L A N R U O

ASLEFThe AssociATED sociETy of LocomoTivE EnginEErs & firEmEn J mAy 2016 Going Underground – what you see is what you get

FINN BRENNAN: TfL Underground and Overground SADIQ KHAN: Making London a better and fairer place TERRY WILKINSON: Operating the Night Tube

Remembering EU: should we stay The train drivers’ Steve Grant or should we go? union since 1880 railway enginemen’s tax free saver plans

disability cover for the cost of a flutter on the horses tax free policies from £5 per week

products saver plan children’s saver plan saver and disability plan for further information call us on freephone 0800 328 9140 visit our website at www.enginemens.co.uk

or write to us at Railway Enginemen's Assurance Society Limited, 727 Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham, B8 2LE

Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority & the Prudential Regulation Authority Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 L A N 6 R 1 0 U 2

y O A J Published by the AASLEFssociATED sociETy of LocomoTivE EnginEErs & firEmEn m

Peter ‘Muppet’ Wilkinson doesn’t understand you He wants to break us but doesn’t know you

HiLE, on behalf of our members, we try to 4 8 deal with the uncertainty in the steel W industry, it is hard not to have serious concerns for the future of those directly employed. The government’s belated action, to deal with an News issue of which they had prior knowledge, is not just woeful and inadequate but negligent; particularly for voting against tariffs to protect our  mPs join us at our Parliamentary reception 4 steel industry in light of the increased tariffs the  People before profit and Huffpo off the rails 5 chinese have announced. car manufacturers are concerned for the future and it has serious  Wendy Hurst reports on the women’s TUc 6 implications for the supply chain. As a country, we  Bucket list time but Jim Peters only 7 cannot afford to be at the whim of another nation wanted to drive a train again 10 dominating the market, destroying competition, and then ramping up the price of essential  strike a light with the fireflys at matchfest 8 materials in the future. The Wilkinson affair rumbles on. There is, apparently, no retraction of his lies about £60k a year three day a week train drivers and we are not Features aware of any action being taken against him. But his influence in directing, from his £265k a year  sadiq Khan: Help make London a better 10 seat, the poor iTTs, and the consequences of and fairer place on Thursday 5 may seeking to impose conditions outside our agreements, has started on southern gTr and  finn Brennan reflects on a TfL land grab 11 with other Tocs gearing up with and the London mayor’s vanity projects similar nonsense. He said he would break us and we have asked the and  going Underground: Terry Wilkinson, 12-13 the government whether this is their policy? gary comfort, Jason Wyatt, marc Tanner 12-13 surprise, surprise! That question has not been answered. They obviously do not know you, or  The EU: should i stay or should i go? 14-15 what you expect from your union. Transport for London are at it again. They won’t pay the due rise until June. What a poor employer! Regulars morale was already low and the system is creaking. our hopes lie with a new mayor who not only cares about London but those who work to keep  Branch news and 100 years of Union 16-17 the capital running.  obituaries 19 Like many of you, i have stood on picket lines showing support for the junior doctors. They  Letters and classified Advertisements 20-21 know, better than anyone, what safe patient care is  Last Word: mick Humphrys and cliff 22 and how to achieve it. mr Hunt, who seems to have Holloway look back through the archives gone missing in action, patently does not and now we are having to recruit another 4,000 doctors  food & Drink, Prize crossword, AsLEf’s 23 19 from abroad. Add to that the thousands of Legal services and change of Address teachers leaving their profession every year, exacerbated by academy dogma, and vocation is a dirty word in 2016. The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: We have lost a true friend and comrade in Bro steve grant, former district organiser on the AsLEf, 77 st John street, London, Ec1m 4nn Tel: 020 7324 2400 Underground. our thoughts are with Doreen, his email: [email protected] website: www.aslef.org.uk family and friends. He was, and will be remembered as, one of the best. EDITOR mick Whelan l DESIGNER michael cronin l PRINTER TU ink, 107 fleet street, London, Ec4A 2AB Yours fraternally ADVERTISING Ten Alps, Portland House, Bressenden Place, London, sW1E 5BH. contact Edwin rodrigues on Mick Whelan, general secretary 0207 657 1819 or [email protected] l CLASSIFIED ADS [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400 The acceptance of an advert does not necessarily imply endorsement of that product or service by AsLEf CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please post your details to AsLEf, 77 st John street, clerkenwell, London, Ec1m 4nn

May 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News

Down by the river side om WATson, deputy leader of the Labour T Party, in a powerful speech at AsLEf’s parliamentary reception at the Palace of Westminster on 11 April, said that the party, one year on from a debilitating defeat in the general election, is now in position to take the fight to the Tories. Tom spoke other opinion formers. Kelvin about the historical ties between called for a dedicated rail freight the trade unions and the Labour corridor in Britain, shadow Party, and about how together, in Transport secretary Lilian the labour movement, we can greenwood reaffirmed Labour’s Photos: Andrew Wiard prepare the ground for victory at commitment to public ownership, the next general election. and gs mick Whelan said there central & Acton); ian Lavery our annual reception, hosted would never be a better time to (Wansbeck); Andy mcDonald by Kelvin Hopkins, Labour mP for build a better railway than under (); Liz mcinnes Luton north, and chair of the the next Labour government. (Heywood & middleton); ian AsLEf parliamentary group, is an Labour Party leader Jeremy mearns (gateshead); grahame ASLEF activists lobby peers and opportunity for executive corbyn took time out of a busy morris (Easington); Jo stevens MPs at the Palace of Westminster committee members, district schedule – he arrived hot foot (cardiff central); gareth Thomas organisers, reps and activists to from the chamber where he was (Harrow West); rosie Winterton TWEETS OF THE MONTH put our views to mPs, peers, and tackling the Tories for being soft (Doncaster central); Peter Hain, on tax evasion – to come and talk former mP for neath who now sits Nicky Morgan is The Thick QUOTE … to AsLEf activists and patiently in the House of Lords; val of It come to life. ‘David Cameron’s gift to the pose for a series of selfies! shawcross, who speaks on Patrick Brusnahan world: trickle down tax- our guests in the Terrace transport for Labour in the dodging.’ – Marina Hyde Pavilion included Dave Anderson London Assembly; Kevin maguire, The battle against in The Guardian (Labour mP for Blaydon); John associate editor of the Daily inequality is being lost. …UNQUOTE cryer (Leyton & Wanstead); Peter Mirror ; and steve cavalier, chief Faiza Shaheen Dowd (Bootle); rupa Huq (Ealing executive of Thompsons solicitors.

are working together Keep it Co-op to return our railways Answers? Questions! to public ownership. CLAIRE McCARTHY , general secretary of As Mick Whelan said Questions? Answers! last year, at a joint the Co-operative Party, explains why ASLEF’s general secretary Mick Whelan ASLEF/Co-op event at you should vote ‘Yes’ wowed an audience at Cathedral, the Labour Party and 1.5 million radio listeners, when he Do you shop, bank or movement has a voice conference, appeared on Any Questions on Radio 4 on 18 insure with the Co- in the rooms where ‘Passengers and March. First question for Mick and the other op? Has a ballot paper decisions are made – employees must be at panellists – Chuka Umunna, Labour MP for dropped into your in Westminster, the heart of these Streatham; Nadhim Zahawi, Conservative inbox, or letter box, in Holyrood, Cardiff Bay changes.’ By voting MP for Stratford upon Avon; and Heather the last couple of and in town halls up ‘Yes’ to Motion 12 you McGregor, a former investment banker who weeks? If so, please and down the can keep this writes as Mrs Moneypenny in the Financial SILVER SURFER open it and vote ‘Yes’ country. Motion 12 important work Times – was why are the poor paying for the This image of EC5 to motion 12 before asks members of the going. For more mistakes of the rich? Other topics included Howard Kaye, 18 May. Co-op Group if they information, visit the sugar tax; schools being turned into standing for Police Co-operators and want to continue that www.keepit.coop and Crime trade unionists share relationship. academies; the EU; the Budget and the Commissioner for common roots. Just as Railway workers resurgence in left-wing politics. The Surrey on 5 May, the trade union were the original programme has been broadcast, without went viral. movement set up the pioneers of the co-op interruption, since 1948. Rebecca Croft- Labour Party to give movement. As they Griggs blogged workers a voice in travelled the country dryly: ‘Labour Parliament, members they discovered co- candidate of the co-operative ops, shared the news, Show your demonstrates movement, including and set up new co- support for the plans to tackle the Co-op Group, set ops back home – No DOO traffic congestion up the Co-operative sometimes getting campaign with in South West Party. Nearly 100 years the sack for their these ASLEF Surrey.’ later the Co-op Party effort. Today ASLEF badges – ensures the and the Co-op Party available free from head office. 4 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 News

Putting people before profit Off the rails gs mick Whelan addressed a rally STEPHEN HULL , editor-in-chief at the mechanics institute in of the Huffington Post UK , made on the eve of the an utter mess of an interview franchise being with Steve Hewlett on The Media taken over by the Show on Radio 4 when he subsidiary rail north. mick, bizarrely claimed it was good for who was joined by shadow rail people to work without being paid. When Hewlett asked minister Andy mcDonald, shadow the hapless Hull why HuffPo , which boasts $2.3 billion in Energy and climate change passenger safety. He said: ‘Who revenues, won’t pay the people who write for his online minister Lisa nandy, and rmT gs could possibly believe that magazine blog, he blustered: ‘I love this question! Because mick cash, warned that the new making the railway less safe, less I’m proud to say that what we do is, we have 13,000 franchise will mean fewer jobs, accessible, and more expensive is contributors in the UK, bloggers, and we don’t pay them.’ worse services and poorer the right thing to do?’ Er, yes. But why not? ‘You know, if I was paying someone to write something, because I wanted it, to get advertising pay, that’s not a real authentic way of presenting copy. So ironmasters play when somebody writes something for us, we know it’s real. We know they want to write it. It’s not been forced or paid Phil Odgers of The Men They Couldn’t Hang; Headsticks; the Hurriers; for. I think that’s something to be proud of.’ the Wakes; the Black Lamps; Joe Solo; Attila the Stockbroker; and Grace Petrie are all playing a May Day festival of solidarity at the MEL THORLEY fondly recalls one Polish Club in Barnsley on Sunday 1 May. ‘There is a growing scene in story about Longsight legend the UK of bands and singers with a socialist aspect to their music,’ Steve Biddulph, who has retired said organiser Tony Wright. ‘And a growing sense of community after 46 years on the railway. ‘One amongst the musicians.’ Tickets are £10. morning, I was crossing the forecourt at Manchester Piccadilly to work the 5am staff train, and Steve was coming the other way, a bit merry. He said, “I’ve not been to bed, I partied late at Reddish Leisure, then went to a lock-in.” I pointed to the 5.17 Bournemouth HST and said, “Get yourself on that banana, but don’t fall asleep and miss Stockport,” and he said, “Oh, don’t worry, I’ll be on it. I’m the driver!” Mad, mad days before zero tolerance kicked in.’

