCountry lead officer Colin Wicksted (Edinburgh Smith retires in May; the council No2) outside the caird wishes Colin all the best in Xc – let’s stick together to meet hall in dundee retirement and welcomes his the challenges head on April 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 13 Scotland down at the end of old chestnut Street

EC2 HUGH BRADLEY , a driver with Freightliner Intermodal, reports on the state of freight in Scotland

T MUST be 10 years now that we have been using this format for the I Scottish edition of the Journal whereby we get reps to give reports and updates, usually specific to Scotland. Due to my being a driver with Freightliner Intermodal, and previously working with the business councils of Intermodal and Heavy Haul, I have always been asked to write a report on freight in Scotland. As this is my last report I have been looking back at previous reports and there is a constant theme running through them all – job losses and surplus freight drivers! We’ve seen depot closures due mainly to the elimination of coal traffic to Longannet increasing – apparently this is where the help to encourage a modal shift from road to power station and the Anglo/Scottish services. growth in the market is supposed to continue! rail. The terminal is looking to tap into the Throughout all of this ASLEF has been at the And on a further positive note proposals for increasing popularity of supermarkets and forefront in securing employment of freight a new Mossend international rail freight park material handling firms looking to transfer drivers. I think we have now reached the have been approved which will create the goods to and from Europe on the new 775 lowest point with the largest freight company, country’s largest state of the art rail freight metre long electric trains. This will also tick the DB Cargo, now only employing just 40 drivers development with the potential to deliver box in assisting in the reduction of carbon in Scotland! 5,000 new jobs during the construction and dioxide emissions. We also have Freightliner Heavy Haul with operational phases. Hopefully, this will be a successful venture its core work in Scotland being the TPE This will be adjacent to existing facilities at which will provide good job opportunities for Manchester airport services from Glasgow and Mossend and will enable more businesses to the local area with regular rail freight services Edinburgh to Carlisle; GB Railfreight’s core shift long distance freight from road to rail to and from the park. work being the Caledonian Sleepers; and DRS with increased capacity to various UK Given the recent history of the rail freight part covering the ScotRail Fife Circle service destinations and European markets. There will industry, and its importance to the economy, it with a loco and coaches. be warehousing and manufacturing space, is surely imperative that we continue to On a positive note intermodal traffic has easy access to and from the hub due to campaign for the freight sector to be brought remained steady with supermarket traffic improved motorway connections, which will back into public ownership.

branch and SUl to run a raffle college and the centre of Rock’n’roll high school with an Amazon Kindle as the Excellence at Atrium court; the prize; this was won by learning centres can be used for Motherwell driver Andy Irvine a range of learning facilities WULLIE SIMPSON , ASLEF Education’s project worker in and a book token was won by which include e-learning and Scotland, reflects on another successful year Glasgow ticket examiner helen classroom sessions. Brown. We secured funding to We currently have seven ASt month was the For mental health awareness run eight week British sign Union learning Reps at ScotRail end of year one of a – understanding trauma, we language courses at Glasgow, – tony dale (Ayr); les Maxwell L two-year Scottish had five learners at Ayr, five at where we have 11 learners, and (dumfries); Alison Miller Union learning project. the Edinburgh, and 27 at Glasgow, Edinburgh Waverley where we (Glasgow central); Andrew SUl, alongside our partners at of which 22 were at district have 12. Gardner (Inverness); Jim Baxter the collective learning council, but, unfortunately, we It is our intention to run a (Motherwell); with elections in Partnership and ScotRail, have then had to cancel two of the series of pensions courses progress at dundee and Yoker; run courses throughout mental health courses at throughout the central belt in and two at virgin trains – Scotland. they include Ecdl in Motherwell and Glasgow due to April; however they can only Stephen curran (virgin West Aberdeen, where eight learners lack of interest from members. take place if we have enough coast) and Ross clark (vtEc). started, with three going on to We took part in Scottish interest from our members. the UlRs are the first point of complete; Spanish level 1 at Book Week where Alison Miller, We now have rail union contact for the learning Atrium court and Yoker with a UlR Glasgow central, ran a very learning centres at Ayr, programme and are there to total of 51 learners taking part; successful book stall where no dumfries, dundee, Edinburgh assist members to facilitate any and we started Spanish level 2 less than 100 staff from all Waverley, Inverness, Shields, learning requests. in Glasgow at the beginning of grades attended and exchanged Stirling, and Yoker. these Going forward, I regret to February with 22 learners books. She also secured centres are available to all staff. say I will be standing down as taking part. sponsorship from Polmadie We also use the city of Glasgow project worker in April.

14 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018 Reports ASlEF at the heart of policy making process

JIM LAFFERTY , Motherwell which they see as being both branch, reports from the strong and lasting. Richard also spoke about the Scottish Labour Party Mick Whelan and Kevin need for a new customs union conference in Dundee lindsay contribute to the with our EU neighbours, taking Big Idea – launched by Neil Scotland’s rail services back into HAD the pleasure of Findlay to look for new public ownership at the earliest being part of the ASLEF ideas for the next labour I opportunity and, whilst talking delegation which manifesto; hugh on the about poverty, he said, ‘This attended the Scottish Labour podium applauds the should not only anger us as Party conference at the Caird Hall prospect of real change in Dundee from Friday 9 to socialists, it should offend our Sunday 11 March. sense of morality as a nation.’ A (If Kevin can get over his natural the background ASLEF is at the We heard Labour Party leader point we all should think about. shyness he’ll be a good speaker!) centre of the policy making Jeremy Corbyn and Scottish Hugh Bradley, ASLEF’s The TSSA moved a motion which process where we belong. When Labour leader Richard Leonard lay executive committee member for will protect the BTP as the police we have a Labour government in out the agenda which, we hope, Scotland, was at the top table, as force which will look after our power the ‘natural order will be will see Labour return to power part of the Scottish executive railways and stop the politically restored’ and we will have a with a Labour Prime Minister at committee, when Kevin Lindsay motivated merger of the BTP with government that will care for the Westminster and a Labour First moved the ASLEF motion on the Police Scotland. Both motions many and not the few. Minister in Edinburgh. They both Caledonian sleeper and the were carried. Thanks to Mick, Hughie, Kevin reaffirmed the link between taking back of the ScotRail Whilst there may be ‘tea, and Rab for making the weekend Labour and the trade unions franchise into public ownership. coffee, and light refreshments’ in memorable. 150 years fighting for women

