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ASLEFThe AssociATED sociETy of LocomoTivE EnginEErs & firEmEn J novEmBEr 2016 Weller puts Viva D train to the test We can work it out – labour in liverpool

MICK WHELAN: One of the party’s most precious assets SIMON WELLER: You’ve lost the trust of passengers and staff TOSH McDONALD: There will be no extension of DOO

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Mick at an action for rail fringe event in liverpool race to the bottom with freight on rail

E HAvE long spoken about the effects of 4 5 government indecision (and poor W decisions) about rail freight; the failures to protect the supply chain, the taxing of coal, the lack of a coherent policy on steel and the future of News Britain’s manufacturing base. freight has become the poor relation of the proclaimed privatised  Dispute on southern rail 4 success that equates footfall (which is really  nick Whitehead in action at Harewood 5 population growth) as the determining factor in not having an integrated transport or industrial  gerald reilly on gsm-r review results 6 11 strategy. in every company in the sector there is a  star driver samantha Butler 7 tale of woe. An unparalleled race to the bottom, and increased casualisation, mean margins and  Trust in Tocs plummets reports W hich? 8 contracts in many traditional areas are now unviable. This culminated in news that impacts on men Features and women the length and breadth of the country – the mess that is DB cargo has issued redundancy  Philippa Edmunds: A new pop up rail depot 10 notice to all its drivers. its intention, apparently, is to shed 391 men and women and bring back the  AsLEf in action at the Labour Party 11 12-13 others on significantly worse terms and conditions. conference in Liverpool our officers and reps are in talks and we look forward to the Transport minister condemning this  mick Whelan, Tosh mcDonald, Andy 12-13 process and all stakeholders – including network mcDonald and Kerry cassidy rail and the Tocs – questioning the future viability  steve richardson, simon Weller and the 14 of the core infrastructure, never mind much- international slavery museum vaunted improvement schemes. our thoughts are with all those, in all grades, hit by this decision, their  Key Worker: iron man rodrigo freeman 15 families and futures. We shall, as we always do, use Lopez helps the refugees in calais every tool at our disposal to challenge and mitigate the proposal and the damage this will do to our 15 whole industry. Regulars The house of cards that was, and is, privatised freight was always fragile; giving away the assets  Branch news and 100 years of Union 16-17 required to maintain the infrastructure, then setting up government subsidised companies to offer false  obituaries 19 competition in a captive market, was always  Letters and classified Advertisements 20-21 dangerous. Placing the burden of maintenance at the whim of overtime, around core traffic flows, that  Last Word: Paul Davies reveals the cosy 22 impact on other sectors dependant on that relationship between gTr and the DfT infrastructure, in a penalty-driven world, was never  on Track, Prize crossword, AsLEf’s Legal 23 likely to work. false competition thrives and is sold services and change of Address off as a worldwide recession hits. streamlining, 16 redundancy, and decreased opportunity  Cover photos by Andrew Wiard compounded with government decisions on coal and steel – you have real problems. There are times when you do not want to be The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: right but when you have a foreign operator, whose AsLEf, 77 st John street, London, Ec1m 4nn Tel: 020 7324 2400 home company is having financial issues, we should expect these problems. That’s why we are calling on email: [email protected] website: www.aslef.org.uk our government to support our industry and work to protect the jobs and contracts that exist. EDITor mick Whelan l DEsIGnEr michael cronin l PrInTEr TU ink, 107 fleet street, London, Ec4A 2AB aDvErTIsInG Ten Alps, Portland House, Bressenden Place, London, sW1E 5BH. contact Edwin rodrigues on Yours fraternally 0207 657 1819 or [email protected] l classIfIED aDs [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400 Mick Whelan, general secretary 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

November 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 3 news

The intransigence of the company – Ballot for action backed, many feel, by the DfT – has on southern led us to this place sLEf is balloting our southern,’ said general secretary drivers on southern for mick Whelan. ‘We have always A industrial action after been prepared to talk to the last-ditch talks at head office on company, and we have always to negotiate. They want to monday 17 october failed to been of the view that it is, or impose, not to discuss. They have resolve the problems at the heart should be, possible to do a deal – dug in their heels and forced us of this dispute. as we did with scotrail – but it to ballot our members.’ ‘We have genuinely sought to takes two to tango and the our trade dispute with the reach a compromise with company has not been prepared company is that there should be no introduction and/or extension ‘nobody wants to see these of new driver-only operated strikes go ahead, least of all the Conflict of interest routes on southern without the staff,’ said Andy. ‘But the way to The boss of Southern The documents profitability for train agreement of AsLEf. avoid industrial action is for all is also a director of the show that Southern companies’ if guards Labour has accused southern parties to get back round the supposedly operator Govia are removed and of disregarding concerns over table and reach a negotiated independent Thameslink chief driver only operation safety. shadow Transport settlement, not by launching legal organisation which executive Charles is introduced. The secretary Andy mcDonald said challenges. southern is oversees rail safety. A Horton is also a non- briefing, which lists the long-running dispute about disregarding concerns over safety leaked memorandum executive director of Horton as a the role of guards – which on our increasingly overcrowded from the Rail Safety the RSSB, which is participant in the involves the rmT as well as AsLEf network and demonstrating an and Standards Board, funded by the rail discussions, says: – should be settled through unwillingness to come to a published in the companies – and took ‘Adopting a strategy negotiation, not by legal action. workable agreement.’ Morning Star , reveals an active part in of guards’ that the RSSB backs discussions about redundancies delivers Southern’s continuing removing guards from the greatest mPs tell southern to ‘get a grip’ attempts to remove trains despite the fears economic benefit.’ The House of commons Transport select committee has urged guards from trains of passengers. The unions believe ministers to ‘get a grip’ on monitoring rail franchise agreements – citing despite the role they The memo is a the company wants especially the suffering of southern passengers. mPs said evidence have played in research brief giving to put private profit from passengers was dominated by the problems at gTr and helping passengers details of the RSSB’s before passenger considered whether the company is now in default of its contractual after accidents. views on ‘increased safety. obligations due to the number of train cancellations. ‘in normal circumstances, this would be grounds for termination of the contract.’ The DfT’s claim that no other operator could do a better job in the OOpS! RED FACES OvER pR DISASTER circumstances was no longer credible, said the committee. on parts of Southern had a full scale PR disaster on its hands last month the national rail network, passengers struggle daily to get the service when the company begged beleaguered passengers to tell the they deserve, citing overcrowding, delays, complex ticketing and a lack RMT how they feel about the strikes. The plan – which senior of access for disabled passengers. management thought was ‘an absolute hoot!’ – backfired ‘Passengers now contribute more than 70% of the industry’s real spectacularly. Southern tweeted: ‘Tweet @RMTunion & tell income,’ said committee chair Louise Ellman. ‘But, in too many places, them how rail strikes make you feel.’ Hundreds of passengers passengers are badly serviced by the train operating companies.’ responded, but not in the manner management hoped. Simon The report recommends an automatic compensation scheme be set Cox: ‘I dislike unions but I dislike incompetent management up to refund southern passengers directly without the need to make a more.’ Ferdinand Kingsley: ‘You’re a shambles and this is claim. The DfT said: ‘simply changing the management or taking the embarrassing. I hope you lose your franchise.’ Ursula Doyle: ‘I franchise from gTr would not address the issues and would only create support the RMT. You, on the other hand, are a disgrace.’ uncertainty and cause further disruption.’