KEVIN MAGUIRE , associate editor of the Daily Mirror , and passionate Mackem, had fun in his Commons Confidential column in the New Statesman with a tale told by TUC apparatchik Kay Carberry at her retirement bash. When she joined the Congress House book club Kay discovered that rather than discussing a Steve Connolly, different book at each meeting, like most clubs, they Finn Brennan, QUOTE … always discussed the same tome, Das Kapital by Karl Marx. Howard Kaye, ‘Forcing all schools to become ‘Imagine my surprise that our book group’s convenor,’ Kay Marz Colombini academies is quite an extraordinary told Kevin, ‘is now the Shadow Chancellor.’ and James land grab by the government. It reminds McGowan out me of the dissolution of the monasteries.’ STEVE GRANT , former District 8 campaigning in Angela Mason , cabinet member for Organiser, and a regular correspondent to Camden for children, Camden council the Journal even in retirement, raised a Sadiq Khan. …UNQUOTE smile at head office when, shortly before he died, he sent us this mock film poster – a skit on Toy Story – for Tory Story , CONFERENCES featuring Brexit campaigner Boris AsLEf’s annual assembly of delegates is at the macdonald Highlands Johnson heading for the stars, and out of hotel, Aviemore, from monday 9 to friday 13 may. The Welsh TUC is at the EU, with the stirring call ‘To insanity and beyond!’ the venue cymru in Llandudno from Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 may. The Matchwomen’s festival is at nambucca, north London, on GUIDO FAWKES , the right-wing blog run by saturday 2 July. The Durham Miners’ Gala is on saturday 9 July. The Paul Staines, has never been a friend of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival , near Dorchester, is from friday 15 to workers of this world. But even it was moved sunday 17 July. The Trades Union Congress is at the Brighton centre to point out that, while Jeremy Corbyn, John from sunday 11 to Wednesday 14 september. The Labour Party McDonnell and Carwyn Jones were trying to conference is at the BT convention centre in from sunday 25 save the Port Talbot steelworks, and the to Wednesday 28 september. British steel industry, ‘Dave is in Lanzarote [and] Sajid Javid is on an ill-timed jolly Down Under.’ 500 CLUB: The AsLEf Wrc, with number 101, won the April draw, scooping the rms prize money jackpot of £366.

May 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News

Deborah, it’s fine to see your young face smiling

District 5 WRC rep WENDY conservative government’s HURST reports from the TUC austerity measures. women’s conference at AsLEf’s motion on acid attacks called on the Women’s TUc to Congress House in London lobby for greater controls on the T WAs an honour to purchase of acid, along with a call represent AsLEf at the for carrying significant amounts I TUc women’s to be classed as a weapon of conference this year along with assault. our second motion called ASLEF in action: Collette Gibson, Julie Clegg, Wendy Hurst, Debbie Alison miller, national secretary of for more lobbying and pressure Reay and Alison Miller pose for a picture in Great Russell Street the Women’s representatives on the irish government to repeal motion concerning pregnancy more visible staffing on platforms committee, and D2 rep; Deborah the eighth amendment which discrimination, sharing her and trains. reay, Wrc chair and D8 rep; takes a woman’s right to choose experiences, as well as those of But the highlight of the collette gibson (D7); and Julie back to the Dark Ages of risky our members over the years. i conference for AsLEf was getting clegg (D3). There was a focus on back street abortions and all the spoke on a motion about sexual Deborah reay elected to the concerns about the Trade Union health complications that can assaults on trains and Project Women’s TUc committee; this Bill, especially its effect on female result. guardian (a British Transport means AsLEf is now represented workers, and the increase in child Both motions were adopted Police campaign to encourage on all the TUc equalities poverty as a direct result of the unanimously. collette spoke on a reporting of assaults) calling for committees.

AND THE PUBLIC WANTS By the light of a WHAT THE PUBLIC GETS great Western has been slammed thousand candles by the Advertising standards Authority for a misleading poster EC president Tosh it used with the phrase ‘the McDonald, film and railway belongs to the region it television producer serves’. The AsA ruled that the use Tony Garnett, who of the word ‘belongs’ was likely to made Up the be understood to imply public, as Junction , Cathy Come opposed to private, ownership. Home , The Price of This is not the first time gWr has Coal and Kes , and Dan run a campaign designed to Jarvis, Labour MP for suggest that investment by the Barnsley Central, Yorkshire miners official Frank taxpayer has come out of the spoke at a memorial David Jones and Joe Arrowsmith. ‘Trending pockets of shareholders but a rally to mark the Green. ‘Great speech very well on social spokesman claimed: ‘it was never deaths, on the picket from Tosh,’ said former media.’ Photographs: our intention to suggest gWr is a line in 1984, of Yorkshire Main NUM Ian Oxley publicly owned company. We are proud of the work we do as a COULDN’T ESCAPE IF I WANTED TO private company, and are sorry A new study says there is a this wasn’t clear.’ cat Hobbs, strong case for a new rail link between OUR HOUSE director of the pressure group We Heathrow airport and Waterloo as part of own it, said: ‘Privatisation is now the Southern Rail access proposals. A so unpopular that train spokesman said: ‘A new rail link connecting companies can get good Pr by Heathrow to south London and Surrey is an pretending to be publicly owned. opportunity to connect an additional 4.8 The gWr advert is not only million passengers and would allow us to misleading, it’s a sign that it’s time treble our rail capacity by 2040.’ for real public ownership.’

Marz Colombini models QUOTE … ASLEF’s Kes tee-shirt – ‘Education Secretary Nicky with a Harvey Smith to Morgan was commending the Tories’ anti-Trade the plan to “academise all Union Bill – based on the schools”. Whether these iconic image from the academies will teach the famous Ken Loach film. verb “to academise” we £10 (inc p&p); email can but hope not.’ – T om [email protected] or Julie Hunt, who works with Tim Finch and Mary Babalola Peck in The Independent visit our online shop at in industrial relations at head office, was interviewed at www.aslef.org.uk length live by Sky News on a housing demo in central …UNQUOTE London in March. Photo: Mick Holder

6 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 News

Bucket list time – i wanted to drive a train again JIM PETERS of the RMS had just one wish when doctors delivered bad news

T’s two and a half years since i last drove a train, so it was a novelty I when, at the end of february, i found myself back in the driving cab for a ride from Paddington to swindon. it came about because firstgroup employees chose Prostate cancer UK as their charity of choice. company Howard Kaye, Steve Jacob, Gordon Johnston, Mick Carroll, Chris Munro, Andy Hudd, Jim and charity websites explain what the Peters, Mike Setchell, Ted Llewellyn and Colin Moon on the PC special out of Paddington partnership aims to achieve but what it meant for me was a great day out, helping to raise successfully treated but if it spreads beyond only slightly above normal, which shows that awareness of a disease that kills – but can be the prostate the treatment will only control, any man can get prostate cancer, which is why cured if caught in time – and is the most rather than cure, the cancer. we need to know more – and talk more – common form of cancer among men in this Early diagnosis gives you more treatment about it. country. choices, too, which is important because each you can read more about my personal The ride was suggested after Prostate treatment has its own side effects. you need experience of prostate cancer on my blog at cancer UK saw a blog post i wrote not long to decide which ones you think you can live rantfromthesuburbs.wordpress.com or visit after i was told ‘it’s bucket list time.’ The only with most easily. the Prostate cancer UK website at thing i could think of was i’d like to drive a train it’s not known what causes prostate cancer www.prostatecanceruk.org again, although i’ve thought of a few more but it mainly affects men over 50, and your risk increases with age. Another factor is ethnicity – things since, hopefully proving i’m not a QUOTE … complete anorak! 1 in 4 black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared with the 1 in 8 risk ‘The Chancellor has spent seven budgets i was the only one in the driving cab but, “fixing the roof”. It doesn’t say much for sitting back in the train, were my partner colin faced by all men. And if a close male relative has had the disease, you are two and a half the quality of his repair job that the rain moon (frequent carrier of AsLEf banners on has started to come in.’ – Larry Elliott , marches) and five mates – other train drivers i times more likely to be diagnosed, too. Apart from being over 50 i didn’t fall into economics editor of The Guardian used to work with. Along with mike setchell, …UNQUOTE representing firstgroup, Andy Hudd, Ec any of the higher risk categories and the member for District 7, and Ted Llewellyn, the prostate specific antigen level in my blood was driver of our train, we had our photo taken so the charity can use it to raise awareness of the UP FOR THE CHALLENGE disease. Being aware of the risk is crucial Paul Nowak, a former call centre because if it’s caught early it can be worker from Merseyside, is the new deputy general secretary of the TUC. Paul, 43, will handle such key policy Tea and coffee tastes areas as public services, transport, and better in a red and white policy. He said: ‘This government wants ASLEF mug! Price £3.50 to shift the balance of power in the (inc p&p); email workplace and silence opposition to [email protected] or visit our online After George Osborne’s calamitous Budget, and cuts. But we are ready for the challenge shop at www.aslef.org.uk Iain Duncan Smith’s resignation, this wicked poster and will continue to campaign for a started doing the rounds in cyberspace. better, fairer and more equal Britain.’

All about people, people in the public transport industry, people like you... A wide range of financial, health and welfare benefits available to all those working in the public transport industry. Just £1 a week covers you, your partner and dependent children.

0300 333 2000  www.tbf.org.uk [email protected] Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901

May 2016 l The ASLEF Jour n al 7 News

Suffragettes ; Sunny Singh, who wrote Strike a light Hotel Arcadia ; and Rachel Holmes, author of Eleanor Marx . Terry McCarthy, HE Fireflys, the Hurriers, the former director of the National Wimmin’s Institute, Gapmouth, Museum of Labour History, will talk T Steve White & the Protest about the betrayal of women workers Family, Raven Garcia, Swingerella, and after the war; Lisa Mckenzie of the LSE Thee Faction are all playing this year’s about the fight against austerity; Matchwomen’s festival, organised by Nadine Houghton of the GMB about historian Louise Raw to mark the strike organizing women in the workplace; at the Bryant & May factory in the East and Nina M, after The Archers , about End of London in 1888. surviving domestic abuse. ‘It’s a celebration of wild and ‘We had amazing support from ASLEF wonderful women past, present and members and branches last year,’ said future,’ said Louise. ‘A friendly summer Louise. ‘So I hope you’ll join us on knees-up for women, children, trade Saturday 2 July for our fourth annual unionists, new lefties, old lefties, and shindig. This year it’s a real party. We’ll all those who love them!’ be at Nambucca, a friendly, rock’n’roll, Speakers include Shami Chakrabarti, leftie venue on the Holloway Road, in outgoing director of Liberty; Sarah north London, just a few minutes’ walk The Fireflys (top) are set to light up Jackson, author of East London from Archway tube.’ Tickets are £5. Matchfest 2016 in Islington

a Day’s Work: Working Lives and there. They have been faithfully Real labour Trade Unions in West London 1945- transcribed, not tidied up, so you 1995 edited by David Welsh feel as if you are sitting listening to of love (Britain at Work, £10) draws on an someone telling you a story. The oral history project which interviews are cut into bite-size TRACEY LONGMAN of collected more than 100 chunks and interspersed with lots Bedford branch remembers interviews with people who had of photos and entertaining visual when Britain still made lots worked, and often lived, in the material that helps make the book of stuff and people had area during the five decades after very readable and enjoyable. jobs which paid and of World War ii. They talk about their it’s the first in a series about lives, the sort of work they did, London’s working people in the which they were proud and their conditions at work. They second half of the 20th century. West London in the 1950s had discuss their involvement in trade The project is clearly a labour of one of the biggest concentrations union activities and disputes, as love, with a passion to let working of manufacturing industry in the initial post-war improvements in people tell real history, as it was country. An area of some 85 living standards went into reverse. lived, in their own words. it creates square miles had household After brief explanatory passages a pang of nostalgia for a time names like Wall’s, napier’s, nestlé, about different industries, we when we made stuff, and people Heinz, Hoover, Lyons, optrex, Emi, hear the authentic voices of the had jobs of which they were gillette, Kodak and guinness. All in men and women who worked proud.