ASHLEIGH SMART , Polmadie branch, reports from the TUC women’s conference in London

T THE 2018 TUC women’s conference, held at Congress House in London, A the ASLEF delegation included Deborah Reay (WRC chair); Alison Miller (WRC secretary); Nicola Griffin-Sapey (District 4); Maeve Hanley (District 8); and Ashleigh Smart (District 2). This year celebrates 150 years of the TUC and the theme of the conference was 150 years fighting for women and solidarity. ASLEF submitted motions on diversity in the rail freight sector, which was moved by Alison Miller, and equality for all women, which reaffirmed a commitment to trans women’s rights, moved by Debbie Reay. We also supported motions calling for 24- hour child care, apprenticeships, and covering menopause in the workplace and sexual assault on public transport. We were able to celebrate International affect us all in the workplace. debbie speaks about trans Women’s Day at conference by proudly I had the chance to support the TSSA motion inclusion in tUc women’s wearing our specially commissioned badges to on apprenticeships which is something I am structures; Alison calls for commemorate the 100th anniversary of passionate about. I completed an the renationalisation of women getting the right to vote in Britain. apprenticeship in the rail industry in 2012 rail freight and the need to This was my first time attending a trade which enabled me to move forward to the improve diversity in the union conference and I really enjoyed it! driving grade at the age of 22. I was able to sector; Ashleigh talks Having never been before I was interested to highlight the introduction of train driver about the value of see what it would be like. There were so many apprenticeships in our industry, a development apprenticeships; Nicola inspiring speakers from all different in which ASLEF has been instrumental. supports an RMt motion backgrounds. As a young member, and I have been inspired by attending this event on sex assaults; and relatively new to the driving grade, it was great and it has made me want to get more involved Maeve speaks about child for me to develop my views on matters that in similar events in the future. care

April 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch News

The game Upcoming events of life is n RAMSGATE O THURSDAY 5 APRIL Southeastern retired and working members’ reunion from 11.0 hard to at the Red Arrow Club, Newington Road, Ramsgate. play n STRATFORD O SATURDAY 21 APRIL Annual reunion at the Railway Tavern, Stratford, from 17.00 till EMBERS late. Buffet provided. All welcome. attended a M seminar on DIDCOT O SATURDAY 28 APRIL suicide prevention – n Reunion at the GWRSA club, by the station, from 12.0. Buffet. something that affects us all as drivers and rail staff – n BRIGHTON & SUSSEX O TUESDAY 8 MAY at the Houses of Informal open afternoon for all retired and working members Parliament on 7 of Brighton or any of the Sussex ASLEF branches from 14.00 at March. The meeting, the Brighton Railway Club, Belmont, off Dyke Road. organised by Ian lee Stevenson, vtWc company council Stevens of Network Manchester; Pete Petrovic; lisa Fogerty; Nick n HITHER GREEN O WEDNESDAY 9 MAY Rail, and sponsored chadwick, head of drivers, vtWc From 11.0 at the Richmal Crompton at Bromley South station. by Iain Stewart, Conservative MP for release for more vulnerable n NORWICH – FRIDAY 11 MAY Milton Keynes South, drivers to attend individuals. Luciana Norwich loco welfare fund reunion for footplate staff past and was exceptionally these hugely sits on the Select present from 19.00 at the Canary Social Club, 104 Thorpe Road, well attended by beneficial training Committee and Norwich, NR1 1RT. Free buffet. members from all days. Station staff would welcome walks of the railway colleagues at Preston suggestions. Every n Please send all your branch news, reports, features and family, and included in Lancashire told of contribution, no photographs to [email protected] Members of how quick thinking matter how small, Parliament and peers saved the life of a can help save from the House of person suffering from someone’s life. Lords. mental health issues The key points to Grecians celebrate 40 up Key topics and this was followed remember are any of included the small by a moving speech these methods talk saves lives by Lisa Fogerty, a could, at some point, campaign; an ideas driver with Virgin save a life so, if you session about new Trains West Coast have any thoughts or initiatives to help based at Manchester, suggestions, please save someone’s life; who was, through no bring them up with and the involvement fault of her own, a your reps and urge of trade unions in victim of them to take these arranging release for circumstances. Both forward either Samaritans training talks earned a well- through a branch for relevant reps and deserved round of meeting or through drivers and the applause from the local agenda the GS came to Exeter branch to present badges for long term benefits this brings full function room. meetings. membership. Rodney cox received his 40 year badge, and also not only for the Luciana Berger, We can all work announced he would be leaving the railway. We wish him a happy company but also for Labour MP for together to try and retirement – he will be much missed. From left: dave Fowkes, Bill individuals who can Wavertree, spoke reduce the number Ashman, Warren Sheppard, Stuart Butler, Ec7 Andy hudd, GS Mick use such skills in and about how the of suicides. Whelan, Giles Bowerman, Rod cox, Brian corbett, Steve Austin. out of their railway government intends Pete Petrovic , Brian Corbett , DO7 life. I urge all reps to to use funds to Virgin Trains West raise this matter with address issues Coast company their companies in a surrounding mental council chair, Good luck, Dougie bid to agree more health and Euston Slade Green branch would like to wish dougie Garrett a happy retirement after 16 years at Slade Green and dartford depots. he is taking early retirement due to health issues. Branch members wish HAZARDS THANKS him all the best in the future. I’d like to extend thanks to our executive committee, my own Richard White , branch secretary branch, and all the other branches in District 3 that supported my nomination to attend the 2018 Hazards conference. To attend on behalf of ASLEF is a privilege and one that must be put to Ripples spread good use. The seminars, workshops and networking will further As the lt club at hornchurch has finally closed its doors, for the enable me to represent members to the best of my ability and time being the old Ripple lane depot monthly gatherings will ensure their concerns are always addressed. I’m immensely revert to the first Friday of the month at the Windmill pub just looking forward to the conference with my comrades. down from Upminster Bridge station from 13.00. Staff, friends, and Alan Moss , Longsight associates – anyone who wishes to come along – will be welcome. Cliff Blackwell , Retired Members’ Section