NETWORK RAIL FINED £4MILLION TWEETS OF THE MONTH network rail has been fined £4 million for breaches of health and safety laws which led to In light of [the Commons a fatality at gipsy Lane pedestrian level crossing Select Committee’s] report it near needham market, suffolk. olive is beyond comprehension that mcfarland, 82, a former film star who appeared Southern instantly rejected with sean connery in The Frightened City , was union’s settlement offer this week. killed while using the crossing by a train Andy McDonald travelling from London to norwich on 24 August 2011. An orr investigation found that @SouthernRailUK You Darran scully, a driver with gWr, from reading branch, network rail had failed to act on substantial brought this on yourselves. is snapped chatting to shadow chancellor John evidence that pedestrians had poor visibility of We, your customers, are suffering. mcDonnell, and matt Harrison and matt rodda from trains when approaching the crossing, and Let’s be radical. Employ more staff. reading cLP, in Liverpool. Please turn to page 11 for our were thus exposed to an increased risk of being Martin ‘Snazzy’ Cox special report on AsLEf at the Labour Party conference. struck by a train.

4 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 news iron man off the rails in action NORTHERN RAIL , a company which IcKY WhITEhEaD and could do with a bit of good publicity, his wife Mandy did the has no idea how to go about it. Last N Brownlee super sprint month ASLEF wanted to field a train triathlon in september – a swim driver on ITV Yorkshire’s early evening of 400 yards in the lake news magazine programme. Presenter David Hirst was keen followed by a 13k bike ride and to talk to someone at the pointy end of the train about level a 3k run – in the grounds of crossings – sadly, in the news again after a couple of harewood house near leeds to incidents in that part of the world – and it’s a subject on raise funds for DBa uK, a which we are all – TOCs, trade unions, passenger groups charity which helps people with and government – singing from the same song sheet. But Diamond Blackfan anaemia. when the driver ran it by Northern, the company dithered ‘We have friends whose for three hours and then said no. ‘We have to protect the young daughter christie is brand,’ Northern inexplicably wittered. ‘The driver would suffering from DBa,’ said the need a chaperone. We would need to know the questions in District 4 organiser. ‘We’ve advance. And, anyway, we would prefer the programme to been in training for the last six interview one of our media-savvy directors.’ months and I finished in 1 hour 16 minutes and Mandy in 1 KEvIN MAGUIRE was on wicked form hour 38. not bad for two with his Commons Confidential column in middle-aged fatties! We have the New Statesman – which, along with raised just over £700 so far, and Nicholas Lezard’s Down & Out feature, is donations can be made on at invariably the best thing in the book – www.justgiving.com/ after the Conservative Party conference in fundraising/nickandMandy or Birmingham. ‘Paraphernalia sold at the conference tat stall on the DBa uK site.’ included a £30 cushion with a print of John Major’s bespectacled countenance. Imagine my shock at the suggestion by a ribald Parliamentarian that the item would QUOTE … make the perfect gift for Edwina Currie. “She’s probably sat ‘What we’re seeing globally on his face before,” he chuckled.’ is people who feel that free market capitalism is not nicky and JOHN LE CARRÉ , in his recently published working for them and are Mandy in memoirs, The Pigeon Tunnel (Viking, £20), smashing up the shop.’ – action for tells how he was talking, in the mid-1980s, James Cleverly , christie to Nicholas Elliott, Kim Philby’s closest Conservative Mp for friend in MI6, about his confrontation Braintree with Philby in Beirut in 1963. Le Carré asked Elliott, ‘Could …UNQUOTE you have had him sandbagged, and flown to London?’ To which Elliott dryly, and probably truthfully, replied, ‘Nobody wanted him in London, old boy.’ A little while later Philby riding the rails for free fled to Moscow, where he lived until his death in 1988. DAN JARvIS was offered, and declined, The European Union is considering giving citizens a free interrail pass the defence portfolio in Jeremy Corbyn’s for their 18th birthday. mEPs believe an interrail ticket – a month-long recent shadow cabinet reshuffle. Action pass costs up to €479 – would be one way of stemming anti-Brussels Dan said ‘No’ as he fancies a run at the sentiment and help the free movement of people across the continent. Labour leadership after what he believes The scheme would cost about €3 billion. will be defeat at the next general election. The problem is that even Dan’s fellow CONFERENCES & RALLIES travellers on the right prefer a team player and the former The scottish labour Party conference is at the concert Hall in Perth Para is known to be what his Progress chums charitably from friday 24 to sunday 26 february. The Welsh labour Party describe as ‘policy-light’. conference is at the venue cymru in Llandudno from friday 24 to sunday 26 march. The scottish Trades union congress is at the THERESA MAY and Philip Hammond talk macdonald Highlands hotel, Aviemore, from monday 24 to Wednesday about government intervention and a 26 April. aslEf’s annual assembly of delegates is at the marriott new industrial strategy for Britain and royal Hotel, Bristol, from monday 22 to Thursday 25 may. The Durham we’re told, by Conservative Miners’ Gala is on saturday 8 July. The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival , commentators, that it signals a cutting near Dorchester, is from friday 14 to sunday 16 July. The Trades union edge, post-Thatcherite, bid for the centre congress is at the Brighton centre from sunday 10 to Wednesday 13 ground in the 21st century. But when Jeremy Corbyn and september. The labour Party conference is at the Brighton centre John McDonnell make the same case, they are condemned from sunday 24 to Wednesday 27 september. by the same scribes as old-fashioned, neo-Stalinist, Old Labour lefties. Ho hum… 500 CLUB: A Weston, with number 22, won the november draw, scooping the rms prize money jackpot of £384.

November 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 5 news

Gerald riley of the Briefing members on rssB and Paul cooper from gsm-r review results network rail telecoms join aslEf GERALD RILEY , operations specialist at reps for a briefing at the Rail Safety and Standards Board, virgin Trains’ head reports on a review into the effectiveness office in Birmingham of managing failures in GSM-R

HE global system for mobile communications – railways, a sub- Tocs, and the trade unions, as well as subject T system of the European rail Traffic matter experts. This group oversaw the management system, is now the normal detailed safety risk modelling, evaluated the method of communication on the railways of effectiveness of proposed operational great Britain and is highly reliable. However, in responses to system failures and, november 2014, following representations subsequently, made recommendations to from AsLEf, the office of rail and road publish new or amended railway group requested the rail safety and standards Board standards, including the gErT 8000 rule book. to lead a comprehensive review of the The safety risk modelling that supports the included in these rules. contingency arrangements for managing new and revised rgss was critical to the The rssB has held four briefing sessions for failures that occur within the gsm-r system. success of the project. it enabled the risks a company council and health & safety rep The purpose of the review was to evaluate associated with each proposed operational from each Toc and foc to attend to the effectiveness of the current arrangement response to a failure in the gsm-r system to be understand the changes and how they should and, where necessary, recommend quantified. As a consequence of this approach, be implemented in company contingency amendments that were supported by a which included sensitivity analysis, the orr is arrangements. suitable and sufficient assessment of risk. satisfied that the original intent of the project There is now a transition phase where the The approach included the establishment has been realised. new and amended rgss need to be embedded of a cross industry group, which included AsLEf also requested that the group review within contingency arrangements and briefed representation from the orr, network rail, the the rule regarding the use of gsm-r on the to operational staff. This is a process that is to Association of Train operating companies, the move; the outcome of this has also been be concluded by 3 December.