London calling  FLYING SCOTSMEN Transport for London has announced that New Azuma trains, with much faster the new operator – on a acceleration, will cut journey times seven and a half year contract worth £1.5 from Edinburgh to London on the East billion – will be . Arriva will Coast main line by 22 minutes to four take over from LoroL in november. hours in 2018. The new fleet of 65 trains, being built by Hitachi at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, will QUOTE… accelerate from 0-125mph about a New train with go faster stripes ‘The thing you’ve got to remember with minute faster than the current stock. Michael [Gove] is he is basically a bit of The Azuma – Japanese for ‘east’ – will Transport Secretary Patrick a Maoist – he believes the world makes reach 125mph in 4 minutes 30 seconds McLoughlin said: ‘These state of the art progress through a process of creative compared with 5 minutes 10 seconds inter-city express trains will transform destruction!’ – David Cameron for VTEC’s current electric trains and 7 rail travel for passengers between …UNQUOTE minutes for its diesel units. London, the north east and Scotland.’

 I CAN RUIN THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN Our hip, hot and happening black The government was defeated in three votes in the House of Lords – on substantial baseball cap will keep the sun out amendments about electronic balloting, facility time, and funds used by unions for of your eyes. £5 (inc p&p); email political campaigning – on the Trade Union Bill. ‘This is a good day for the 6 million trade [email protected] or visit our union members across the UK,’ said TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady. ‘But a bad online shop at www.aslef.org.uk day for the government.’

8 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 A

Comprehensive legal cover to keep you and your family on track

ASLEF members get free, specialist legal advice and representation on: Personal injury – at or away from work, on holiday or on the roads Serious injury – including brain and spinal cord injuries Industrial disease or illness Employment law – accessed via your ASLEF district organiser

Additional member benefits include: Special terms for clinical negligence Reduced rates for conveyancing, probate and lasting Powers of Attorney Criminal law support for workplace issues – 24hr helpline: 0800 587 7530 Cover for family members – personal injury claims away from work

Use the ASLEF legal service, provided by Thompsons Solicitors, and keep 100% of your compensation within the union scheme.

Call the ASLEF legal service today on 0808 100 8009

www.thompsons.law.co.uk/aslef Stn ng  r  Platform

Help make London a better and fairer place to live and work

SADIQ KHAN , Labour’s candidate for Mayor of London, reveals what he will do if elected to City Hall

onDon is at a crossroads and millions of people will be going to L the polls on 5 may to decide the future of our great city. There is a huge amount at stake in this mayoral election – Londoners are being priced out of their own city by the Tory housing crisis and the rising cost of commuting, while the younger generation is missing out on the opportunities that London gave me and my family. This is not good enough – and we need to take action now. if we don’t, it could be too late.

VALUE OF TRADE UNIONS i am proud to be the son of a bus driver who grew up on a council estate in south London. it was through my father’s work as a bus driver that i first learned the value of trade unions. Without a union fighting to protect his pay and conditions at work, life could have Sadiq at Westminster (top); campaigning on the streets of the capital (above right); with the been a lot harder for my brothers and sister EC and DO8 Finn Brennan (above); meeting ASLEF members on International Women’s Day and me. (above right); and talking to Tosh McDonald, Mick Whelan, Marz Colombini, Andy Hudd and Unions like AsLEf work tirelessly to stop Andy Hourigan in the executive committee room at head office (centre left) workers like my father from being exploited. it is through their work, in partnership with the Boris Johnson and David cameron, have profit lettings agency to cut out rip-off fees Labour Party, that we have secured things presided over the worst housing crisis in and bring some stability for tenants and good such as the right to maternity pay and the generations and it is London’s workers, landlords. right to paid holiday. The Tories want to erode particularly those on low wages, who are these rights and stop workers from being able paying the price. FAIRNESS AT THE HEART to do their jobs properly. not enough houses, especially affordable i want to put fairness at the heart of everything As mayor of London, i will fight to protect houses, are being built which is leading to the London mayor does. To make sure this workers’ rights and maintain better industrial escalating rents and house prices. This means happens, i will set up a new fairness team at relations, abandoning Boris Johnson’s policy that AsLEf members, and other workers, could city Hall, to promote good workplace practices of refusing to meet with representatives of be forced out of our city unless we take urgent like fair pay, improve health and safety, and Transport for London workers. This counter- action. As mayor of London, i will set up a new ensure access to opportunity for all Londoners. productive approach has led to twice as many team of housing experts in city Hall called it will focus on increasing the number of strikes under the Tories and big delays to the Homes for Londoners. reporting directly to Londoners paid the London living wage, night Tube. me, they will fast track the building of increasing the number of apprenticeships London is a world-class city, and my genuinely affordable homes to rent and to buy. offered by employers, and preventing bad ambition is to create a transport network employment practices, such as blacklisting. which offers commuters a world-class, and FREEZING ALL TFL FARES Lastly, i want to thank you for your backing affordable, experience. As a former Transport i’ll also make sure Londoners get first dibs with both in my selection as Labour’s mayoral minister, i know what needs to be done to new homes built on mayoral land offered to candidate and in the campaign to win back improve London’s transport system for Londoners first, not sold off-plan to overseas city Hall. my mission is to restore opportunity everyone. That’s why i have committed to investors. And, to improve conditions for for everyone and i know that, together, we can freezing all TfL fares for four years, introducing private renters, i’ll name and shame rogue make London a better and fairer place for all a one hour Bus Hopper ticket and pushing for landlords and set up a London-wide not-for- Londoners to live and work. TfL to take control of London’s commuter rail routes. Poor commuter services are a daily headache for thousands of Londoners and  Sadiq Khan, 45, was born and brought up in Earlsfield, south London. He read only by giving the mayor the power to run our law at the University of North London (now London University) and trains, whilst maintaining all terms and worked as a solicitor, specialising in human rights, and councillor on Wandsworth conditions for staff, can we get a grip of the Borough Council, before becoming Labour MP for Tooting in 2005. He was Minister situation. for Transport under Gordon Brown and Shadow Justice Secretary, Shadow Lord Another vital issue i will take a lead on as Chancellor and Shadow Minister for London in opposition. London mayor is housing. The Tories, under

10 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 Underground Underground overground wombling free

District 8 Organiser FINN BRENNAN reflects on TfL’s land grab, Boris Johnson’s vanity projects, and what it might mean for our members

T was announced, with much fanfare, and the blowing of the I mayoral trumpet, in January that Transport for London is to be given the go TfL wants to run more rail ahead to take control of large parts of the rail services into and out of the services serving London. Although, beneath capital with more success the headlines, this is just a ‘consultation’, it is than the last London clear that there is widespread political support Mayor whose vanity for the plan, originally mooted by Ken projects left him hanging Livingstone, to operate suburban services around under the London overground banner. The first services to come under the next mayor of London’s control will be some of LoroL. Hundreds of extra jobs, and AsLEf how well it’s going, just mention Elephant & those operated by southeastern, in 2018, with members, have been created. But it would be castle roundabout the next time you bump other routes currently operated by southern, unwise to see TfL control as a panacea for the into a London cabbie! and great northern to follow in problems that London’s commuters, visitors, But, while TfL expands, there are many 2021. There is also the potential for some sWT and the hard working staff who serve them, problems that are simply being ignored. services to be taken over in 2019. face every day. industrial relations on London Underground AsLEf members will have mixed feelings for a start, there is the issue of cost. it’s easy stumble from crisis to crisis without any clear about this. it is, of course, an implicit to promise big improvements in service, and vision or even a willingness at the top of the admission that the ideologically-driven Tory more rolling stock, but there is nothing in the organisation to change things. it was clear, dream that services would be improved by a consultation that explains exactly where the during the dispute over pay and the host of competing private companies, has new money that is needed will come from. introduction of the night Tube, that those failed. An integrated, planned system with, at While drivers, and other staff affected, can nominally responsible for leading the least, some level of democratic control is be confident that AsLEf and the other trade management negotiations had to report back clearly better. unions will make sure their interests are to even more senior layers above them. TfL control has undoubtedly led to protected during any changes, passengers it’s hard to disagree with sadiq Khan’s improvements in staffing and service levels on who are led to believe that there will be rapid description of the TfL hierarchy as ‘bloated’ the old routes now operated by improvements will find themselves when drivers see layer upon layer of disappointed. The government has made big management, all keen to pass, and play the cuts in TfL’s budget, while the failure of the blame game, but reluctant to take on any Trouble at Tramlink Bombardier signalling contract, and the responsibility. ASLEF members on Tramlink, which is escalation in costs of the ssr signalling nowadays senior TfL personnel work from operated by FirstGroup under a TfL upgrade, cannot fill anyone with confidence offices high above the streets in the better concession, have overwhelmingly about their ability to manage properly big parts of town. But if they took time out from rejected a three year pay offer. Although projects. And, of course, TfL doesn’t just deal contemplating the growth of their empire, pay and conditions at Tramlink have with rail. Apart from Boris Johnsons’s vanity and focused on solving the problems on their greatly improved since we won projects, of cable cars and a garden bridge, £4 home patch, then the people of London recognition 12 years ago, there remains a billion is being spent on a roads modernisation would be much better served and transport in large, and unjustified, gap between their project in London. And if you want to know London would really be improved. salary and others in our industry. Tram drivers do a difficult and stressful job and the success of the system they operate has been key to driving economic growth Dispute triggered by management failure in Croydon and surrounding areas. It is AsLEf members at Arnos grove, along with members of the rmT, were forced to take strike only right that they are properly rewarded action in march in a dispute caused by a breakdown in industrial relations. The catalyst was for the work they do. We have now management’s decision to initiate disciplinary action against a driver who had been unable reopened negotiations with the company to book on for duty when a manager was not available. This was an issue that could, and but, unless there is a major change in should, have been easily resolved, but management refused to discuss it at either local or attitude, it seems likely that a dispute will trains council level. That our members had to take industrial action is an indictment of the follow. failure of senior management to deal with underlying problems on the line.