16 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018 100 Years of Union dancing in the streets Food shortages, militarism in schools, and planting potatoes STEVEN NIMMO of were hot topics in the Journal 100 Edinburgh No 2 reviews a years ago. MICK HOLDER turns paperback that lifts the back time to April 1918 lid on the music, politics and ethnic tensions of FOOD O EMERGENCY RATIONS America’s motor city. After nearly four years of war, food was While hippies were celebrating the becoming scarce. Sheffield No 2 branch summer of love in San Francisco, there reports on a discussion about ‘the food was discontent in Detroit and riots – as shortage in so far as it affects our well as dancing – in the streets members. A scheme has been forwarded to our food control committee for their N HIS book Detroit ’67: The Year That consideration. We have termed it an Changed Soul (Polygon, £9.99) Stuart emergency ration and feel that if the I Cosgrove opens a window on a committee adopts it, it will go a long way tumultuous year behind the scenes at Tamla to relieve the present stress of conditions Motown and out on the streets of Detroit. which loco men have to contend with.’ Cosgrove is probably better known, to Guildford branch reports a public debate on the Manpower Bill, extending many of our Scottish members, as the St the write stuff – Stuart cosgrove on Florence military conscription, and the food Johnstone supporting co-presenter of the BBC Ballard, Mary Wilson, diana Ross and many shortage crisis ‘in this ancient county Radio Scotland football programme Off the other motortown music makers as well as the town of Surrey. We passed resolutions Ball . But he has a deep love for, and knowledge activists on the streets of detroit of, soul music and his background as a giving all support to our executive journalist, writing for the NME , comes to the officers in any actions to safeguard our fore in this book. militant approach of, say, the Black Panthers. interests.’ Detroit ’67 – the first in a trilogy, with The book highlights the terrible racism that Memphis ’68 and Harlem ’69 being books two pervaded society at that time with white only EFFECT OF MILITARIST TEACHING and three – is written with each chapter neighbourhoods, institutional racism and an Port Talbot branch reports: ‘Bro Squance covering a month, starting in a claustrophobic ongoing, and irrational, fear of African- addressed the meeting on the snowbound January, building through inner American culture. manpower question, and referred to the city summer rioting, and racist shootings by This last point is still pertinent now and as I invitation received by our EC from the police, and ending with injustice and read some of the examples and language I government to send 35 delegates to catastrophic loss as well as change in soul couldn’t help but think about Donald Trump France, which our EC did not see their music. and the way he talks about Mexican way clear to accept. He dealt with the The inner workings of Motown are a main immigrants. food question as it affected locomotive facet of this book, with the internal wranglings men, and drew attention to the moral that would break up the original Supremes WHO’S WHO OF SOUL effect on schoolchildren of the militarist line-up and dissent from other artists running Cosgrove says he intends to look at these teaching now being adopted in many in parallel with racist policing, inner city events impartially, and he achieves this. It schools.’ decline, and an increasingly unpopular would have been easy to take sides with Flo Vietnam War that led to riots on the streets of Ballard of the Supremes or the Motown artists SPUD KING ON ENGLISH WONDER Motor City and the infamous Algiers motel against Berry Gordy but he maintains that Spud King, in Gardening Notes for incident. It’s as if the two are intrinsically neutrality. This gives the book a great deal of Allotment Holders, writes: ‘Now that linked; yet Motown, through Berry Gordy, historical integrity and draws you further into gardening has been taken up for food resisted being drawn into politics. the world, and time, it portrays and certainly production, and also as a hobby, I will led me to want to find out more about the key endeavour to offer through our valuable REVOLUTIONARY FORCE events and protagonists. That this book is Journal a few hints to amateurs on how One of the most compelling things, for me, is populated with a who’s who of soul and civil to plant, when to plant, and also the the way the book shows different attitudes rights activists is a great advantage. selection of seeds, etc’ and offers tips on towards music, its role in society, and the fight The book flows beautifully with the author potatoes such as Sharpe’s Express, Arran for civil rights. Motown management wanted going into detail where necessary without Chief and The Factor and peas including to stick to the proven teenage love song getting bogged down in minutiae. In the end I English Wonder, Royal Salute and format with little or no social comment while felt I could see and understand the Rearguard. the Detroit hippies, around John Sinclair and motivations of all the main characters. There is MC5, saw music as a revolutionary force and only one thing that would improve this book, DISGRACE OF THE 60 HOUR WEEK Motown artists increasingly wanted to have a and that would be an accompanying Horwich branch reports: ‘We are looking say. soundtrack CD. I can’t recommend it highly for the day when we can remove the Berry Gordy’s approach to civil rights was to enough so, if you are interested in soul music disgrace of a 60 hour week, and receive make his artists acceptable to the mainstream and/or the civil rights movement of the ’60s at least time and a quarter for night duty, by sticking to universal themes and shedding then stick on Motown’s greatest hits and give with double pay for Sundays.’ ghetto stereotypes; a contrast to the more Detroit ’67 a read.