I AM A MAN NOT A DOG entury Naming rights I AM DANIEL BLAKE C I, Daniel Blake , the new Spurs want Transport for London to movie by Ken Loach – a change the name of White Hart Lane, the Underground great film director, and a London Overground station near the great friend of AsLEf – Three members of Hammersmith & city football club’s ground, to Tottenham opened on the back of a branch, with more than 100 years’ service Hotspur. Chairman Daniel Levy has long social media campaign between them, retired recently - Dennis been envious that the team’s north drawing attention to this Browne (40 years); Alex mayers (36); and Keith London neighbours, and local rivals, have powerful speech. fowler (31). ‘The branch would like to wish an Underground station called Arsenal – them all a long and happy retirement,’ said which was Gillespie Road until the name simon Blakeley. was changed in 1932 – and is lobbying QUOTE … Transport for London hard. Arsenal are, at ‘Chris Grayling likes to say he is a rarity the moment, the only London club to have among modern Transport Secretaries: he a station named after them – premier actually wants to be Transport Secretary. League rivals West Ham used to play at the Which tells you all you need to know about Boleyn Ground, served by Upton park his predecessor, Sir Patrick McLoughlin, Tube station, in East Ham; the West Ham whose four year policy vacuum ended in station is named after the area, not the the current chaos and crisis on Southern club. TfL wants £12 million to change the Railway.’ – Robert Lea in The Times name but Levy, a famously tough Do8 finn Brennan, Keith fowler, Dennis negotiator, believes he can do a deal for …UNQUOTE Browne and Ec8 Terry Wilkinson far less than that.

Marz colombini models aslEf’s Kes tee-shirt – with a harvey smith to the Tories’ anti-Trade union act – based on the iconic image from the famous Ken loach film. £10 (inc p&p); email [email protected] or Ec president Tosh McDonald is not often spotted in a pulpit, but he visit our online shop at made an exception for a Durham Miners’ association service dedicated www.aslef.org.uk to the memory of Thomas hepburn, founder of the northumberland & Durham Pitmen’s union at st Mary’s church, hetworth, near Gateshead.

6 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 news

it secret and we think overcrowding. This puts frontline passengers, and staff, have a staff at risk from angry What improvements right to know when we can commuters, especially our expect to see improvements.’ members on DOO trains, where The SNP government at Abellio fails to provide a second will be delivered by Holyrood issued an person on the train. improvement notice to ScotRail Kevin added: ‘Full details of on 17 September due to the the improvement notice – scotrail – and when? company’s poor performance. including what penalties Abellio One in three trains is late and, on is facing because of its poor SLEF has called on the ‘It’s high time the Scottish some routes, more trains turn up performance – should be SNP government to government let us know what is late than arrive on time. There is published. Remember Abellio is A release its improvement going on and published the a chronic shortage of trains, and making more than £1 million plan for ScotRail. Kevin Lindsay, improvement plan. There is carriages, which has led to profit a month from passengers our organiser in Scotland, said: nothing to be gained by keeping unprecedented levels of on ScotRail.’ Star driver ON THE BALL samantha Butler, a driver instructor with London overground, has won an outstanding personal contribution award in Rail magazine’s national rail awards. The citation said: ‘A proud mother of two and governor at her local school, samantha was promoted last year as a result of her professionalism and commitment aslEf members – and banners – in the to the highest standards. samantha is crowd at Dulwich hamlet’s ground universally admired by her colleagues and is described by operations director stuart griffith as “a star driver with an exuberance that shines through in whatever she does. Her strong desire to make a difference to our industry is truly commendable”. ’ schools in her own time to talk to young she is also a key member of LoroL’s people about the opportunities available to women’s group that seeks to promote a them in the rail industry regardless of gender diverse and inclusive workforce, and visits or ethnic background. AsLEf sponsored the ryman isthmian League Premier Division fixture between STRUCTURAL CHANGE: andrew adonis is stepping down as chair of the national Dulwich Hamlet and Bognor regis Town at Infrastructure commission, which becomes an executive agency in January. sir John armitt the champion Hill stadium on saturday 8 is standing in for him until a replacement is appointed. october in honour of the south London international Brigaders who fought in spain. AsLEf and international Brigades Tea and coffee tastes QUOTE … memorial Trust banners were displayed better in a red and ‘Hillary Clinton? She is flawed and she is female, inside the ground and hundreds of trade white aslEf mug! and that’s fine by me. She is not my champion unionists took advantage of the ‘£4 entry Price £3.50 (inc p&p); but she is the enemy of my enemy – and of on production of a union membership email [email protected] or yours, too. I will cheer as she hammers Donald card’ discount to swell the crowd from an visit our online shop at Trump.’ – Laurie penny in the New Statesman average home attendance of 850 to just www.aslef.org.uk …UNQUOTE over 2,200. Dulwich Hamlet lost 1-3 – but £317 was raised for the work of the iBmT.

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November 2016 l The ASLEF Jour n al 7 news

SEE YOU IN COURT Hydrogen bomb Train companies now have to comply, in full, with the consumer LsTom has launched the coradia rights Act. This means that if iLint, its hydrogen-powered passengers are unhappy with the A emission-free train, which uses on- (often derisory) compensation board hydrogen fuel cells to produce electrical offered (a fraction of what the power for traction. The loco is identical to the Tocs receive from network rail) diesel-powered Lint 54, except for the cells on they can pursue a claim through the roof, but as the only by-products are the courts. Tocs used to have an condensed water and steam it is, says the exemption, but this brings the rail company, ‘a far more environmentally-friendly industry into line with other travel alternative to diesel traction.’ The firm hopes to sectors and was welcomed by the sell the new unit, which will be made at consumers’ Association. ‘Back in salzgitter, near Hanover, to german regional April, we expressed our railways in Lower saxony, north rhine- disappointment to the Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. government when it said it would ‘Electrification is very expensive,’ said nick be seeking to delay applying the crossfield, Alstom’s managing director, UK & Act to rail until october 2017 so ireland. ‘The capital costs are only appropriate we’re pleased it is now putting for key arterial routes, and we need to look at passengers first. now we want something different for other lines.’ alstom says the ilint could be on track in Britain by 2021 train companies to make it easier to claim for delays and compensation.'