May 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 11 Agenda ALL NIGHT LONG TERRY WILKINSON, EC member for replacing them with ‘will work 16 District 8, and GARY COMFORT , hours a week’. We also added a vice-chair, trains functional council, reference in the acceptance letter report on the introduction of the Night covering the issue of only allowing these staff members to Tube on London Underground work friday and saturday nights. HE proposed introduction of the night We have also reached an Tube on London Underground on agreement with the company T friday and saturday nights has resulted that night Tube Tops will get in an additional 192 part-time train operators annual leave on christmas Eve being recruited, of which 41 were internal and when it falls on a friday or a 151 external. The initial nomination process saturday (it’s a saturday this turned into a bit of a fiasco, with staff in a year). This prevents christmas number of classes being allocated at locations Day working. they didn’t want and, at the same time, others Whilst speaking to the new who wanted those locations being placed train operators at Ashfield somewhere else. House training centre it The issue was raised with management and it became clear that the vast was agreed that the nomination process would majority would like the start again, with staff side having input, and this opportunity to become full- resulted in some of the initial problems being time Tops. We are pleased to addressed. The Tops will be placed at these say that, after a number of locations. Jubilee line: stratford and Wembley meetings on this issue, it has Park; victoria line: seven sisters and Brixton; now been agreed that the northern line: morden, golders green and High opportunity will be given to Barnet; central line: White city and Leytonstone; these staff to apply to become Piccadilly line: Arnos grove and Acton Town. full-time train operators. The night Tube operation will be introduced it should also be noted that if a in a staggered way, initially on the Jubilee and current full-time Top wishes to victoria lines, followed by the central and become a night Tube Top they will northern lines and, finally, the Piccadilly line. At be given priority for depot choice. this stage a start date hasn’t been agreed for any We continue to meet with implementation. management on a weekly basis A number of concerns were raised by current addressing night Tube issues train operators about how management would including rostering, and spare use these new staff members and we addressed coverage allocation of annual leave. A document these concerns with management at the first has been produced by steve crowley that was opportunity. it was agreed that all night Tube distributed to the night Tube operators at a of the new Tops have chosen to join AsLEf and staff would work to the same framework (no recent open meeting that AsLEf arranged to we hope we can continue to push for every LU overtime working) and enjoy the same benefits give information. At the meeting it was driver to be one of our members. Because AsLEf of existing full-time staff. We also made changes requested that further meetings take place, is the train drivers’ trade union; the best, and to the contract of employment, removing the which we are happy to arrange. most effective, trade union for Tube train words ‘will work at least 15 hours a week’ and We are pleased to report that a huge number operators to join. mayor Boris delayed the night Tube AsLEf members voted meant unlimited flexibility and control of strike action could dispute for his own overwhelmingly to increases in weekend over their work/life have been avoided and political ambitions. The accept a pay deal and and night shifts with a balance in the future. night Tube would have outgoing mayor has, in night Tube offer from LU. pay rise of just 0.5%. our ‘This is a real victory started last year. We are the process, damaged The vote was in favour: members took two days for strong, pragmatic proud of the fact that we the trust between TfL 88.6%. Against: 11.4%. of absolutely solid strike trade unionism. There achieved a good deal for and its employees by the Do8 Finn Brennan said: action to protect their will always be changes in the hard working staff relentlessly political ‘AsLEf members on working conditions and the workplace, but who keep London nature of what was, or London Underground win an improved offer. change must come moving.’ should have been, an voted by a huge majority our strength and through negotiation and finn added: ‘We feel industrial negotiation. it to accept the improved solidarity achieved an agreement, and should the outgoing mayor of will be good to see the offer on pay and night above-inflation pay rise always bring real benefits London, who has failed back of Boris because the Tube. Last year and real improvements for employees. if TfL had Londoners on so many difficulties he caused management tried to in conditions that will been prepared to levels during his time in delayed the introduction force through changes to give drivers, and other negotiate a fair deal from office, deliberately of the night Tube by 18 rosters that would have grades, much more the start, then two days created an unnecessary months.’

12 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 Underground

So what have the h&s reps ever done for me?

JASON WYATT , staff side diabetes. We led the changes that more so the body could secretary of the trains health allow drivers to use hearing aids completely remove from the & safety council on London to meet the required hearing system all traces. It was not Underground, reports on the standards. We brought in a uncommon in such cases that different colour vision test that taking this medication would achievements of your h&s reps more adequately captures those lead to medical retirement of with colour deficiencies and now staff; something ASLEF realised EVERY day, across London allows varifocals to be worn while was not always warranted. Underground, members see the undertaking your substantive Another of our major effects of our work protecting role. achievements helps those who their welfare; representation at The latest changes have been use insulin injections to control case conferences, LDIs, CDIs, or the taking of anti-depressants their diabetes. Train operators medical appeals, improvement to while still retaining the ability to who take insulin are now, after an conditions, pay, pensions, and continue driving. In the past, assessment period, able to benefits. The contribution made taking these medicines would undertake driving duties alone. by your health & safety council have always resulted in the train This has been rolled out to all reps shouldn’t be overlooked. We operator being removed from grades. have worked hard over the last driving duties. Instead, we were So what has all this got to do year to ensure access to the track able to establish a trial so that with what ASLEF has done for is undertaken with traction those taking anti-depressants me, you may still be asking? current discharged; fought could be assessed while driving. That’s the point. It is the work proposals to undertake filming in If you pass that assessment, you undertaken at meetings, and cabs without agreement on how can return to solo driving duties working with management, that it is done; and highlighted the whilst taking a limited range of enables drivers who were once issue of oblique images on the LU recommended anti- medically retired too early to network which required depressants. remain in employment. We don’t additional staffing levels. We are pleased to report that gloat about the improvements When age medicals have been 37 people took part in the trial we make; maybe we should. Look undertaken in the past, it was not over a 12 month period and 18 around your depot and you may uncommon for unknown medical returned to normal driving be looking at a colleague who conditions to be found which, in duties. In the past, all 37 would could have been forced to retire turn, led to forced retirement; eg have been removed from driving early if it had not been for the loss of hearing, visual duties for the duration of the work done by your ASLEF health impairment, or the onset of medication, plus a few months & safety reps.

Jah Wobble As preparations continue for sub- It’s hoped that introducing a new also CMS, to ensure all TOps are retrained surface lines to move to automatic 1200mm windscreen wiper will prevent and not given the option of opting out. I train control MARC TANNER, who leads scratching. A new blade and wiper design is have to ask that everyone please ask for the for the trains health & safety council also proposed. training so the introduction of the survey The log book has been consulted by can be speeded up. on upgrade issues, reports on the upgrades reps and we are happy with what TCMS HMI slow and unresponsive: LU is topics on the table is proposed. A new defect log book fitting diagnostic software to trains THE issue of wobble, or lateral movement, prototype has been procured, white copy identified as the worst offenders to on the TBC is being investigated. London for depot maintainers and DDM, blue copy understand what is causing the problem. Underground engineers have explained to for TOps, and the yellow copy to remain in Once data is received, Bombardier will Bombardier what information we require book. A no movement buddy and sensitive provide resources for investigation and for lateral movement dimensions, ie how edge procedure has been included, giving resolution. much movement we can live with before useful advice on wording to be included on TBTC signal sighting meetings. Several saying it’s defective. A mechanical review the fly cover to assist in fault reporting. meetings have taken place to discuss the was held on 9 March. We are awaiting At a workshop following up our S stock design of track-based signs and the method dimensions from Bombardier. seat set up training survey, concerns were of sighting them. We have asked to look at A few trains have been found with the in- raised about the low numbers of TOps our two preferred designs from the front of carriage CIS destination displays in the first taking up the offer of re-training. Reps a train. A methodology was also looked at car blanking out. Bombardier have reported pointed out that until we close out any on how 3D mapping of the tunnels may that they found the issue is with the TCMS training issues, we will never be able to rule help speed up some of the positioning of software. However, they still don’t have a this out as the cause of the discomfort being the signs in less complicated areas. Where solution. The next TCMS software drop will, experienced by drivers. Line management signal sighting reps think the job needs a it is hoped, have a solution by June or July. now propose to introduce this into CDP, and sight visit that will happen.

May 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 13 Debate EU: SHOULD WE STAY

ALAN JOHNSON , Labour MP for Hull West & Hessle, former Home Secretary, and one-time general secretary of the Communication Workers’ Union, is leading Labour’s campaign for Britain to stay in Europe. Here he explains why…

riTAin is better off in Europe. The it wasn’t until we got the Working Time European Union brings us jobs and Directive that British construction workers, for B prosperity, and protects British instance, were guaranteed paid holidays. workers and consumers. Leaving would These rights are protected for all EU citizens, reduce Britain’s influence in the world and including British workers – but only as long as threaten the strong rights we currently enjoy. we are in the EU. There is a proud Labour tradition of Britain is a proud trading nation, with campaigning for Britain in Europe because it’s almost half our exports going to EU countries. good for British jobs, and good for the men That was worth £227 billion last year to the UK and women in those jobs. economy. We receive, on average, £26.5 billion of investment every year from other EU STRONG RIGHTS FOR WORKERS countries. UK jobs and businesses, large and European rules, agreed by a UK Labour small, depend on trade with Europe – and government, give working people guaranteed future EU trade is set to create 790,000 more minimum levels of paid leave; equal rights for jobs by 2030 by opening up new markets in agency workers; paid maternity and paternity digital services, energy and tourism. leave; equal pay; protection from workplace companies from all over the world – not discrimination; high workplace safety just from other European countries – choose standards; and protection for staff when to build their offices and factories in the UK, companies change ownership. and to recruit staff here, because we are a But it’s not just workers’ rights that are gateway to the European single market, the best possible position – in the EU, signed up to extended and protected through Britain’s largest market in the world. the Dublin accord, but outside schengen. membership of the EU. your rights as a from car manufacturing to high-tech Being outside schengen means we maintain consumer are also protected by Europe-wide industries to financial services, this inward control of our own borders, and the Dublin agreements, including the right to return investment creates vital jobs across Britain. accord means refugees and economic unwanted goods and be promptly refunded; Because of the risk of Brexit, inward migrants from outside Europe must register in the right to have refunds processed within 14 investment is already beginning to dry up. if the first European country in which they arrive. days; a two-year guarantee for all online we leave, investors will take their businesses – We check the passport details of every single purchases; and the right to prompt delivery and jobs – elsewhere. Take our critical steel person who comes into the UK, including EU and a cooling-off period when you buy online. industry, for example. The idea that leaving nationals, against terrorist watch lists and When Leave campaigners like Boris Europe is the answer is a dangerous fallacy; other databases and, since 2010, 6,000 EU Johnson complain about ‘regulation’ or ‘red more than half of our steel exports go to nationals have been turned away because of tape’ what they really mean is vital workplace Europe. The real problem facing British steel security concerns. protection on which British workers rely. And isn’t Europe, it’s the conservative Party. when they talk about ‘reclaiming sovereignty’ OUR VOICE AT THE TABLE or ‘returning powers to Britain’ what they mean STRONGER AND MORE SECURE The EU is the world’s biggest market. our trade is giving themselves the freedom to strip away The European Union is a market of 500 million with other European countries is vital to our the strong workers’ rights that EU membership people. That’s why other countries around the economy – and it would continue to be vital brings us. While we are part of the EU, those world are so keen to do business with us. whether we were in or out of the EU. so we rights are guaranteed. But the Tories hate this. When it comes to negotiating with other big need a strong voice at the top table which if we were to leave, British workers would be at blocs, like china and the Us, we are far decides the rules on everything from free the mercy of a Tory government determined stronger as part of a powerful group of 28 trade to fishing. to undermine us. nations than we would be on our own. The EU if we left the EU, Britain would still have to amplifies our voice on the world stage. follow the EU’s rules. But we wouldn’t have any EU WORKING TIME DIRECTIVE many of the big problems Britain faces say in making those rules. countries like This sounds technical – but it isn’t. The today are international problems: climate norway which aren’t part of the EU have to Working Time Directive is a Europe-wide change, terrorism, and cross-border crime. We adopt EU regulations in return for trading with agreement that gives British workers: a are better off working together with our the world’s largest single market – take it or minimum of 28 days’ paid holiday each year; a neighbours to solve these problems rather leave it. 20 minute break for every six hours of work; a than pulling out of the EU and weakening our of course, the EU needs reform. But when rest for at least 11 hours in any 24 hours; country. At a time of instability in the Ukraine reforms are being debated and agreed, we restrictions on excessive night work; 24 hours and the middle East, it’s important to be part need to make sure they work for us. That off after seven days of work; and protection of a group of nations committed to peace, means staying in, and speaking up for Britain – from being made to work more than 48 hours security and democracy. not being reduced to a powerless spectator, per week. in terms of our own borders, Britain is in the watching from the sidelines.