April 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 17 obituaries

KEVIN SEVERS WE WERE A LL CHELSEA FANS THAT NIGHT T IS with a heavy heart months to live, with palliative care, all Chelsea fans, for Kev. that I write about the or a 20% chance of beating it Kev was on black shift at I passing of one of again with treatment. Kev was a Bedford but was loved and Bedford depot’s finest, Kevin fighter and, after discussing it with respected by the other shifts Severs, at the age of 61. his family, decided to have based there too. His passing has Kev joined the railway as a another go at beating this horrible left a huge hole that will never trainee driver in September 2002 disease. He went back to hospital be filled. He was one of a kind after a long and successful career on 8 February but was suffering and will never be forgotten. Kev as a lorry driver and quickly from a chest infection so they is survived by his wife Teresa, became a favourite with everyone couldn’t start his treatment. Kev’s four children and four at the depot. He qualified as a health deteriorated quickly and, grandchildren. Bedford depot train driver on his first attempt on 10 February, he was put in an mourns his passing but and went on to become a driver induced coma. His condition remembers his smile. trainer, briefing drivers on worsened, and he was placed on Rob Reddan , Bedford branch Kev Severs 1956-2018 training days and routes. life support, and his family made In September 2016 Kev was the heartbreaking decision to diagnosed with a very aggressive switch off his life support at 20.00 ARTHUR ‘SARGO’ SARGENT form of leukaemia and hours; Kev passed away peacefully It’s sad to have to report the recent passing of retired underwent an intensive course of at 23.15 on 11 February Ripple Lane driver Arthur ‘Sargo’ Sargent. He started his treatment that included blood surrounded by his loving family. railway career at Plaistow on the steam and then Ripple transfusions, chemotherapy, and Kev was the quintessential Lane where he remained until the depot closed. He was bone marrow and stem cell railwayman. He was always an East London boy, coming from Canning Town, who transplants. By September 2017 smartly dressed, took great pride enjoyed his football and supported West Ham. At work he was one of he was in remission, had been in his work, and in his role as a the lads, getting up to all the things the old school drivers did in those given the all clear, and returned to driver trainer. He always had an days! He also enjoyed the finer things in life by supporting the Sporting work, at the training school, ear for anyone who needed to Life where he was partial to the odd flutter or two. He also enjoyed his passing on his knowledge and his sound off, always had a smile, and beer, baccy, Sunday roasts, holidays and family. In his later years Sargo wisdom. always had a funny story to tell. had his share of health problems but always seemed to bounce back to But on 26 January Kev and his He was a role model to drivers enjoy a Sunday pint at the Dagenham Trades Hall where we all finished family were warned that the young and old, loved life, his up after the service for some refreshments and a chat over a glass of ale. leukaemia could be back, a family, his job, and Chelsea FC. The A contingent of Pathfinders joined family and friends at Corbets Tey diagnosis confirmed on 2 night after he died Chelsea were crematorium, Upminster, to celebrate his life. Our condolences to February. He was given a few playing and, that night, we were Arthur’s family. He will be sadly missed. Cliff Blackwell , Ripple Lane Retired Members' Section BOB BARRATT A full turnout was present at Charing crematorium on Friday 16 February to pay their last respects and say a final farewell to retired Ashford driver Bob Barratt who passed away on 11 January at the age of 92. Bob spent 49 years on the railway at Bob Barratt: A proper gentleman Ashford. He was on the LDC for the benefit of the was a regular at the and Ashford ASLEF charity. After his drivers’ annual get chair. Many wondered retirement he kept in together at the railway why he was often touch by playing club. A proper seen with bundles of Santa at the train gentleman to the end. newspapers under his crews’ children’s Rob Kilkie , branch arms. Christmas party and reporter The reason was that he collected JOHN McKENNA tirelessly for Woking John McKenna has died at the age of 92. John, Homes – residential a local man, started at Newton Heath on 30 care with a railway April 1945. He was a person of real character, heritage – and had a and a gentleman, with a great sense of cupboard at the humour. His hobbies were gardening and DIY depot containing and he was never happier than when he was badges and other making (and breaking) things. memorabilia he sold S Black , Newton Heath RMS

18 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018 obituaries

ALAN BROOK Alan Brook’s career PHIL MINGO progressed from cleaning I’m sad to announce the death of wagons to driving the retired Exeter driver Phil Mingo. Phil royal train. he started at started his railway career as a Mexborough loco aged 14 traction trainee at Exeter before and became a fireman at moving to old oak common as a 18, often firing for his dad, second man, then to King’s cross, on Percy Brook, a senior deltics, to get his driving job. ASlEF official. he returned to Exeter where, Alan moved to Wath in under Wessex trains, he became a 1958, working on the dI and leading driver, before newly electrified becoming an hSt driver for FGW. he Woodhead route, and had to take early retirement due to then to Rotherham ill health in 2014. Masborough in 1965, his great passion outside work where he became a driver was his love of any driven transport at 36. In 1983 he moved to – boats, lifeboats, planes, buses and doncaster, working on the anything to do with trains – and he East coast main line would travel the world in search of between Newcastle and them. doncaster. But six years he took his photography as later, in 1989, his career seriously as his train driving and, was cut short by an having travelled large distances to accident on his way home photograph them, if the lighting, from work, when he was weather or setting was not right, his knocked off his moped, camera would stay in its case for sustaining multiple another day. fractures. he will be fondly remembered at Alan leaves his wife, Exeter, and will be sadly missed by Edith, two sons, Simon friends and colleagues alike. and chris, and four R West , ex-branch secretary grandchildren. Chris Brook Alan Brook 1930-2018

STAN MARSHALL ANDREW RICE PROUD WELSHMAN Stan Marshall, a true locoman, died on 12 It is with sadness that I report the sudden death in January of our January. He began his footplate career at friend and colleague from Grove Park, Andrew Rice. Andrew joined Patricroft shed in July 1950 and, when it Southeastern in October 2012, quickly becoming a popular member closed, transferred to Newton Heath, of the branch and depot. He was a fiercely proud Welshman and then Manchester Victoria. Broken only by Liverpool supporter and banter was always lively around the drivers’ national service – he served in a Scottish room when Wales played England at rugby and football! Settling in regiment, the Highland Light Infantry – Ashford, he was looking forward to getting a move to the depot there Stan was back on the footplate after two when his life was unfortunately cut short, passing away at home at years and instrumental in the founding of the young age of 48. He leaves his wife Rebekah and two young the BRSA Patricroft staff club. daughters. I will miss his Happy Christmas and Happy New Year texts On 20 December 1984 Stan endured a in Welsh (well, I think that’s what they said!) Rest in Peace, Andrew. Andrew: Proud Welshman loco driver’s nightmare while working a Ray Garland , Grove Park train of tank wagons loaded with petrol and oil in Summit tunnel between Manchester and Leeds. A wagon became JOHN RIGGINS derailed, causing a fire, which spread DAVID NORCLIFFE Ex-Motherwell branch member and retired driver quickly to other wagons. Stan and his John Riggins has died at 61. John was one of the guard were able to uncouple some david Norcliffe died in November railway’s great characters, a man who you would unaffected wagons, pulling them clear of after battling lung cancer; he was hear long before you saw him. the tunnel. The Fire Brigade took over, as diagnosed with the disease, which John began his career as a guard in 1978 at this was a major incident, tackling the later spread to his bones, towards Motherwell, before moving into the footplate blaze, while Stan and his guard, under the end of 2016. line of promotion as a driver’s assistant, and Fire Brigade supervision, re-entered the dave became a driver and moving to Yoker to gain his promotion to driver. tunnel to remove further wagons. member of ASlEF in 1991 and was John returned to Motherwell’s ScotRail depot Summit tunnel was closed for many one of the few drivers at Reading after privatisation, where he remained until weeks. who learnt hSts. he was elected retirement in 2014. He loved following his beloved Salford onto the ldc 10 years ago. he John was a great servant to ASLEF, attending Reds rugby league team and, although leaves behind wife Sarah and branch meetings and standing shoulder to his health, in later years, was not kind to children hayley and Michael. shoulder with his colleagues on picket lines. him he returned to work on the shed yard Paul Sedgebeer , Reading branch Big JR will be sadly missed, but always until retirement in 1986. secretary remembered with a smile. S Black , Newton Heath Andy Jones , Motherwell branch secretary