TRUST IN TOCS pLUMMETS COWS KILLED ON LINE IN Trust in train companies is tumbling, according to a survey by Which? , and there CAMBRIDGESHIRE is growing discontent among passengers over continuing cancellations and Hundreds of passengers had to be delays. ‘Our research reveals that just 26% of people now trust train firms – evacuated after a train hit and down by 7 percentage points in the last 12 months – while distrust has risen to killed 11 cows at stilton fen 30%.’ Which? concludes, ‘To restore faith, we want more done to ensure there is between Peterborough and better compensation for long-suffering passengers. In December, we made a Huntingdon. The line was closed, super complaint about the compensation system. The rail regulator agreed with us, and we’re now in both directions, for four hours. monitoring progress on changes. But we want the government to go further and make the regulator A spokesperson for network rail introduce a system that ensures passengers who suffer persistent short delays or overcrowding can said, ‘Passengers were evacuated make a claim. We want to ensure the industry is held to account by introducing legislation for a new with the help of the emergency ombudsman that rail firms must join, so passengers’ complaints are properly heard and resolved.’ services but, thankfully, there were no injuries to passengers or crew.’ cambridgeshire fire & vTEc wants drivers rescue praised ‘the driver, who had a horrible scene unfold in virgin Trains East clare Burles, people front of her but remained in coast is recruiting director at vTEc, said, control and seemed extremely new drivers ‘who ‘it doesn’t matter if competent.’ have what it takes’ for you have never ‘this exciting and worked in rail or AFRICAN EXpRESS rewarding career.’ The haven’t even Ethiopia, a landlocked country, announcement by considered a career has opened a new £2.7 billion 460 vTEc coincided with as a train driver mile railway line from its capital, delivery of a new before.’ Do4 nick welcome the fact Addis Ababa, to Djibouti on the fleet of Azuma trains. Whitehead said, ‘We that East coast is red sea. The line, built and finally recruiting and funded by the chinese, replaces a THREE MORE FOR THE ORR training their own colonial-era track that had fallen Transport secretary chris grayling has drivers – for the first into disrepair, and cuts the appointed three new non-executive directors time since virgin’s new class 800 trains journey time from Addis Ababa to to the board of the office of rail and road. privatisation. The – azuma means ‘east’ in the sea from three days on bumpy They are David franks, chief executive of new Azuma trains Japanese roads to 12 hours by rail. iarnród Éireann; Anne Heal, chair of Thames are also welcome, Water’s customer challenge group; and but long overdue, graham mather, chair of the European Policy being the first new forum’s regulatory best practice group. rolling stock on the QUOTE … flagship East coast ‘A strategic error of near Biblical proportions was made to go franchise since Br into Iraq in 2003. There wasn’t a clear plan for what happened Our woolly hat will keep you and privatisation next so we really had no option but to muddle through. And warm this winter. Price £5 over 20 years ago – the muddling through is largely responsible for the ongoing (including p&p); email despite huge profits vicious unrest in that part of the Middle East.’ – General Sir [email protected] or visit for the private Richard Dannatt , former Chief of the General Staff our online shop at www.aslef.org.uk operators over the …UNQUOTE years.’

8 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 A

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It’s been a tough After pop up shops year for freight, but rail offers many benefits and restaurants – a over road, if only the government would take action to level the pop up rail depot playing field

pHILIppA EDMUNDS , manager of Freight on Rail, which promotes the economic, safety and environmental benefits of rail freight, offers an early end of term report on the state of freight

HE rail freight industry in Britain continues to innovate and maximise T use of existing rail capacity as it develops new and existing markets after the steep decline in coal traffic this year. We’ve had pop up shops and pop up restaurants and now DB cargo and cemex have opened a pop up construction rail depot duel fuel class 88 locos, currently being tested, Another crucial initiative is the DfT rail to serve the growing construction market in will also be ideal for the Daventry to mossend freight strategy, currently being written in north-west England and reduce the number and Daventry to London services as they can partnership with rail freight operators, rfg, of Hgvs transporting materials from the use electric traction, and reduce co2 freight on rail, and key rail freight customers. picturesque High Peak countryside. This is emissions even more, as well as making more The new rail minister, Paul maynard, is noteworthy as it demonstrates that terminals efficient use of the network. responsible for this strategy, which is key to of this nature can be set up quickly, dispelling giving the sector the confidence to invest, as the myth that terminals take a long time to SUppRESSED DEMAND it demonstrates the level of government plan and build; this one was installed in weeks in may freightliner launched its 23rd daily support for rail freight and future funding for on land adjacent to the West coast main line service from felixstowe, increasing the total upgrades on the network. using a ready-made weighbridge and office. number of daily rail services in and out of the A key objective of the strategy is to show to The temporary site, at Warrington in cheshire, port to 32. The service will operate to and from what extent rail freight is already a crucial will handle around 125,000 tonnes of the freightliner rail port at Doncaster after element of the supply chain as well as its aggregates each year, transported from Dove development work has finished and, in the potential to expand its market share. road and Holes in Derbyshire, on two weekly services, interim, it will be serviced at the DB cargo site rail freight complement each other and it is with each train carrying around 1,540 tonnes. in rotherham. Two months later, gB railfreight crucial that both modes play to their strengths Up to 150 Hgvs would be needed to carry this started the 33rd service out of the port on the to offer an integrated supply chain solution to load by road. same route, demonstrating the scale of the customers who are mode agnostic. in demand for rail freight services which offer a particular, rail freight is best placed to provide RECYCLED MATERIALS fast, reliable, safe, and less polluting long-haul trunk services for consumer Another initiative is the building of new alternative to Hgvs. products (container traffic) as well as the European standards compliant box wagons in total, rail services out of the port remove traditional bulk services. from a significant proportion of recycled around 2,300 Hgvs from the congested A14 materials by freightliner. it’s the first UK rail corridor each day. There is suppressed SHIFT TO RAIL operator to build and use a new fleet of demand for more rail freight services, The strategy looks in detail at how to maximise wagons made using parts from redundant especially in consumer traffic; every rail path use of existing capacity, how to safeguard coal hoppers for its new contract with Tarmac, that is available out of felixstowe port can be strategic capacity in the future, how to work one of the UK’s largest users of rail freight. As used by rail immediately, demonstrating how with network rail to support the development freightliner needed a fleet of modern high the current funded and planned upgrades to of the virtual freight route which is vital to capacity box wagons, unavailable in the UK, it the felixstowe branch line, which will generate protect rail freight interests across the national has adapted its perfectly serviceable, but an additional ten daily paths, are crucial. network in our increasingly devolved world. it redundant, HHA coal wagons in partnership Despite shortages of capacity on the trans- also explores the importance of the next round with greenbrier Europe. Pennine route, gB railfreight has secured of freight track access charging, taking into Direct rail services continues to run a daily extra rail slots to service its biomass services account all the economic, social and service six days a week for a leading from the new Liverpool specialist biomass environmental benefits of rail freight, supermarket between Daventry and scotland terminal to Drax power station, showcasing compared to Hgvs, to UK plc. freight on rail is as well as six day services to Wentloog and sustainable, reliable and affordable energy. campaigning strongly to get the market Purlett via Barking and back to Daventry. Drs The Tfn freight strategy, for which freight on distortions between Hgvs and rail taken into offers secondary distribution from mossend to rail ran a rail freight workshop, highlights how account so that rail freight can compete more inverness. Drs now uses class 68 locomotives trans-Pennine rail routes need a serious fairly with Hgvs. otherwise the economy and which are more fuel-efficient than the class 66 upgrade, including electrification, to revive the public, who overwhelmingly support a loco and thus have lower emissions. Drs’s ports in the north. shift to rail, will lose out.