14 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 EU referendum OR SHOULD WE GO?

selling Britain – passengers, social and environmental taxpayers, and those of who regulations – many would like to work on the railway – woefully live in a free market Wild West – short. In the last 20 years, since but it would not be good for the John Major privatised our rest of us. industry – a privatisation, Another aim of TTIP is to incidentally, which even open public services and Margaret Thatcher described as government procurement ‘a privatisation too far’ – we have contracts to competition from seen rolling stock get older, transnational corporations. Our trains get more crowded, and health and education sectors are fares go through the roof. We undergoing gradual now have the highest fares in privatisation – from children’s Western Europe, because of social services to care homes privatisation. and from ambulance services to the railways – and TTIP would A FLAWED MODEL accelerate this transformation of But the European Commission is public services into privately-run determined to impose this sectors. The aim, of course, is to flawed model on the rest of make a private profit at public Europe. And, if they succeed, it expense. will prevent us from ever TTIP would also make it bringing the railways back into easier for companies to source public ownership. We were goods and services from the US, delighted when Jeremy Corbyn – where labour standards are MICK WHELAN , general who we backed when he was lower, and to eradicate workers’ campaigning to become leader rights, like collective bargaining secretary of ASLEF, explains of the Labour Party – came out and the right to organise, on the why the executive committee is and committed the next Labour grounds that they restrict their government to renationalising business model and profit backing Brexit Britain’s railways. It’s not just the margins. I think it’s ironic, to say right policy, it’s a popular policy the least, that David Cameron SLEF is backing the States of America. – even Conservative voters are spent weeks earlier this year campaign to leave the The Fourth Railway Package fed up with paying over the odds travelling around Europe in a bid A European Union in the is a controversial set of to help the privatised train to take back British sovereignty referendum on 23 June. Not proposals which would foist the companies make a profit at our from Brussels when he is happy because we are standing British model of rail privatisation expense – but the Fourth Railway to hand it over, through TTIP, not shoulder to shoulder with Nigel on the rest of Europe. We know Package, if it’s enacted, will just to the Americans, but to Farage – a man memorably that privatisation doesn’t work. prevent us from doing what neo-liberals everywhere. described by The Economist as ‘a It’s not the right model for voters want. saloon bar bore’ and with whom Britain and it’s not the right The Transatlantic Trade & FREE MARKET WILD WEST we have nothing in common, model for Europe. But this Investment Partnership is a free There are other arguments, of politically or industrially – but package – which, despite the trade and investment treaty course – at ASLEF we were very because we believe the EU has reservations of many MEPs, and being negotiated, in secret, concerned about the way Greece become a rich man’s club which protests from rail workers right between the EU and the US. It’s has been treated by the offers lots for the boss class – for across the continent, the neo- unnecessary, as the EU and US European Union – but when the neo-liberals whose siren calls liberal ideologues at the heart of already enjoy strong trade and ASLEF’s executive committee echo around the corridors of the EU appear determined to investment relationships, with met to discuss our position, the power in the capitals of Europe – foist on people – would turn tariffs at minimal levels, so why decision to back a Brexit was but little for ordinary hard- what we see, and is still seen in are companies so keen to see this taken – with the proviso that we working men and women trying many European countries, as a new deal signed? not campaign alongside, or to earn a living in this public service, into an Because the aim of TTIP is to stand on any platforms with, any Conservative Age of Austerity. opportunity for a few firms to remove those barriers which of the racist, xenophobic and At the heart of our objections plunder a private profit. restrict the profits transnational misogynist supporters of the are a couple of proposals corporations can make. The Leave campaign from UKIP and emerging from Brussels which BAD FOR BRITAIN problem is that what global the right-wing of the we think will be bad for Britain, Privatisation hasn’t worked, corporations perceive as barriers Conservative Party – primarily in general, and bad for the doesn’t work, and will not work include vital regulations because of what the Fourth railway, in particular – the in what is – like other public protecting our labour rights, Railway Package would do to European Commission’s Fourth services, such as the provision of food safety and banking our industry and what the Railway Package and the gas, water, electricity and the safeguards. It might be handy for Transatlantic Trade & Investment Transatlantic Trade & Investment Royal Mail – a natural monopoly. profit-hungry corporations if Partnership would do to our Partnership with the United The model is broken and is they didn’t have to comply with country.

May 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch News

I want to be elected – the Labour Upcoming events candidate for Mayor of London meets  BRIGHTON & SUSSEX – TUESDAY 3 MAY women For all retired and working members at Brighton and the members at other Sussex branches from 14.00 at Brighton railway club. head office  HITHER GREEN – WEDNESDAY 11 MAY for early bird nurseries; Old boys’ reunion from 11.0 in the Greyhound, London Road, we discussed those Bromley. Details from Ray Cooper or Len Blackford. available to staff at Royal Mail who started  OLD OAK COMMON – TUESDAY 14 JUNE at 06.00 at Mount The retired section’s annual reunion is from 13.00 to 16.00 at Pleasant and the AGV Club, Ponderosa, Alwyn Gardens, Acton W3 0JH. We’re gonna rock to wondered if anything could be done around the rules that i make this.  Please send your all branch news, reports and photographs Sadiq was asked to [email protected] SLEF women London. He spoke whether he uses the were invited passionately about his transport network and, A to meet own daughters, aged as a typical commuter, Sadiq Khan, the 16 and 14, being given could recite his route Thank you, Labour candidate for the same to Westminster London Mayor, on opportunities as without thinking, Doddo International Women’s young men, and said including specific bus Peter ‘Doddo’ Day. I was impressed they shouldn’t be numbers. He said if Dodgson has joined by Sadiq’s attention to restricted from careers elected that the the Retired Members’ detail, writing down because of society relationship built with Section so at the for reference the name stereotypes. ASLEF would continue, District 5 council of each of the seven We had a lengthy that leadership meeting in March his women who had discussion about matters, and it comes brothers and sisters Nigel Gibson and Howard Kaye hand Doddo taken the time to flexible working and from the top. had the pleasure of over to the tender mercies of Tony West attend. I found this the letter of the law, I found Sadiq saying thank you. DO5 an ASLEF stalwart, a AAD in 2007, and was refreshing. which basically says honest and to the Nigel Gibson made a lifelong member of a delegate to the We had a variety of you can apply, but the point. He spoke in presentation in Stratford branch, and Labour Party questions from across reality for those on the quite a businesslike recognition of his served as branch conference and TUC. the districts – Districts footplate is that you manner – which services as Stratford secretary, company Peter Smith , RMS 5, 6 and 8 were all are highly likely to be should appeal to rep and D5 chair. He’s council rep, chair of reporter represented – some turned down. Flexible businesses – while about TfL, including a working not only retaining a common lack of diversity at relates to child care touch that speaks to executive level and but to those who have the individual. The fact the proposed other dependants that this potential extension of TfL who need assistance. mayor has spoken operated lines under Sadiq said there is a more to this trade the London need to educate union during the last Overground banner. employers on the year than the current Sadiq said the economic benefits of incumbent has in Light at the end extension of TfL flexible working – eight years in office services could be nurseries, on average, speaks volumes. Polls of the tunnel considered ‘regional charge £290 per child suggest Sadiq is 10 nationalisation’. per week so, if you points ahead but a Tilbury held its first branch DO5 Nigel Gibson, with branch Contrast that with have multiple children, look at the last general meeting for 2016 on sunday 28 chair Tom Casey and secretary London Buses where your child care bill election tells us february with nigel gibson, our Allan Gosling, fields questions 40% of the franchises soon outweighs the nothing is certain. district organiser, explaining the are run by foreign point of working. The Given the way Zac problems in the freight sector due but, sadly, he had to leave the state owners and public sector, he said, Goldsmith recently to a downturn in traffic flows, and meeting sharpish, despite not where there are 140 should set an example voted in Parliament, to how it will affect drivers in the buying everyone a beer before different pay grades. to the private sector. reduce money to short and long term. But, despite going, and missing out on a rather Sadiq said to get more Start times are a people on disability the doom and gloom, there is a lovely buffet prepared by our women into problem; if you can benefit, the time taken glimmer of light at the end of the business council rep steve leadership roles we find a nursery open at by Sadiq to meet with tunnel as AsLEf is not burying its Wilson’s wife margaret. steve have to change the start of your shift us is, I think, an collective head in the sand and is thanked Dsm Doug Thornhill for society, giving girls you will normally be indication of the sort being very pro-active and talking his help over the years as he is computer coding charged way over the of mayor he would be. to the Tocs to try and alleviate moving on to pastures new, still lessons in schools, and odds. Sadiq agreed to Elizabeth Cocks , the situation should drivers be within the industry, and wished investing in the take this on board and WRC6 and St displaced. When nigel finished his him all the best for the future. programme Skills for understands the need Pancras branch address there was a Q&A session Cliff Blackwell , RMS

16 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 100 Years of Union

ASLEF members – including Steve Williams, Brian Corbett, sporting our union’s tee-shirt tribute to the Ramones, Andy Hudd, Garry Heath, Bernard Kennedy and Daniel Masrani – from Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol branches, join Dennis Skinner, Labour MP for Bolsover, to support Labour candidates in the election for the National Assembly for Wales. Mick Holder t urns back time to May 1916