April 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 19 letters

Join the conversation! Send letters by email to [email protected] or Remember when Richard Burton took a hammer to the by Royal Mail to the ASLEF Journal memory of the ‘monster’ that was Winston Churchill? at 77 St John Street, How refreshing it was to London, EC1M 4NN read Keith Richmond’s account of Winston Churchill ( Journal , March). Magna Carta, freedom, Being informed trade union George Orwell and Brexit activists, we already know that the establishment, or It is not often I become indignant as quickly as powers that be, can I did when reading the March edition of the embellish or arrogate this ASLEF Journal . Specifically, I take issue with the nation’s history and even second sentence of the GS’s editorial. He seek to erase certain states, ‘The irony of Magna Carta, and the unsavoury episodes to suit associated freedoms achieved for the barons, Richard Burton as Winston churchill and virginia their own agenda. In other is not lost when used in the context of Brexit McKenna as clementine in Walk with Destiny words, censorship is alive and other debates.’ and well in the mainstream kind. I hate them virulently.’ fact. This is how In an issue which also references George media, much of it in the Burton wrote a portrait in dichotomies develop – Orwell, I have rarely read such an Orwellian guise of jingoism. vitriol, calling Churchill a something the Tories thrive misrepresentation of a document described in As an afterword to ‘monster’, a ‘vindictive toy on. How else could the 1956 by the late Lord Denning, former Master Keith’s article, I would like soldier’, and a ‘coward’, Ruritanian fantasy of the of the Rolls, as ‘The greatest constitutional to mention the controversy amongst other things, and royal family survive? Closer document of all times – the foundation of the in 1974 surrounding the was condemned in to home, big business uses freedom of the individual against the arbitrary actor Richard Burton, who Parliament and on the BBC. propaganda and lobbying authority of the despot.’ came from a mining family, The Times thundered: to suppress the trade union That Magna Carta was the basis for the and who played Churchill in ‘Burton has damaged movement. We must, constitution of the United States, and the television drama Walk himself in the eyes of the therefore, remain vigilant informed the legal systems in Canada, with Destiny. In an article in British people and does not and always question what Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and The New York Times under deserve to recover.’ we read and hear from others means I side with the late Lord Denning the headline ‘To Play This, then, was an establishment sources. on this rather than our own GS. Indeed, of the Churchill is to Hate Him’ he example of an individual’s Keep up the good work! three remaining clauses of Magna Carta still on wrote: ‘I realised afresh that coruscating opinion not Aled Lloyd Morris , the statute book, clause XXIX is directly I hate Churchill and all his agreeing with accepted Manchester relevant to the Brexit debate: ‘We will not deny or defer to any man either justice or right.’ If the Brexit vote achieved anything, it was the positive demonstration that the British property to the value of £5 or more. Magna travel, instead of a three day march, made the people really do have power over the carta, in 1215, took away some of the troops reach Liverpool fit, fresh and in perfect establishment. The Brexit vote was a plebiscite. powers of the monarch, but gave those condition. More importantly, their equipment, All eligible voters, male and female, black and powers to a small group of rich, powerful and horses, made the trip by train as well and white, were entitled to take part. And they did barons. It did not afford universal rights, that brilliantly addressed the big logistical – in record numbers. So justice demands the because it only applied to ‘free men’ which nightmare of the time: feeding army horses. result be respected. excluded all women and the vast majority The problem with horses was that they The GS may not like the result – despite it of the male population; it offered no form couldn’t transport sufficient foodstuff for being in line with the policy of ASLEF – but the of democracy beyond a group of 25 baron themselves; they relied on finding fodder on one thing it did not do was entrench the enforcers who could ‘petition’ the king if he the way, ‘living off the land’. power of the modern day barons. The 21st ignored it. As for Brexit, I explained, at The Boer Wars, with very long distances century barons – Branson, Souter & co – are length, why the Ec backed Brexit in the through a hostile landscape, heavily increased desperately trying to contrive a reversal of Journal (May 2016).’ British reliance on the comparatively scarce Brexit, or something suspiciously close to it. railways of South Africa. This included using an They are throwing millions of pounds at armoured train, conceived on the hop, to keep people like Gina Miller and Chuka Umunna to The Great Railway War the Boers from raiding strongpoints and sell this odious brand of snake oil. I hope they Further to my letter – and the reply – in the sabotaging the railway. The railway during that fail, and their failure will reinforce the triumph March issue of the Journal about the article on conflict absolutely was no sideshow to of the people over the establishment, the part the railway played in the First World marching men and horse-drawn wagons. established by Magna Carta 800 years ago. War ( Journal , February) it looks like the writer The French, in the run-up to the Franco- Tom Burns , Perth of the original article is reasonably well versed Prussian War considered train travel for troops in British rail use between 1914 and 1918, but inappropriate as it would make the squaddies GS Mick Whelan says: ‘tom, as you know that notable foreign wars escaped his effeminate. Meeting the better organised, and from our conversations, I’m a fan of attention. Let’s examine a few things. far fresher, Prussian troops made them universal suffrage and social democracy A few months after the opening of the reconsider. The French used their railways and applying it. the point is that, while we Liverpool & Manchester in September 1830 a extensively, albeit badly, to get troops to the celebrated, as a nation, and in the ASlEF contingent of British troops was sent to front. It did not help them win that war. Journal , the Representation of the People Liverpool to board a ship and help smash The wars mentioned made the railways Act coming into effect in 1918, it only problems in Ireland. They travelled from more important. The start of WWI in that allowed some, and not all, women to vote. Manchester by train, instead of marching, and respect was logistically already supported by a Women had to be over 30 and occupy it was discovered that a couple of hours’ train great deal of transport management science