10 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 labour Party

Cashman, Andy Clarke, Tom Corbin, Paul Hart, strawberry Peter Mason, Alan Moss and Danny Payne attended as fields forever visitors. Collette Gibson of SLEF sent Liverpool from Sunday Gidea Park branch, four 25 to Wednesday 28 who works for MTR A delegates – September. Crossrail, attended as a Mick Whelan, general Simon Weller, delegate for Braintree secretary; Tosh assistant general constituency Labour steve, Becky, simon, Marz, Darran, collette, McDonald, EC secretary; executive Party and Becky Kaye Tosh, Mick and howard (above) and Theresa, president; Steve committee members went as a delegate for collette and Kerry (right) wait for a ferry Richardson, a driver Dave Calfe, Marz South West Surrey CLP. across the Mersey with South West Colombini, Andy Ed Mayne, a trainee Trains, from Waterloo Hourigan, Andy Hudd driver with SWT, Plymouth branch, attended the Labour Nine Elms branch; and Howard Kaye; member of Waterloo who works for Great Party women’s and Darran Scully, a district organisers Nine Elms, and Labour Western, and Theresa conference with driver with GWR LTV, Dicky Fisher, Nigel councillor in Woods, from Brighton, Collette on Saturday QUOTE… from Reading – to the Gibson and Colin Hounslow, attended who works for GTR, 24 September. ‘It’s time to take the Labour Party Smith; and local reps as a visitor, too. possibility of Jeremy conference in Billy Baxter, Peter Kerry Cassidy of  conference photos by andrew Wiard Corbyn becoming PM seriously.’ – Nick Robinson on Today Jc overwhelmingly endorsed on Radio 4 …UNQUOTE as Labour Party leader – again Jeremy Corbyn was re-elected Labour leader on the eve of party conference. Jeremy won 61.8% of the vote, while Owen Smith got 38.2%. That’s a greater margin of victory than he achieved last year, and a result which emphatically endorses his mandate from the membership. ‘Like most people in the Labour Penny lane is in my ears and in my eyes: Tosh at the clPD fringe Party, and the whole labour This could be rotterdam or movement, I am absolutely anywhere, liverpool or rome: Jc delighted that Jeremy Corbyn has He only does mass meetings offers a victory wave been re-elected,’ said Mick Whelan. Tosh mcDonald raised the roof with a typically combative speech to a ‘It’s now time for everyone – ‘Labour, under Jeremy, offers a packed campaign for Labour Party Democracy fringe meeting at the especially those in the real – and positive – alternative to yacht club on saturday night. He provoked knowing chuckles when, Parliamentary Labour Party who the failures of the last six years. Over celebrating Jeremy’s victory in an unnecessary – and expensive – have spent so much of the last year the last twelve months Jeremy has second leadership election pushed by the right-wing Blairite rump of undermining Jeremy – to get shown he is not just the man to the party in Progress, the friends of Tony behind owen smith, Tosh behind him, to turn their fire on the lead Labour, but the man to heal laughed, ‘And they had the temerity to say that Jeremy corbyn can only Tories, and to get ready for a the divisions in our country, and the do mass meetings!’ Tosh urged, ‘Everyone now needs to get behind our general election which could be man to build a better Britain fit for elected leader.’ on another issue, he argued, ‘There is no place in our just around the corner. the 21st century.’ movement for racism or bigotry or anti-semitism. But they should not stop us from speaking out about the plight of the Palestinians.’

MICK ELECTED TULO CHAIR With the mick Whelan was elected chair of the Trade Union & Labour Party Liaison organisation on saturday. ‘i want to thank all the trade unions radio on who supported me,’ said mick. ‘it’s a great privilege for me, and for my Mick Whelan was union, to hold this position.’ TULo co-ordinates the activities of the 14 interviewed at length trade unions which affiliate to the Labour Party – AsLEf; BEcTU; the by Theo usherwood, Bakers, food & Allied Workers’ Union; community; cWU; fBU; gmB; political editor of lBc, musicians’ Union; nUm; TssA; UcATT; Unison; Unite and UsDAW. about the future for the labour Party, and NO NUKES Britain, in the radio Tosh mcDonald spoke at a cnD fringe, stop Trident, in the performance station’s makeshift space at the Bluecoat building on sunday night. others on the panel, studio at the chaired by Kate Hudson, included shadow chancellor John mcDonnell; conference centre on shadow Health secretary Diane Abbott; and stephen Pound, mP for saturday afternoon. Ealing north.

November 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 11 agenda Precious asset

icK WHELAn gave a of working men and women are rousing speech at the heard across the Labour Party. M Trade Union group of from the branch to the gc to the mPs and Unions Together shadow cabinet to the leader. The reception on monday night. link keeps us rooted in the issues He said: ‘The trade union which matter to working people. movement has always been an ‘Jeremy’s election as leader was anchor for the Labour Party in a landmark for the Labour Party times of trial and tribulation. The and for British politics. it’s led to a unions supported the party re-energisation of Labour’s through the painful upheavals of grassroots and a re-alignment of standing together: Ian, Mick, Jo and Jeremy at the TuG reception the 1930s and 1980s. That’s what national debate. We must friends do. They support each remember that the Labour Party this Tory government with are all Labour because we want to other when the going gets tough has always been a broad church. everything we’ve got. now is the fight injustice and inequality. and i believe Labour’s affiliated from the Bevanites and time for a workplace rights colleagues, we must stand unions must remain an anchor for gaitskellites in the 1950s and ’60s, agenda to help rebuild our together and build for the future the party as we emerge from what to the debates of the 1980s, our economy. now is the time to build to secure a Labour victory at the has been a difficult period. party’s strength has always been a strong Labour policy next general election.’ ‘The link between the party in the range of social democratic programme which pledges to others speakers included and the trade union movement is views we embrace. build millions of houses, to Labour Party leader Jeremy one of our most precious assets. ‘That is all the more important renationalise the railways, and to corbyn; ian Lavery, mP for it’s the channel through which the today because now is the time to end the privatisation of the nHs. Wansbeck; and Jo stevens, mP for views and experiences of millions unite as an opposition and attack now is the time to remember we cardiff central.

Public service not Labour will take back c Andy McDonald, the expire, the routes will private profit Shadow Secretary of return to public State for Transport, ownership, so profits nDy mcDonALD , the shadow underlined the next can be re-invested to A secretary of state for Transport, told a Labour government’s improve services and packed Action for rail fringe meeting determination to take hold fares down. at the Hilton hotel on sunday lunchtime that, Britain’s railways back Because passengers, under the Tories, we have ‘lost the connection into public ownership not profit, should be at between public service and public transport.’ He during the transport the heart of Britain’s on track in liverpool: promised that a Labour government, under debate on Sunday railway. Let us have the andy McDonald, Jeremy corbyn, would restore that connection afternoon. same confidence as Mick Whelan and by bringing Britain’s railways back into public He said: ‘We are other countries like the Mick lynch ownership. He described southern as ‘an clear about this. We will Netherlands, Germany appallingly run franchise’ and said the Doo fragmentation of our railway is £290 million each put an end to Britain’s and France. Labour will dispute is, primarily, about passenger safety in a year; and the cost of profit leakage – from our rip-off railways so, as take back control of our safety-critical industry. ‘chris grayling may not railway network – is a staggering £725 million private contracts railways.’ be bothered but he will be when the first every year. A fully integrated, and publicly- passenger, with a bag trapped in the door, is owned, railway will solve problems for dragged along the platform.’ passengers as well as for those who run the mick Whelan brought the house down when Picture this railway.’ he opened by referring to a meeting in the Kerry cassidy, selfie other speakers at the meeting, chaired by neighbouring room. ‘i nearly walked into the queen, wasted no Paul nowak, deputy general secretary of the room next door, about dying with dignity. The time posting this TUc, included manuel cortes, general secretary trouble is the railway isn’t dying with dignity. picture with Jeremy of the TssA; mick Lynch, assistant general There’s no forward planning, no vision, no corbyn – ‘Painting the secretary of the rmT; and Diana Holland, ambition. The old jokes about curled town red on a assistant general secretary of Unite. sandwiches on British rail have been replaced saturday night’ – on by new jokes – except they’re not jokes – about her Twitter account the train operating companies taking out toilets, MARKING THE MOMENT @ladytraindriver. and taking out seats, so they can cram more Mick Whelan chaired a Justice for Colombia Along with ‘Pleased to people, standing up, onto their overcrowded fringe meeting on Tuesday night. The event – meet the lovely trains, to make even more profit at the public’s called Marking the Moment: Peace in Colombia Angela rayner, a expense.’ – celebrated the landmark peace agreement genuine inspiration to she was off to meet ian Taylor, director of Transport for Quality of between the government of Colombia and all working-class AsLEf colleagues for Life, revealed new research showing the real Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia women’ and ‘Welcome dinner, she was told, cost to passengers and taxpayers of John major’s (the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia to the media circus’. ‘Aslef? That sounds ill-conceived privatisation. ‘The cost of the or FARC). Later, when Kerry said like Aslan. Where’s