No go on DOO This month we reprint two letters, from the lively correspondence Barnham branch was ASLEF’s position on columns of the Locomotive Journal , delighted to welcome our pensions. Mick during the Great War a century ago GS Mick Whelan and took questions from EC1 Marz Colombini the floor, largely on to its meeting on GTR’s plans to GRUMBLERS ARE IMPREGNATED Sunday 3 April. Mick increase DOO, and we WITH SELFISHNESS delivered a passionate were left in no doubt Under the pseudonym Hope, a member speech regarding that ASLEF would not writes: ‘i cannot understand men, trade current ASLEF allow any extension. unionists, who are in receipt of a concerns including Where there is year badge – a very guaranteed month, exclusive of sunday DOO, the challenges currently no DOO, great achievement – duty, going to their foreman, as they have facing our freight there will be no DOO. he’s a lovely chap, and done at crewe, and asking him to reduce sector drivers, the Thanks to Mick and loyal member, who Jeff Turner, Marz the staff, ie reduce some drivers to threat to the steel Marz for attending, to spent some time at Colombini, Mick firemen, and some firemen to cleaners. industry, the politics branch secretary Jeff King’s Cross and often Whelan and Simon They, the grumblers, are suffering no behind protecting our Turner for making the delights us with stories Birtwhistle (top) and hardship, unless being in the society of membership, DfT arrangements, and his of working on the Tony Martin (above) their wives and children a bit more is Wilkinson’s attack on wife for providing the Deltics! receives his 45 year hardship. Perhaps they have a hazy idea our members, and the high standard buffet. Mike Trodd , badge from branch that big weeks made, with excessive reasoning behind Tony Martin got his 45 Barnham chair Martin Crick overtime, is quite in keeping with our branch room ideals. my own opinion is that they are impregnated with selfishness. oh, sir, may the day be not far off when our union will protect men from their own selfishness, and the unselfish man from the selfishness of others. Would it not be far nobler and more sincere if men would come to the branch room and lift up their voices in indignation at the paltry rates of pay, per day, paid to our drivers and firemen.’ Derby branch sends its GS Mick Whelan and national organiser Simon Weller joined best wishes to Bros members – and Steve Waltho, the Mayor of Dudley – in the THE SOUL’S FINE COURAGE Chris Lee, Jeff Clements West Midlands in March and Kev Flight who Dr gateman writes: ‘Will you allow me to have retired from East say a few words on Af roberts’s paragraph Midlands Trains. They in the Locomotive Journal which reads: “Let were presented with BEACON OF HOPE us go on educating our young people in their retirement The Durham miners’ gala is Britain’s the industrial and political side of trade certificates, ASLEF biggest and most historic celebration unionism.” Why, at our branch, they tankards and steam of trade union values. first held in condemn us for it! At the time the coal trains. We wish 1871, more than 150,000 people fill conscription Bill was being introduced we them a long and happy the streets of Durham every second received pamphlets from different Labour retirement. saturday in July to celebrate our movements telling us to remember the Eamonn Tague , branch heritage and the values of solidarity future and, when the secretary placed secretary and community. it is also a rallying point in the fight back them before the chairman, he refused to against this conservative government. And, with the Tories read them. i hope that, after reading these determined to drive trade unions out of political life, it encouraging articles, we, or at least our provides a vital platform for the union movement to make the branch, will have the soul’s fine courage to case for the value of collective action. The Big meeting has begin anew. it is strange in life that we hosted many heroes of the labour movement – such as Keir recognise the right of every criminal, no Hardie and nye Bevan – and Labour leader Jeremy corbyn will matter how clear his guilt, to have a fair be joining us for the 132nd gala on 9 July. for our gala to trial, and to speak in his own defence, yet continue to be a beacon of hope, and solidarity, we need your those who work around us, we condemn Howard Kaye, Mick Whelan, support. Please become a friend, which can be done online by every day, misjudge and sentence them, Khalid Rana, Nigel Gibson and direct debit. Just visit www.friendsofdurhamminersgala.org without a moment’s listening to reasons, Steve Meredith face the music Dave Hopper , general secretary, Durham Miners' causes, or motives.’ at Gidea Park Association, The Miners’ Hall, Durham

May 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 17 Working for railway people 1RWIRU3URÀW%HQHÀWV2UJDQLVDWLRQ

Run for Transport people by railway people, REPTA helps bring the industry closer together.

REPTA 2016 MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE NOW!!! (One whole years membership no longer just calendar year) Join on Line @ www.repta.co.uk 2YHU\HDUV·H[SHULHQFH * 1HZIRU3KRHQL[$UWLVWV&OXE/RQGRQ)UHG2OVHQ&UXLVHV+DYHQ+ROLGD\V 3URWHFWHGWUDYHO * Major discounts from leading high street names 1HWZRUNVXSSRUW )UHH

Join today for just £4.00 and protect yourself from travel card loss charges, enjoy free insurance save PRQH\ZLWKZLGHUDQJHLQJPHPEHUV·GLVFRXQWVDQGEHQHÀWVIURPEHLQJLQDPDMRU7UDQVSRUWQHWZRUN Join online at www.repta.co.uk or just send details of your name, address, date of birth and email together with your cheque or postal order made payable to REPTA.

)RURQHPHPEHUVKLSFDUGDQG\HDUERRNLQF3 3VHQG ([WUDFDUGVIRUIDPLO\PHPEHUV  )DPLO\PHPEHUVKLSWZRDGXOWVDQGDOOFKLOGUHQXSWRDJHVIRU LQF3 3

3OHDVHVHQGWR5(37$%UDFNPLOOV&ORVH)RUHVW7RZQ0DQVÀHOG1RWWV1*3%7HO You can also see us on Facebook

ddoo youyou hahavevve one of these? llearnearn more and add your support www.keepit.coop

Co-operatives have always shaped and challenged the world in which we live. Join us in voting to keep the partnership between the Co-operative Party and the Co-operative Group.

TTogether,ogether, we've led the way in protecting shoppersshoppers andandnd the environment,environment, andand championed fairtrade.fairtrade. We've supported credit unions, won new rights for football supporters, andand cre-cre- atedated a network of 800 co-op schools. And we'vewe've securedsecuredured strong legal foundationsfoundaationstions for the next generation of co-ops to grow and thrive.

In the coming weeks, members of the Co-opeCo-operativerrativeative Group havehave the chancechancehance to keepkeep thatthat ppartnershipartnership going via a vote in advance of thetheiriirr AGM. Let's ensureensure a strong voice for co-co- ooperativeperative values in politics - join us in voting to ccontinueoontinuentinue the partnershippartnership between the Co-operative Party and the Co-operative Group

wwhoho can vvote?ote? howhow to votevote You are likely to be If you are eligible tov vote, yoyou may ndd eligible to vote if: have alreadyady received your ballotba paper by post or email. You have spent £250 or more in  the past year in store. Online voting closes on 18th May, and postal ballots a few days before. You have a Co-operative Bank Be sure to vote ‘YES’ to motion 12 account which you use regularly. on political donations and subscriptions. You have made a purchase from You can return your ballot by post or Co-op Insurance or Legal Services. online using a unique code on the You hold a Co-operative Funeralcare ballot paper. pre-paid plan.

18 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 Obituaries

STEVE GRANT TOP OFFICER WHO BELIEVED IN PREPARATION, overused but steve was proud to be AsLEf and promoted the EDUCATION, PARTICIPATION – AND DELIVERED AT ALL LEVELS union in everything he did. He All our thoughts, respects, and health issues that meant he had was a man of traditional values condolences go to Doreen, steve’s to retire early and these but modern ways who cared wife, his family, and friends, of eventually got the better of him. about those he represented, and which many of you reading this Throughout he maintained his others, and loved the terminology are proud to be part. i should start sense of humour and continued of brother and sister and with an apology to all those who to send me things he thought i comrade. so, Brother grant, rest wanted to write this piece but, in should be aware of, or just to well. you did us proud and will my mind, i can hear steve, in his make a friend laugh, every day. always be remembered. usual forthright way, saying ‘Don’t The phrase AsLEf through Mick Whelan , general apologise, get on with it!’ and through is sometimes secretary i first met steve through Terry Wilkinson – they reinvigorated AsLEf in District 8 and delivered, My wife Ann and I have known Steve, who has died at the age again and again, for members – of 63, and Doreen for many years. First, on a professional and got to know him when, along basis, with me writing for the Evening Standard and later, I am with Alan Dodds, another great delighted to say, a personal friendship developed, the officer who is no longer with us, memory of which I shall forever treasure. we attended, as new District Steve was a lovely, lovely man and a pleasure to be with – secretaries, a residential course on Steve was a fighter to the end though that was probably not a view shared by London industrial tribunals at crouch End. Underground management. The union has lost one of its By the end of the course i had two exchanged probably should not most skilled negotiators and members know how much of new friends and steve was saying be reproduced because you have the pay scale and benefits they enjoy today are down to him. it was no longer enough to rely on to understand the humour I have, of course, been on the receiving end of Steve’s loyalty, and the values we all behind them. steve was always tongue; such as many years ago during an LU dispute shared, we had to educate our immaculate – the old-fashioned involving drink making facilities in local station and depot reps and become as professional word ‘dapper’ suited him – and offices. This appeared on the front page of the Standard as as those with whom we went with his professional ethos. The Great Tea Urn Strike or something similar. Did my ears negotiated and, in his words, He loved to cook and was burn after that! ‘protect the members from incredibly well-read, always Then there was the royal wedding day Tube strike threat in themselves’. peppering his emails and 2011. Steve did not actually say there would be a strike that steve believed in ‘preparation, messages with quotes and links. day, it was merely an ‘option’. It was open to interpretation education, participation’ and, if Two things that struck people when the strike might be – so I interpreted it as a royal they would not listen, ‘fight with about steve were how much he wedding strike. Another front page, one which attracted all your might’ whether for an cared, and his loyalty; these two howls of anguish across the UK, and worldwide attention, individual, or the collective. He traits, combined with his dry and Arkwright Road was under telephone siege for days. The also believed in delivering at all sense of humour, made him real purpose was to get LU back round the negotiating table levels. stand out. in a stalled pay dispute. And it worked! The royal wedding none of this tells you about steve was a fighter. He strike threat got him into terrible trouble at Arkwright Road – the man. i knew he had strong demonstrated that in his not that he cared about that. His only concern was getting a politics, and a strong belief in determination to make things good deal for ‘his’ members – which he did. fairness, and was driven by a better for those he represented, I will miss you, Steve, very much; your professionalism, our passion to make things better for the causes he espoused, and in meetings, a glass of red but, most of all, your friendship. others – even if he was a the battle against cancer that he Dick Murray , former transport editor, Evening Standard Tottenham Hotspur supporter – won. sadly, the treatment and some of the messages we exacerbated some underlying