20 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018 classified Ads derived from conclusions made during earlier fantastic sense of humour, enjoyed the social SOUTH WESTERN wars. Those lessons had mainly been learned aspect of our job, and will be sorely missed. We Suburban 707 limited edition on foreign fields, notably the US Civil War and wish you all the best Ali, keep in touch; we look 35x30mm enamel badge £5 + the Franco-Prussian War. General Herman forward to sharing your company again. £1 p&p from Martin Haupt in the US was the man who developed Steve Burgess and Martin Brooks , your Thompson (Wimbledon Park) the rule that under no circumstances were DCC colleagues, Southeastern email [email protected] railroad goods vans to be kept back and used as storage facilities at terminals: it cost Blasphemy and asterisks BRITISH RAIL driver transport potential and kept fresh lanyards with safety clip. consignments from reaching the locations To Christians, Jesus is someone worthy of the £5 plus £1.50 p&p (same where they were most urgently needed. That, greatest respect. May p&p cost for more than in turn, upset the organisation of running the I ask, when quoting one). Paypal [email protected] trains to schedule to ensure the timely arrival Elton John ( Journal , March) why a four of necessary stores. CLASS 15 locomotive (D8233) letter word is Stopped trains en route were sitting ducks enamel badge on sale to raise funds for enemy raiding parties as well as clogging asterisked to avoid for restoration of the sole surviving up sections of single lines close to the front. offence but the blasphemy – ‘Christ! That’s a lot Class 15 loco by the Class 15 You cannot be serious if you mean to say that of f***ing golf!’ – is printed whole. I don’t Preservation Society. £5 + £1 p&p the railways were a sideshow to the horses and follow the logic, as the latter spoken as a curse from Ipswich driver Clive Whiting. Payment can marching men there. The Southern states lost is just as offensive as the former. Can you be sent via PayPal to [email protected] because of their lack of comprehensive please explain and, hopefully, not repeat? We (friends & family to avoid fees). can’t stop people saying things, but we can transport management. Read Christian ASLEF BRANCH 111 refrain from reporting them as spoken. Wolmar’s Engines of War to get the picture. ASLEF branch 111 is 111 Eric Stuart Yes, during and after WWII there indeed years old and has a limited were motor vehicles and airplanes. edition numbered badge to Many – but not all – newspapers and Nevertheless, to get the kit to and from the celebrate the introduction of magazines use asterisks rather than ports in sufficient quantities the railways still the Class 387 on KL services. Proceeds to the spelling out swear words. References to were unbeatable. At the start of WWII the King’s Lynn branch welfare fund. £7.50 inc p&p Jesus of Nazareth – like ‘zounds’, a armed forces very effectively took operational from Mark Steele,1 Rosecroft, South Wootton, contraction of ‘God’s wounds’ referring to control of the railways here. Not to play trains King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 3WX. christ on the cross, and in use for 500 years but because the railways were an essential – are only avoided in religious publications. WOKING branch 50 year part in the national logistics chain. commemorative badge. In order to get equipment to airports and Slam door & Class 455. £6 harbours the train was and still is absolutely History too kind to him + £1 p&p each. Contact the only mode of land transport able to deliver Keith Richmond’s piece on Winston Churchill [email protected] fast and in quantity. That was the case during (Journal , March) nicely sums up the man: it’s THREE BRIDGES the Falklands conflict, where neither road just a pity that our institutions of learning branch strike badge 2016/17. £5 inc p&p (proceeds freight transport nor helicopters nor other air appear to ignore the case and, instead, to charity) from Paul Eden (branch transport would have got the shiploads to the continuously glorify the man based on a very secretary) email [email protected]). ports on time and as secure as the railways. short period of a very long life. Churchill was The role of the railways in military logistics no coward, as his war service in South Africa PROFESSIONAL ENGRAVING at perhaps has altered as part of the extended testified, and, no doubt, he was the right sensible prices. I can engrave anything range of the total mix, but declaring that the person to lead Britain through World War Two. First World War was the first and last true you wish, such as the ASLEF logo on It also has to be said that, were he in the pint tankard. Contact Paul Potts by railway war doesn’t really touch reality. That is government now, the self-serving bureaucrats email at [email protected] what a friend of mine, a retired army logistics in Brussels would not be running rings around officer, told me, anyway. him over Brexit. But Churchill belonged to the Peter van der Mark , retired, GWT Bristol KIRKDALE 121 limited edition 18th or 19th century, sharing the vicious centenary badge 1917-2017 price political mindset of Lord Castlereagh and the £7.50 inc p&p from branch Ali – put in heart and soul Duke of Wellington. secretary Keith Devling. Call Roy Lingham , RMS, Bridlington We would like to place on record our gratitude 07933 144768 or email [email protected] and best wishes for our colleague Ali Hussein who has retired on medical grounds. Ali put his Money back, Mr Khan? BESPOKE CUSHIONS Hand heart and soul into providing the best possible Who thought the day would come when a made 40cm square cushions of representation for the membership and high-ranking Labour politician would railway engines and carriages. £50. worked tirelessly, particularly during his first terminate an important public transport Call Abi on 07954 659849 or email me at term of office, to recover a decreasing ASLEF infrastructure project for no better reason that [email protected] membership in the London area with massive political expediency? Please, Mr Khan, if you CLASS 40 success. He gained support and engagement aren’t going to build the Metropolitan line Preservation Society high quality enamel badges from all drivers who recognised his efforts in extension, can the taxpayers of Watford have £5.50 each or £10 for both (50p promoting ASLEF as the only trade union for their money back? train drivers. His professional attitude and p&p for one badge or £1 for Rodney Salter , RMS, and former chair, both) email [email protected] or research has been invaluable in recent pay Rickmansworth branch text 07788 240088. All funds awards, notably the award of 2014 which, raised will go towards the amongst other things, saw the end of GS Mick Whelan says: ‘If the tories hadn’t maintenance of our three Class 40 locos. committed hours and the introduction of a taken £1.5 billion from the tfl budget, To advertise please phone 020 7324 2400 true four day week (Sundays inside). There was because a labour Mayor had been elected, or send an email to [email protected] never a dull moment in his company, he had a the projects would not have been deferred.’