12 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 labour Party

Leader who believes off message in public ownership ASLEF delegates were media magnets in Liverpool. Mick Whelan was interviewed by Victoria Derbyshire on BBC News immediately after the announcement of Tosh mcDonald, speaking in the Jeremy Corbyn’s re-election on Saturday; Tosh transport debate on sunday McDonald was interviewed by the Sunday Times ; and afternoon, said: ‘i have to be careful Mick and Tosh were both interviewed by The Independent . Mick was what i say, conference, because also quoted in The Guardian , the Financial Times , Morning Star , southern have a couple of Manchester Evening News , Northern Echo , Leicester Mercury , Belfast injunctions out against AsLEf, as Telegraph and, er, The Sun about Jeremy as well. they are taking on our sister unions industrially, and taking us on in the WHEN Marz Colombini, Andy Hudd, Nikki McDonald courts. But we stand in solidarity and a few others from the ASLEF train crew turned up to with the rmT and the TssA in support Tosh at the CLPD fringe on Saturday night, there saying there will be no extension of was consternation at the door about whether we were in Doo as it is wrong for our industry.’ Tosh at the podium on sunday the right place. ‘The Yacht Club?’ said Marz. ‘Now that’s Tosh also told the conference afternoon not a very proletarian place, is it?’ The swanky venue on hall: ‘it is great to have a leadership right for freight, too, and that’s the waterfront was, however, packed to the gills with left-wingers which believes in the public important because we’ve just had celebrating Jeremy’s re-election. ownership of the railway because the first redundancies of train we all know that privatisation drivers in the freight sector.’ ED MILIBAND began his speech at the Open Labour doesn’t work. Take the East coast. Tosh also moved a composite fringe at the Quaker Meeting House on Sunday night – The privateers couldn’t make it motion about defending and building a 21st century left – with a rather good gag. ‘I work but, under public ownership, promoting public services in the came up by train without a reservation. I wondered if, in it returned £1 billion to the Treasury. debate on the economy on the interests of party unity, I should sit on the floor.’ it’s not just right for passengers, it’s monday afternoon.

a train carriage. And ANDY McDONALD has a nice line in dry wit, too, as he people losing their jobs, showed at the Labour Transport Group fringe on ontrol of our railways unable to arrive at work Monday night. ‘The Pacers we have in the north were offered to the Kosovan government a few years ago Southern trains – on time. Is the company and they just said, Are you joking? Don’t you think we officially the country’s stripped of its contract? have enough problems here already?’ worst rail service, but a No, it gets the total nice little earner for Go- support of government CHRISTIAN WOLMAR was in wicked form at the LTG, Ahead, which to hack away at services too. ‘It all began to go wrong with the invention of the registered a £99 million and jobs, and the motor car,’ he opened. ‘Before that, transport policy was profit whilst thousands benefit of £20 million collective. About buses and trains. Then, as my new of trains were cancelled more of taxpayers’ book shows, it became all about car growth…’ He also candidly or delayed with the money, for good confessed on Tuesday that he was leaving Liverpool – by train, of approval of Tory measure! This andy promised ‘an course – a little early so he could stop off in beer town and watch ministers. Passengers Conservative end to Britain’s rip-off Burton Albion play Queen’s Park Rangers in the Sky Bet Championship, suffering unbearable government is more railways’ otherwise known as the boulevard of broken dreams. overcrowding. Parents interested in defending On the dispute at having to say train companies than COLLETTE GIBSON was well impressed when the Southern, he told goodnight to their defending passengers, journalist, author and activist Owen Smith came over to conference: ‘Look at children by phone from taxpayers and staff.’ the ASLEF train crew in Pizza Express on Tuesday lunchtime. ‘If only I were twenty years younger,’ she muttered. ‘And a different sex…’

pROGRESS has been accused of many things, but never let it be said that the Blairite rump of the Parliamentary party has no sense of irony. Its Tuesday lunchtime fringe meeting asking ‘How do we re-energise progressive centre-ground politics?’ was held at the Do3 colin smith shows Liverpool Comedy Club. solidarity with ambassadors from cuba and venezuela (above) and with John your dinner? narnia?’ QUOTE… McDonnell (right) Actually, as Kerry told ‘All political parties face the timeless dilemma of how, if at all, to balance her Twitter followers, their principles against the desire for power. Some, like New Labour, tilt it was an indian meal ‘That crew of liverpool hard cases had in almost totally towards the latter. Others, like Corbyn’s Labour, care only for – washed down with them the right stuff,’ wrote Joseph integrity. While both are perfectly coherent intellectual positions, only one italian wine, chosen conrad in Youth . ‘It’s my experience they is electable – though, as the calamity now enfolding Labour suggests, a by marz – at the always have. It is the sea that gives it – terrible price will eventually be paid for jettisoning core beliefs which forged mayur restaurant on the vastness, the loneliness, surrounding the movement in the first place.’ – Matthew Norman in The Independent Duke street. their dark stolid souls.’ …UNQUOTE

November 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 13 labour Party it’s been a hard day’s night

FTER a hard day at conference – and every day at conference was a long, hard day – Jeremy Corbyn still found time to come to a joint A ASLEF/Co-operative party reception held at the Hard Day’s Night hotel on the edge of the Cavern quarter in Liverpool. The hotel – with statues of the fab four on its façade – is just around the corner from the original Cavern Club, long closed, and several pubs, clubs, bars and shops touting for tourists by trading under the Cavern name. Music at our reception was less homage to the Beatles, more tribute to Northern soul, and a couple of members of the EC, whose tastes lean more to heavy metal thunder and blue collar rock, opted to sit out the dancing in The labour leader with aslEf’s general secretary and the officially designated quiet room… co-op Party general secretary claire Mccarthy