EIRWYN JAMES A REALLY GREAT BLOKE LEN HENDRY GET YOUR DUST COAT, LAD Sad to report the man at a very young Len Hendry, another stratford legend, has departed on his final journey, sudden loss of former depot. When Aber after a long illness. A very likeable character, from a loco family (his driver and LDC rep closed he went back to father Harry and brother sid were also drivers at stratford) he will be Eirwyn James, aged 76. Mach until retiring in remembered for his voracious appetite, as he never seemed to be full He started cleaning at 1998. A Welsh speaker, up. someone painted ‘sir Len Hendry’ on a continental freight wagon Machynlleth shed in and a great bloke to that was said to be seen all over the continent. A phrase a lot of his 1956, went firing at work with, his second men will remember is ‘get your dust coat, lad, we’ve got some Tyseley, then back to knowledge and good work to do.’ He will be missed by all who knew him. Mach where he fired humour were much Dave Pizzie , RMS the last steam-hauled appreciated by boy Cambrian coast drivers and firemen express. He moved to alike. Several of us had Eirwyn wasn’t RON MUSGROVE REAL CHARACTER Watford for driving, the chance to see rostered to do the ron musgrove, former nine Elms/Waterloo and Weymouth, sadly passed where he remained Eirwyn (and have a job but was asked away on sunday 3 April after being in poor health since an operation on until returning to drink or two) at a by the branch, as his back in 2003. ron transferred to Weymouth from Waterloo in 1991 Wales, and reunion last year. He senior hand, to and took early retirement in 2001. He was a real character, and well liked. Aberystwyth, in the will be greatly missed. work the last steam ron leaves his wife Dot and daughters cheryl and Karen and six 1980s up to its closure Jim Teague , engine out of Aber grandchildren; our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to them all. when he was senior ex-Aberystwyth at Christmas 1988 Rick Patterson , Weymouth

May 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 19 Letters

We welcome letters, either by THE DOCTORS ASKED ME email to [email protected] or by Royal Mail to ASLEF Journal at ‘ARE YOU STILL IN THE UNION?’ 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN . The writer of our star letter I wish to thank our wins a rich range of ASLEF regalia. union for fighting an asbestos claim on my behalf. Thompsons solicitors worked On the rails: Politics R Us extremely hard on the In response to Jaime Campbell ( Journal , case and finally, after a March) and his request for less politics and long battle, reached a more railway stories in the Journal , it is my settlement. I was belief that all railway stories are intrinsically diagnosed after linked to political will. Think about the loss attending the Royal Lawyers for GNER’s insurers tried to deny TUPE transfer of coal and steel traffic; franchise renewals; Brompton Hospital in electrification; TfL and Night Tube; and the London for a check-up; GNER argued first on a partial, or full and sale of stations. Peel away the wrapper on doctors told me I had limitation, and then final, settlement. If I had these rail stories you find a political decision been exposed to claimed TUPE transfer taken partial my family instrumental in the process. Being affiliated asbestos and did not take place. This could have returned to to the Labour Party is our vital link to the questioned me about was settled with the court if my condition parliamentary machine, enabling this trade my work history. I told help of Kelvin Hopkins, worsens but, as GNER is union to lobby for the benefit of members, them I had been my MP, who wrote to the in liquidation, there may on whose livelihoods these political employed on the Secretary of State for be no money left in the decisions will impact. I understand interest railways, in the footplate Transport and helped kitty. So I settled for a in politics is not to every driver’s liking, but grade, for 46 years and prove TUPE transfer did full and final offer. If the as a union we have a responsibility to they said, ‘Are you still in take place. I retired in railways had not been inform members of political decisions being the union?’ To which I 2002, under GNER, but privatised my case made that will affect the future of our replied, ‘Yes, I am still a GNER has gone into would have been industry and, more to the point, the future member of ASLEF’s liquidation so straightforward so, once of the driving grades. retired section.’ The Thompsons were left again, we see it is the Brian Jones , RMS, Swansea defendants were BR and dealing with GNER’s workers in the industry GNER. There was no insurers. Thompsons who pay the price. Political voice for ASLEF problem with BR but told me I could settle for Brian Tagg , RMS, Luton i fully concur with the gs’s response to Jaime campbell ( Journal , march). Jaime, it’s a long time since i’ve heard the points you make, and deal may prevent further fragmentation of the whilst i respect your right of expression i am Times have changed scheme but could we have had better terms afraid politics affect our lives in everything we I write in support of Jaime Campbell negotiated on a company by company basis? do. Politics nationalised a broken and bankrupt (Journal, March). I, too, have no desire to Time and again articles have been printed in privately-owned railway after World War 2, read about politics. ASLEF affiliated with the Journal about our pension and how those without which we would not have a rail the Labour Party in 1903, but times have on the pensions committee would industry. Politics crippled the network under changed. Perhaps Labour needs not be vehemently fight any changes or end to our Beeching in the 1960s. The network was ASLEF’s primary focus 113 years later? If, as final salary pensions or changes to the privatised in the 1990s, a political decision that GS Mick Whelan says, ‘The Journal is a scheme. But here we are today with a deal we, as a union, oppose, with the consent of our magazine for members of ASLEF’ then he done and no ballot for our members! members, so of course the Journal reflects our might wish to consider the possibility that a Kester Escandon , Norwich depot support for a political party that aspires to our majority of those members view politics values. i started as a cleaner in 1953, at your with indifference or distaste, regardless of depot, on £2.10 for a 48 hour week, and joined any political inclinations; primarily they are Mandate from members AsLEf the same day. it took 21 years, until railway workers, not political activists. I wish to thank national organiser Simon 1974, through strikes and work to rules, for us Richard Griffin, Harrow on the Hill Weller for his response to my letter to gain sick pay and pension rights (poor at the (Journal , March) criticising the rail unions time, but look where we are now) and why? Never mind the ballots with regard to our pension scheme. His Because the government in power for 17 of justification for the position the unions those years was Tory. no boss ever offered me Like many members i am very disappointed by have adopted, however, misses the points I anything my union did not have to fight for, changes made to our pension scheme and have raised not only through the Journal and although i don’t agree with everything read with interest steve Hill’s letter (Journal, but at a meeting I attended where Simon AsLEf does, or has done, my life is what it is march). Why accept a nationwide deal? We was present and where I took him to task today because my union fought every negative don’t have nationwide pay deals; each on decisions made by ASLEF’s executive political decision aimed at its members. so, my company comes to an agreement with the committee regarding the strategy on friend, best wishes for your future, get involved union locally. many members of other Tocs changes to the pension. At no point over and you, too, will soon come to find the and focs, and my own employer, Abellio, the last 12 months, since negotiations importance of a political voice in AsLEf. could possibly have negotiated a better deal began with ATOC, did ASLEF inform the Len Worboys , RMS, 63 years a member under a separate arrangement. A nationwide membership or ask their opinions on any

20 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 Classified Advertisements

proposed changes. Simon admitted further ON LOAN from British Rail hard attacks on the pension are to be expected TOSH LOOKS JUST enamel badge. Individually numbered, but confirmed that all rail unions had brooch fastening. £6 + £1 p&p from agreed on a strategy of negotiation not THE TICKET [email protected] dispute. I request – no, indeed, I demand – that any further changes are put to the OAKS MEMORIAL membership in the form of a referendum commemorative badge honouring before any agreement is reached. You have 361 miners killed in an explosion no right, as our elected representatives, to at the Oaks colliery near reach agreements on vital issues, such as Barnsley on 12 December 1866. £3 from pension changes, without a mandate from [email protected] the membership to do so. Steve Hill , Manchester Piccadilly No 1, TPE LONGSIGHT badges to Tosh McDonald does look ‘just the mark 125th anniversary. £5 + Negotiating with ATOC ticket’ in a red ASLEF return the £1 p&p. Also a bespoke tie at Through no fault of my own i am now having railways to public ownership tee-shirt. £8 + £1 p&p. Contact Jim to work two years longer before i claim my But, as a retired member of ASLEF, I Hopkins on 07810 564804 or pension without incurring a penalty for feel the cold. Is the train ticket tee- [email protected] for details. leaving earlier. now i am not here to moan shirt available as a sweatshirt? about our union for negotiating a way forward Kevin Christie , RMS BESPOKE CUSHIONS Hand for a national settlement as this was forced on  sorry, Kevin. it’s just a tee-shirt at the made 40cm square cushions of us, as a collective, by a government hell bent moment. But we’ll see if there are any railway engines and carriages. on attacking the working people of this great more takers for a sweatshirt version. £50. Call Abi on 07954 659849 or email me at country. That said, now is the time to get AToc [email protected] to sit around the table and talk about staff travel for non-protected staff. AToc will not be It’s not just Boris v Dave ASLEF-NUM 30th anniversary of able to use the old excuse of ‘we are not a Anyone following the EU referendum the miners’ strike. King’s Cross negotiating body’ as they have just proved campaign could be excused for thinking it’s all twinned pits. Profits to Justice for they can, with the agreement over pensions. about Tory infighting. There’s a real danger that Mineworkers. £5 + £1 p&p from Paul Cutmore , Chingford branch hugely important matters will get lost in the [email protected] muddle of Boris versus Dave. The UK sends £19 I love zero hours contracts billion a year to the EU and, whilst agriculture ISLE OF WIGHT 150th rail makes up 1.6% of the EU economy, and I was very disappointed about your article anniversary commemorative badge. employs 5.5% of the population, it swallows £4.99 inc post and packaging. about the West Coast Railway Company 40% of the EU budget. The EU promotes zero Contact Fratton driver John (Journal , February). I have been with them hours contracts and attacks collective Glazebrook on 07823 881495 for details. over three years and it is the best company I bargaining agreements whilst encouraging have worked for in 43 years. You refer to the the use of Luxembourg as a tax haven for tax- owner as Farmer Smith as if that is some PROFESSIONAL ENGRAvING at dodging multinational corporations that make sensible prices. I can engrave anything sort of insult. What’s wrong with being a most of their profits in the UK. you wish, such as the ASLEF logo on farmer? Actually he’s a businessman. May I John Metcalfe , Carlisle the pint tankard. Contact Paul Potts by remind drivers you work for large email at [email protected] multinational corporations which are rabidly capitalist in tooth and claw. Can you People want strong leaders BLAND ENCOUNTER by Donald visit the CEO of your corporation and have a oh dear. Which of us is actually the one in the good moan? No, of course not, you can’t get Wightman is a comedy novel about muddle? chris martin ( Journal , february) is one risqué encounters on the railways. A near those people, but I can visit my boss of those i referred to as living in a dream state donation from the sale of each book any time I like. ASLEF is very condemnatory and is the one who got in a muddle. Jeremy will be made to the Royal British about our zero hours method of pay. Well, corbyn will not win the 2020 general election, Legion and Help for Heroes. Paperback we like it. We have some drivers on salary assuming he survives that long, because he is, £7.99 ebook £3.95 from www.amazon.co.uk but most of us choose when we work and quite frankly, unelectable. Just because a few when we don’t and can take as much leave thousand people pay a reduced fee to join the COWDEN CRASH whenever we want. Last summer I had five Labour Party to take part in its leadership commemorative badges, holidays. It’s wonderful. We don’t just do election doesn’t mean the British people want price £5, to mark the 20th charter trains and steamers. Four-fifths of him as Prime minister. The British people, anniversary of the my work is infrastructure work at night. above all else, want strong leadership. i don’t accident. Contact Mick Green at userg4163 Infrastructure companies like West Coast want a pacifist in charge of my country and i @aol.com if you are ex-Norwood train crew. drivers as we are much more reliable than don’t believe the electorate will, either. no the freight companies and have much route corbyn government, no railway CLASS 73/1 JB 50 year badges knowledge freight drivers don’t have. We renationalisation. simples! also provide a lot of conductors for for sale. Three variations as RA Sargeant , RMS, Derby branch shown at £5 each plus £1 p&p. passenger companies over diverted routes. Cheques, payable to Network ASLEF refuses to accept that drivers over 60 Very much appreciated South East Railway Society, to 41 Highfield have the right to earn a living and is Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 6DD. prejudiced against the way we are paid, i would like to express my deepest gratitude to despite the fact that we all like it. We have all the branches for their kind donations more freedom than any other driver during my long-term sickness. They were a To advertise please phone 020 7324 2400 working on the national network. great help and very much appreciated. or send an email to [email protected] Arno Brooks , Rob Chilton , VTEC, King’s Cross