April 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 21 last Word The old man and the sea – in the footsteps of Papa Hemingway You don’t have to be a political geek to go to Cuba cuba: A place to do nothing, because it’s not all guerrillas, slowly; the dictator Fulgencio Batista’s private revolution and solidarity. It’s a train on show in havana’s Caribbean island, as CHRIS PROCTOR old town; the island has found out. Which makes it a perfect Russian gauge track and place for a sunny holiday chinese gauge locos; Ernest hemingway; and (below, AKE up in the morning in Havana and centre) che, disguised as a you feel you’ve stepped onto a film businessman, with Fidel W set: an impression reinforced by the before setting off for Bolivia cars that pass as you walk to the Old Town, where cruise liners edge into the docks to spill architecture that makes your chin drop and but there are fruits and juices that make you their sightseers. Fifty-year-old Plymouths, your heart sing. drool: and fresh fish, vegetables and chicken. Chevvies and Caddies cruise the streets. These Cuba’s also remarkable for things that aren’t We ate plainly but well. beautiful machines are mostly taxis for tourists, there: like the blessed relief from advertising. There are beaches in Cuba that defy the but they run around the rest of the island as They don’t have a greed-growing industry any scope of any camera. Long stretches of yellow well; even if some are more notable for their more than they have a Fidel fixation. powder massaged by transparent waves. I appearance than their reliability. On our way to Santa Clara to see the chuckled to think of the allegation that this museum to Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and the beautiful island is only visited by ‘activists’. ‘Courage is grace under pressure.’ other heroic guerrillas, a Canadian asked if Active! I’ve seen corpses more active! This is a – Ernest Hemingway Castro was unpopular. After all, Che’s image is place to do nothing, slowly. At most, you’re everywhere, and there are no monuments to required to smile back at people. Most of us But, once you’ve gaped at them, you can’t help Fidel Castro. can manage this. ‘wondering why in the West most of our cars The guide explained that this is what Fidel are junk after five years yet these vehicles are wanted: in his egalitarian view, he was another ‘Never go on trips with anyone you do not still running when they’re eligible for a Cuban. I couldn’t help but think of the love.’ – Ernest Hemingway pension. Partly it is – sorry to mention it – proposed statue of Margaret Thatcher, the Blair politics. The US trade blockade won’t allow Foundation, and Winston Churchill’s war You keep finding you’re asking yourself exports to the island. It’s also about mechanics: rooms. The only memorial to Castro we saw ‘questions while you’re on this Caribbean these people fix things when they break. How was a small placard outside a small town that island. Like, how come this impoverished place many times has your garage told you, ‘I’ll have said simply, ‘Gracias Fidel.’ can offer free education, including university, to order the part’? In Cuba there are no spare when our Prime Minister has just conceded parts. Repairs are carried out with whatever is ‘Never send to know for whom the bell that UK universities are the most expensive on to hand. Waste is taboo. tolls; it tolls for thee.’ – John Donne the planet? How come it offers free medical You don’t need to go to an exhibition to see care when its neighbour, the richest state in art in Havana. There’s not a street in the Old The people were all too friendly and the world, rejects the idea? And how come Town that doesn’t astonish and amaze: this is a ‘welcoming, too smiley and polite, too tolerant racism doesn’t exist in this wonderful mixture city of decayed grandeur. The facades of the and relaxed to give the impression of a nation of vibrant humanity? building are from another age of vibrant under the heel of a resented dictatorship. So is So you don’t have to swat up on left-wing global commerce; before Havana declined into it a Western myth? Our bus driver smiled when politics to enjoy a relaxing holiday in the a playground for US tax exiles, the sanctuary of we asked him the question. ‘In Cuba we have a Cuban sunshine. But, while you’re there, you’ll its seedy voyeurs and a haven for its gangsters two-year mandatory military service,’ he said. find you can’t help thinking about the values and criminals. ‘Havana’ came to mean rum, ‘For everyone.’ He paused. ‘If most of our of its society: and of our own. cigars and vice: with the locals at the bottom people hated the government, they would be of a fetid pile. pretty silly to train them all in arms!’ The rich ran, though, at the arrival of the Another well-known ‘fact’ is that Cuban  the cuba Solidarity campaign has lots revolutionaries, taking their money with them: food is universally inedible. I thought about of information about the country and is the ornate magnificence of the opulent homes this as I savoured a grilled lobster that cost me always happy to help with enquiries. have crumbled, despite constant efforts to less than a tenner in a street-side cafe. Yes, visit www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk. maintain them. But what is left, at every turn, is there isn’t a huge range of foods or flavours:

22 The ASLEF Journal l April 2018 Across down on track Prize crossword 1 Person hooked 1 Greenfly on drugs 2 Shop selling crossword 144 by tom Williams 7 Scottish lord unusual cooked and 8 Mid-game break foreign foods CRAZY NIGHTS (4, 4) 3 Half three score BOOKED on at Longsight at 9 Pie fruit 4 Pressed fold 21.15 on Saturday 16 10 Electric cable pipe in cloth I December 1989 at the end 12 Military ground 5 Large African river of my twentieth week on the railway. troops mammal The window man greeted me, ‘Ah! 13 Summit or tip 6 Farewell all You know Hadfield?’ ‘Well, I did a 14 Tax on goods 11 Rugby score week as a guard at Picc before I came 15 Capital of Norway 13 Beer here.’ ‘OK, we have a job for you at 17 Cut a design 14 Second-in- Godley. Your driver is over there.’ I in glass command walked over and he confided, ‘I have 19 Spaghetti and 15 Segmented fruit let the second man go, he doesn’t lasagne 16 Light fast-sailing know up there, thinks Godley is next 20 Cake spice vessel to cleanly.’ 21 Fangs 18 Pointers on a clock 47051 light engine to Guide 22 Continues to live Bridge for nine lima twenty. The Solution to crossword 143 shunter at Guide Bridge said, ‘Right, Across: 1 Horseradish 7 Oval 8 Errands 9 Air mate, you have three brake vans on 10 Litre 11 Marshy 13 Classy 16 Glues 18 Ant Name...... the back to hold her, a shark, loaded 19 Amateur 20 Ugli 21 Table tennis sea cows, a crane and the barrier down: 1 Havana 2 Relays 3 Energy 4 April wagon.’ ‘You ride on the wagon, I’ll Address...... 5 Ignites 6 Hosiery 11 Migrant 12 Rhubarb lend you a cushion from the hut.’ 13 Coarse 14 Autumn 15 Scales 17 Sieve ...... Congratulations to Gareth Cadwallader , of Swansea , ...... who was last month’s winner. The winner of this month’s Prize ...... Crossword will receive Marks & Spencer vouchers to the value of £25 ...... Mel: Where's Jeremy Beadle?  You can see more of Tom Williams’s At 00.43, the engine dragged the crosswords, word games and puzzles at Postcode...... circus out of the yard into the station, wordgames.co.uk my red lamp stopping us behind the signal. Remember, with no mobile Thanks for all your responses to the 143rd prize crossword in the March edition of the ASLEF phones, no radios, and me perched Journal . If you successfully complete this month’s crossword please send the solution to the on the cushion at the front of the Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN by 14 April train, two thoughts crossed my mind: (i) Is this for Beadle’s About? (ii) I don’t remember ticking the ‘borderline crazy’ box on my application form. ASLEF’s legal services The peg came off, I waved my white Bardic beam from side to side, If you are being harassed at work, bullied or discriminated against, and and my wagon jerked forward. Up if your local, branch or district rep is unavailable, call the industrial past the old Dewsnap sidings, taking relations department at union headquarters (020 7324 2400) or email the former GC main line at Hyde [email protected]. If you are arrested or interviewed by police and need Junction, then on through deserted legal assistance – day or night – call the members’ emergency hotline on stations at Flowery Field and Newton. 0800 587 7530. ASlEF also provides first class legal advice free for When I saw the outline of the Wall’s members and dependents. factory I slowed the train with a yellow, then my red aspect brought my 3 miles 27 chains ride to an end. The crane failed on site. As we were about to leave, I told my driver I would remain on my cushion, this changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form time at the rear of the train, so I could Name...... ‘give tail lamp’ at Newton (press the plunger on the down platform). At Address...... 03.51 the Class 47 pushed me back into Guide Bridge sidings. When I see ...... newish drivers stepping on and off Postcode ...... Telephone...... their Voyagers and Pendolinos I wonder what they would think of the Branch...... Membership No...... nocturnal activities of their predecessors on the permanent way? Please return coupon to: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN Mel Thorley

April 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 23 The 500 Club STANDIN G ORDE R M ANDA TE To ______Ban k The 500 Club is a fundraising venture for ASLEF’s Retired Members’ Section. Numbers in the draw cost £4 each and, to begin making Ad dress ______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 BANK BRANCH TIT LE ( NOT AD DRESS) SORTING C ODE N O.

payable to ASLEF RMS 500 Club. Ple as e p ay Uni ty Trust Ba nk Bi rmingham 08 -60 -01

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 BENEFI CIA RY S N AME ACCOUN T N UM BER For th e cred it of ASL EF RMS 5 00 CLU B ACCO UNT 2 0 2 0 1 1 9 3 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 the Admin Department at head office. AMOU NT IN F IGUR ES AMOU NT IN WO RDS

The su m o f £ The Retired Members’ Section committee would like to thank you for your support and wish you luck in the draw! DATE AN D AM OUNT OF F IRS T PA YM ENT DUE DA TE AND FR EQU ENCY Yours fraternally, Mick Whelan, general secretary ST Com mencing £ and th ere after e very 1 OF EVE RY MONT H

ASlEF RMS 500 club application form DATE AN D AM OUNT OF L AST PA YM ENT *Until £ *Until you r ece ive fu rth er notice fro m m e/us in writ in g Name...... Qu otin g t he and debit my/our acco unt acc ord in gly re ference Address...... Pleas e can cel any prev ious stan din g o rd er or dir ect d ebit in fav our of t he benefici ary named ab ove ...... Telephone No...... SPE CIA L INSTRU CTIO NS email......

Each number costs £4. You can purchase as many numbers as you like. ACCOUN T TO B E DEBITE D ACCOUN T N UM BER I confirm that I wish to purchase ____ numbers as part of the 500 Club. A) I have set up my standing order (£48 per annum or £4 per month) Si gnatur e( s) ______Date ______B) I enclose a cheque for advance payment (£48 per annum) ______’ Signed...... Date...... Note: The Ban k will n ot underta ke t o: (i) mak e an y r eference t o Va lu e Ad ded Tax or oth er in determ inat e ele ment (ii) advis e pay er s a ddre’ ss t o b enefici ar y (iii) advis e beneficiary o f in ab ili ty t o p ay Please return to: Andrea Weston in the Administration Department, ASLEF, (iv ) request benefici ar y s b an ker t o a dvis e b enefic iary o f r eceip t

77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN * De lete if n ot ap plic ab le If th e a mounts o f t he p eriod ic p ay ments v ar y, t hey sho uld b e in corp ora ted in a sc hedule overl eaf

The 134th Durham Miners’ Gala will be held on Saturday 14 July 2018

Please support the Big Meeting by joining the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala www.friendsofdurhamminersgala.org