Bottom up not top Record passenger numbers are nothing to do with down democracy privatisation Steve Richardson spoke from the podium – mick Whelan set the record straight – and gave ‘first time delegate, first time speaker’ – on the lie to some of the lines the rDg has been Tuesday morning ‘proud to second this spinning during the party conference season – emergency motion moved by our principled in a passionate speech at a Labour Transport comrades from the TSSA.’ group fringe chaired by chris clark at circo on He said: ‘We need to remove top down monday night. democracy and avoid more damaging He said: ‘The government, and the private publicity. The proposed NEC rules changes rail operators, tell us that growth in rail, and are too important, and far too dissimilar, to record passenger numbers, are down to 20 steve addresses conference on Tuesday be treated as a single item. It is absurd that years of privatisation and the investment and they have been treated as a take it or leave it respective leader. innovation it has introduced. package, given that the proposals range ‘The Collins report was an attempt to ‘But record passenger numbers are due to from incumbents not having to seek reduce trade union influence in the Labour changes in the economy, and society, which nominations in the event of a leadership Party and so is this proposal to extend the have nothing to do with privatisation. They challenge; to new affiliations; to the explicit NEC. We in ASLEF enjoy bottom up have more to do with house prices and the ruling out of councillors’ ability to support democracy and we in the Labour Party distance people are willing to travel to work, illegal budgets; to new policy powers; to, of should be entitled to the same. I have changing family structures and wider lifestyle course, the NEC’s proposal to extend our listened to, and been inspired by, speeches shifts. administrative body by adding one front arguing for a fairer, more equal society. Now ‘research shows that poor public transport bench member of the Scottish Parliament, it’s time to campaign for individual members services prevent people from accessing key and one from the National Assembly of and affiliated organisations to be fairly local health, welfare, education and social Wales, each to be nominated by their represented in the Labour Party.’ services. it reinforces social exclusion. Little has been done to improve accessibility, cost, and FANNING THE FLAMES CITY BUILT ON SLAvES the safety of transport links. simon Weller poured a little diesel on the dying embers Liverpool was a city built, in the 18th ‘While poor public transport negatively of a rail Delivery group fringe meeting – entitled Britain century, on the back of the slave affects the employment and education runs on rail – chaired by sophy ridge of sky news on trade. it overtook Bristol and London opportunities of jobseekers, young people, monday lunchtime. The panel – Josh Hardie of the cBi; to become, as the international lone parents, older people, and people with Paul Plummer of the rDg; nick forbes, leader of slavery museum, part of the disabilities, high rail fares are a problem for newcastle city council and Labour’s Local government merseyside maritime museum on people in work, too, with transport poverty – Association group; and Anthony smith of Transport Albert Dock, candidly admits in its when people pay more than 20% of their focus – had served up platitudes to a restless audience permanent exhibition, ‘the capital of income on travelling to and from work – a before simon, speaking from the floor, ripped into the the transatlantic slave trade’. William growing issue.’ top table for failing to seriously address the problems of matthews, writing in 1794, believed: other speakers included shadow Transport freight on rail in Britain. ‘freight has collapsed,’ he said. ‘The people of Liverpool, in their secretary Andy mcDonald; London Labour ‘The number of drivers in the largest company is down indiscriminate rage for commerce mEP Lucy Anderson; TssA gs manuel cortes; from 3,000 to 1,250. freight is the only part of the railway and getting money at all events, Unite Ags Diana Holland; and journalist and that is fully privatised, red in tooth and claw, with the have nearly engrossed the trade.’ author christian Wolmar. companies cherry picking the best jobs.’ Turning to the more than 1.5 million Africans were failures of southern railways, simon told a brutal truth: moved, in manacles, and as cargo, QUOTE… ‘you have lost the trust of passengers and staff.’ on ships owned by Liverpool’s ‘A left-wing leader of a divided Labour it was quite a contrast to the panel’s earlier discussion, merchant adventurers, to the Party, a woman leading the Tories – it’s in which Paul Plummer claimed ‘Privatisation is a great Americas. ‘They will remember that like 1979, with the prospect of four success story’ and ‘passengers get great value for money.’ we were sold, but not that we were successive terms of Tory leadership. Although Josh Hardie got a dry laugh when he said, strong,’ said William Prescott, a Congratulations to all at Momentum.’ – ‘When northern rail and manchester United made the former slave, in 1937. ‘They will Guido Fawkes same profit there was speculation as to which was the remember that we were bought, but …UNQUOTE least popular with the people in Leeds…’ not that we were brave.’

14 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 Key Worker

give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free

Rodrigo Freeman Lopez, a driver with London Midland, was so moved by the plight of the men, women and children in the refugee camp at Calais that he went across the Channel to help as a volunteer. When he’s not working with the dispossessed Rodrigo runs marathons, tackles triathlons and, as he tells KEITH RICHMOND , is now planning to run a 250 mile trail race round the Thames Ring next summer

sLEf members have a long history of standing A up for those less fortunate than themselves. it’s part of the beating heart of our trade union. Train drivers banded together in 1880 – in unity is strength – for protection from employers, like the great Western railway, who had just increased the working day for drivers and firemen from 10 to 12 hours while simultaneously slashing wages. But, over the last 126 years, members also have a tradition of in the camp. no loneliness for this long standing up for those less able to ‘i’d like to go again. These are distance runner. rodrigo help themselves. people who are desperate, who swimming, cycling, rodrigo freeman Lopez was want to work, and who only want running and celebrating coming back to Britain with his to be given a chance to do with anna, Bella and Katie wife Anna and their children Bella, something with their lives.’ and helping out at the nine, and Katie, four, after a three rodrigo was born and brought refugee camp in calais week family holiday in france, up in são Paulo, the biggest city in spain and Portugal when they Brazil, but came to Britain at 19 to hooked. Although i was sick when syon Park, Uxbridge, saw the refugee camp – known as improve his English. ‘London was i finished!’ since then he’s run 15. rickmansworth, along the grand the Jungle – in calais. it looks like cold but i loved it!’ He studied for But when he picked up an Union canal, by Berkhamsted, a third world shanty town – 9,000 a BA in management, and then an injury his doctor suggested he Tring, Leighton Buzzard, impoverished men, women and LLB in Law, at Birkbeck, University swim or cycle – less pressure on Wolverton, stoke Bruerne, children squashed into a few of London, and says dryly, ‘my the legs and feet from pounding Daventry, cropredy, Banbury, acres, living in tents and wife thought i’d be a rich lawyer, the pavement – and ‘i decided that nethercott, oxford and back to improvised accommodation, not a train driver addicted to if i was swimming, cycling and streatley. without proper sanitary facilities, running!’ He worked in hotel and running then i might as well put existing on one hot meal a day catering while studying, spent them all together, in competition, A LITTLE BIT CRAZY served by charities such as calais seven months as a guard, and and do a triathlon.’ He did his first, so how does he do it? ‘you can migrant solidarity. then trained as a driver with at olney in Buckinghamshire, in have all the fitness in the world silverlink metro at Watford 2010 – ‘i remember the water in but it’s really about having a pEOpLE ARE DESpERATE Junction, getting his key in 2005. the lake was very cold’ – and strong mind, rather than a strong ‘i didn’t realise the size of the hasn’t looked back. body. Having the desire to camp,’ says rodrigo, 37, who A REAL BUZZ Last month he completed an finish.’ works for London midland Trains, ‘it was a sedentary lifestyle. i was ultra-marathon in greece – 153 He knows some people ‘think driving class 350s from Euston to driving during the day and miles from the foot of the i’m a little bit crazy’ – although rugby out of Bletchley. ‘so many studying at uni at night and i put Acropolis in Athens to sparta via running and cycling, and displaced people, in such a place, on weight. one day, when my corinth, nestani and Tegea marathons and triathlons, are far and i wanted to help.’ He went favourite jeans wouldn’t fit, i following in the footsteps of more popular than they were 20 with a group of ten volunteers for decided to do something about it Philippides in 490Bc – in 34 hours years ago – but rodrigo is a well- three days in october – working and started running.’ 21 minutes, finishing 125th out of grounded man. ‘i run four times a in the warehouse every morning, initially without the concept of 400 starters. week; cycle three times a week; helping with the distribution of competition but rodrigo found And, as if that’s not enough, and swim twice a week. i train clothes, and with the carpenters he enjoyed it and began taking it he’s now planning to run the consistently, but i’m not out building makeshift homes in the more seriously. He ran his first 10k Thames ring, a 250 mile trail race exercising all the time! And it’s afternoon – and on a subsequent race at Wembley and then, in in June that starts in goring and very social. i’m a member of the trip, in December, in the kitchens 2008, his first marathon in new does a big anti-clockwise loop, via Leighton Buzzard triathlon club providing meals for people living york. ‘i got a real buzz and i was reading, Henley, Windsor, staines, and we talk as we run.’