May 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 21 Last Word steam Age to Pendolino – everything changes but the song remains the same

Driver assessor and Euston branch archivist MICK HUMPHRYS , with a little help from branch secretary CLIFF HOLLOWAY , looks back at the story of his branch

Aving enjoyed mick Holder’s excellent H compilations from the past in recent issues i thought readers of the Journal might be interested in the history of our branch, especially as we have two notable anniversaries coming up. camden branch was, prior to 1920, part of King’s cross; the need for a separate branch was identified and, on 25 January 1920, the branch was formed at the Engineers’ Hotel in gloucester road. The first officers were fA Howell, chairman; L murray, vice- Top: Euston branch officers (back) Brett Cooper, Chris Davidson, Ross Jones, Malcolm Millen (front) Dave chair; and AW Harris, secretary. Calfe, John Turner, Cliff Holloway, Anthony Shea, Petar Petrovic. Above left: back to the Cock Tavern The only business dealt with at (where the décor is still the same) Brett Cooper, Ross Jones, Anthony Shea, Dave Calfe, Paul Feltham, Cliff this inaugural meeting was the Holloway, John Turner and Petar Petrovic adoption of standing orders, election of officers and a decision with management prior to the junior to him, so he moved to all the links which was noted. to hold meetings on the third move to Euston, including the Watford for a driver’s job. fifty years later, on 21 January sunday of the month at 19.00. booking on point; mess room Edward Prior joined camden 2016, Euston branch met at 14.30, During the first year the branch facilities; easing of branch as a 19-year-old fireman once more at the cock Tavern. welcomed 11 new members and manning/single manning with on 18 september 1921 and was a With branch chair Tony shea on circulars from head office included the introduction of electric member right up to his holiday and vice-chair sean one titled Hands off russia which locomotives ending main line retirement as a top link driver in Hodgkins not present i was the committee decided to diesel operation with their boiler June 1967. He must have been elected acting chair and, support. The LDc dealt with the steam heat system which, of one of very few to be members of alongside branch secretary cliff working alteration sheet, annual course, had an impact on the the branch from its near Holloway, and 12 other members, holidays and turns of driving and duties of firemen; and protection formation to its closure! including our district officer firing duty prior to appointment. of earnings, especially for the Euston depot opened on 3 Dickie fisher, conducted the firemen and the overall footplate January 1966. Drivers and firemen meeting. Business dealt with END OF STEAM complement. from Willesden were given the included secretary’s The last camden branch meeting The protection of firemen’s option of transferring to the new correspondence and circulars; was held on Tuesday 7 December earnings was achieved by the depot and 87 of the most senior nomination of general secretary; 1965. The officers were W Jones, introduction of a starred fireman drivers and firemen – my father trustee reports from reps; issues chairman; g court, vice-chair; gA system which ensured that no and uncle among them – did. The with posting of alteration sheets; Bridges, secretary. Business appointed starred fireman would branch secretary had a busy issues over mess room and toilet included the number of men be displaced or made redundant month! cleaning; the AAD agenda; and allowed in a cab; a head office and, most importantly, any bonus overtime payments. items circular regarding the TUc gold payment, mileage, etc, was still OVERTIME PAYMENTS discussed were, in many ways, badge for 1966; and a social paid to the fireman on a job that The first Euston branch meeting very similar to many of our evening commemorating the was previously double manned. was held on Tuesday 1 february previous meetings down the closure of camden depot on 26 This system continued right up to 1966 at the cock Tavern in decades! november. the 1980s when the last of the Phoenix road with 22 members The meeting concluded with With the modernisation plans firemen within the grade were present. Business included a the branch secretary, on behalf of in the 1950s and 1960s, and the made up to driver. donation to Dr Barnado’s of £1, to us all, wishing a long and happy end of steam, camden and my father was a starred the spastics of 5s, and a retirement to Brothers Tony Harris Willesden steam sheds were fireman although, by 1971, he discussion about the new and Paul collins and, finally, he closed in December ’65. This became fed up with being a clothing issue of pea jackets. gave an update on the branch coincided with the start of the second man, and having to book There was a question from J banner and the 50 year badge main line 25kv electrification on and off, to men made up to Higgins about an inquiry into the commemorating the branch service from Euston. records drivers though the redundant booking on and off times on all anniversary. The meeting closed show there were numerous issues system and who were many years duties and turns at Euston within at 16.10.

22 The ASLEF Journal l May 2016 Food & Drink Prize Crossword

Prize Crossword 121 by Tom Williams Across Down 1 Barber 1 Large basket for LEMON POSSET 7 Little devils a picnic 8 An inner roof 2 small creature with Lucy Knox serves up a 9 Partake of food external skeleton tangy dessert for spring 10 get narrower at 3 surgeon or one end physician 11 mouth of a 4 Lawfully force out volcano of a property 13 Black playing 5 Below knee guard cards for sports (4, 3) 16 stringy shoe ties 6 respectful greeting 18 Tree prone 11 mineral essential to disease for healthy bones 19 copy 12 Public bidding 20 Porridge flakes sale 21 Loan shark 13 Arm of a dress 14 nut that may be Solution to Crossword 120 sugar-coated Across: 1 season 7 Exact 8 Alsatian 9 Title 15 newspaper boss 10 Kind 12 Toss 13 smut 14 Limp 15 Brew 17 sheltered 17 Webs 19 miner 20 Epilogue 21 niece from light 22 garter. Down: 1 snack 2 Absentminded 3 noises 4 Tenth 5 Bantamweight 6 street Pour 300ml double cream into a 11 Doe 13 sew 14 Lemons 15 Boxing 16 greek medium saucepan and slowly bring to name...... 18 shear. a simmer, stirring. Add 100g caster sugar and stir until dissolved. Add 45ml Address...... congratulations to Richard lemon juice and bring to the boil. Moseley of Crawley , West reduce the heat to a simmer and stir for ...... Sussex , who was last month’s 2 mins. remove from the heat. Pour winner. The winner of this month’s into 2 to 3 heatproof dishes and leave ...... Prize crossword will receive marks to cool completely. chill for 3 hrs or & spencer vouchers to the value of £25 until set. serve chilled decorated with ...... fresh raspberries.  You can see more of Tom Williams’s Postcode...... crosswords, word games and puzzles at SNACK ATTACK? wordgames.co.uk next time reach not for Thanks for all your responses to the 120th prize crossword in the April edition of the ASLEF that mars bar but a packet Journal . If you successfully complete this month’s crossword please send the solution to the of Urban fruit – just fruit, Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN by 14 May gently baked at low temperatures to hang on to all the goodness, natch – with no sugars, ASLEF’s legal services sulphites or other funny stuff. The range includes If you are being harassed at work, bullied or discriminated against, and banana, cherry, pineapple, mango, if your local, branch or district rep is unavailable, call the industrial apple & pear. Perfect to munch on the relations department at union headquarters (020 7324 2400) or email move. Available at Asda, the co-op, [email protected]. If you are arrested or interviewed by police and need morrisons, sainsbury’s, Tesco and legal assistance – day or night – call the members’ emergency hotline on Waitrose. £1 for 35g and £1.97 for 100g. 0800 587 7530. ASLEF also provides first class legal advice free for THE LIFE OF PIE members and dependents. Pieminister make premium, but affordable, Changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form award-winning pies with name...... responsibly sourced ingredients. Try the moo beef steak and craft ale; matador Address...... with spicy beef, chorizo, olive and butter beans; or the veggie saag Pie- ...... neer (they do a nice line in awful puns) Postcode ...... Telephone...... with peas, paneer, spinach, potato, chilli and mango. These posh pies are Branch...... membership no...... available in posh pubs, Waitrose or from www.pieminister.co.uk. £21 for six. Please return coupon to: AsLEf, 77 st John street, clerkenwell, London, Ec1m 4nn

May 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 23 Here’s another benefit of being a member of ASLEF

SAVE CH AS AS MU % 1 FF O N 4 ES WHE 3 E PRIC ONLIN URRING BY REC OU PAY ENT Y L PAYM ANNUA

Reasons to join the AA affinity scheme: • More dedicated Patrols than all other To join, call UK breakdown services combined3 • Members are rewarded with enhanced 0800 048 0075 breakdown benefits at renewal quoting reference F0751 • A continued 20% off at renewal2

Breakdown Cover

11.. Applies to Family Roadside & Relay cover in first year only. Other levels of cover are available and varying discounts apply. Offer only available to members of ASLEF by calling the number given, quoting the stated reference and paying annuallyannually by direct debit under a recurring transactiontransaction arrangement. Enrolment offer available ttoo new Members for their first 12 months of Membership only. Offer not available in conjunction wwithith any other offer/discount or on any other AA product/service.oduct/service. Details correct at time of issue. 2. Renewal oofffer available to members of ASLEF who are eexistingxisting AA Members, or who join under the enrolment offer, and will be available at each renewal date until they cease to be members of ASLEF or the withdrawal of this scheme. 3. Mintel – UK VVehicleehicle recovery report, September 2014. AAutomobileutomobile Association Insurance Services Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registereedd office: Fanum House, Basing View, Basingstoke RG21 4EA. Registereded in England & Wales, number 2414212.

HEALTH SAFETY R P POSSESSION M MANAGEMENT L H S SE E I O A A N COMPETENCE E LEVEL-CROSSING L A N S

T WORKLOADD E H A A A TRAINRAIN DISDISPATCH S S A A

I S A G E N N TING T L L FAULT MANAGEMENT I D D D LINESIDE EQUIPMENT

W

E

E SKILLSKILLS L

WORKLOAD DECISION L E

AND B R Q STRESS GENCYENCY E DRIVING I N U SKILLS RISK

SECURITYY G O

I P COMMUNICATION P O RIDDOR

FREIGHTBRIEFINGS A S

M SUB-STANDARD S E E S D ENVIRONMENTAL

S INFRASTRUCTURE N

TIMEE I TRAIN O

T CAB-DESIGN ASSAULT APATHY N

R

M DISPATCH A

SECURITYY SKILLS A UNDER MAINTENANCE P N I

A EXPERIENCE A G PPE S E T M ROLLING STOCK MANAGEMENT DOUBBLE-SHIFTING H K E N Y

T REPORTING TRARAINING INVESTIGATIONS SIGNALLING 0800 4 101 101 ...alternative reporting for your health and safety concerns.

Freepost CIRASRAS Text 07507 285887 www.ciras.org.ukrg.uk