November 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch news vitality, energy and stamina upcoming e vents ArDiff branch was C delighted that the retired  RIppLE LANE – FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER members’ section Our Christmas gathering will take place at the LT Club, committee made a Hornchurch (District line) station, from 13.00 hrs. Everybody first visit to the welcome for a reminisce and quaff of ale. principality and i can vouch, on behalf of  NORWOOD JUNCTION – SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER the branch, that it Annual branch retired members’ buffet at Selhurst Railway was a well and truly Club. Our agm takes place at 12.30 with the buffet starting entertaining trip. rms about 14.00. Details from Daniel Bound. secretary Les muir The rMs – took to the floor for a including  HITHER GREEN – WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER very informative, and les, Tony Annual reunion from 12.0 at the Greyhound (a Wetherspoon sometimes and alan – pub) 205 High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1NY. emotional, hit cardiff presentation  Please send your all branch news, reports, features and outlining how photographs to [email protected] pensioners in Britain and other interested appallingly’. find themselves parties against a Tory The branch was struggling to make government which, very appreciative and ends meet in our having changed thanked the rms for country, which is one pension legislation all their hard work In memory of the five richest last may, has left and dedication nations in the world. pensioners finding fighting on behalf of of Gary Les explained that 2.5 that they are worse our retired members. A fitting tribute was paid to ex- million pensioners off than ever! Their undertaking Manchester Piccadilly driver Gary are struggling to We might didn’t go unnoticed Spencer, a loyal ASLEF member afford the essentials sometimes forget and the branch made who joined the driving fraternity, of life in the 21st that the rms are a small donation to and the union, in September 1985. century. ‘struggling pensioners help towards the Drivers based at Manchester to survive,’ he said. themselves but they great work they are Piccadilly employed by ‘Living on pensions have the vitality, doing on behalf of all TransPennine Express have this year delivering rates well energy and stamina pensioners. formed a golf society and our first below the poverty to campaign not only Also a big thank Gary’s widow angie shares the tournament was for the Gary line.’ on behalf of AsLEf’s you to committee trophy with Gary’s son conner Spencer Memorial Trophy. Gary The rms upholds retired members but members Alan Taylor, (below) and presents it to the leaves behind his beloved wife the aims and on behalf of all the rms treasurer, winner Billy Price (above) Angie and his son Conner. Angie objectives they have pensioners who, as and former Ags Tony was invited to this year’s set themselves by Les said on more West. presentation evening to hand the campaigning than one occasion, Garry Heath , trophy to this year’s winner, Billy alongside the TUc ‘are being treated branch secretary Price, a conductor based at Manchester Airport. TPE donated no shovels or picks in the Hall of steam £200 to the tournament, with the remaining funds being donated by A great gathering of 8A Edge Hill men, and some from neighbouring members of train crew who knew depots, at the Hall of Steam hostelry at Liverpool Lime Street station. and worked with Gary. A fine tribute No shovels or coal picks were allowed. However, great banter flowed to a loving husband, devoted father as to which locomotive driver knew that the reversing wheel was not and loyal ASLEF member. only used for going backwards, but an easement on the fireman Steve Hill and Dave Evans , trying to maintain a good fire and steam for the line ahead. Manchester piccadilly No 1 Colleagues chattered non-stop while glancing at the open door of the pub, observing the next visitor. ‘Who’s that?’ Once familiar faces, and girths, now deceptive, all led to a little amusement, to boot! The exceptions were the obvious gardeners, well sunburnt, physically fit, Sunshine at the Millgate and in fine fettle from eating their own fresh produce. sunshine greeted a full house at the Millgate, in the heart of It must be placed on record that Brother Geoff Connerty played a failsworth, where retired newton heath and Manchester key role organising this event. That indicates the years covered victoria drivers, and other grades, met up with wives and because Geoff was rostered with me frequently as second man, as I friends and former colleagues for the annual retired drivers’ was with his father, Big Bill Connerty, shovelling coal. Brothers reunion. There was an excellent buffet plus, of course, the George Hayley, Steve Mahoney and Peter Bracken should also be alcohol raffle. active and retired newton heath staff, plus mentioned in dispatches, too. other Manchester Tocs, are always welcome. our thanks to A splendid event, scheduled from 1pm, but this old fella andy Gee and John Pattinson for the organisation and to the disappeared after 5pm, unable to stand the pace. A great gathering branch, and 105 members, for their continued support. which, we hope, will only get bigger in the future. Sam Black , Newton Heath RMS W potter , Liverpool

16 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 100 Years of union

speedway star clem Beckett and poet and critic christopher caudwell fought and died for their beliefs Mick Holder turns back time to November 1916 The war bonus, and who’s paying for it, and the working day were all topics in the Journal 100 years ago from the Wall of Death pOCKETS OF THE pEOpLE to the Battle of Jarama The editor writes: ‘our members will now have been enjoying the increased war CHRIS NUTTY reviews Townsend bonus for some weeks and, while the it isn’t all doom and gloom, though; the majority will most likely look on it as a productions’ touring version of Dare play cleverly depicts these events through trade union victory, may we draw their Devil Rides to Jarama , Neil Gore’s songs and poems as well as dialogue, attention to where it is a failure. We refer to new play about the speedway star twisting and turning as the story of his life the fact that our society first set out to Clem Beckett, and the poet and critic unfolds. There’s a nice nod to george endeavour to get the government to use a Christopher Caudwell, two friends formby along the way, another Lancashire firmer hand with the profiteers so that the lad with a liking for motorbikes. who joined the International cost of living could be brought down, to on to the spanish civil War, a brutal Brigades to fight Fascism in Spain the advantage of the whole of the working conflict after general franco’s right-wing people of this country. The result, to put it HE story of a speedway rider who nationalists fought to take control of the in a nutshell, was that the government went off to fight in the spanish country from the democratic second refused to control the profit-mongering of T civil War sounds like the basis for spanish republic. The war lasted for three their friends, but offered to take some the sort of larger than life ripping yarn of years, from 1936 to 1939, and claimed more from the pockets of the people and which michael Palin would be proud. yet more than half a million lives. franco was give it as a sop to the railwaymen. While that is the true life story of clem ‘Dare Devil’ backed by Hitler and mussolini, while the we are profiting by the further taxation of Beckett, depicted in Dare Devil Rides to republican government was denied the common people, can it be said to be a Jarama , which is currently touring the UK. support because of various non-aggression victory for the people, or any portion of clem was born in oldham in 1906 and pacts. it was left to the international them, over the profit-making classes? the play takes up the story from his time as Brigades of volunteers to come to their aid. Think it over.’ a young man on the fairgrounds, riding a Britain’s brigade was made up of motorcycle on the Wall of Death, and on to communists, socialists and trade unionists AMERICANS WIN 8 HOUR DAY his successful speedway career. clem rode and included many household names such The editor congratulates ‘our American for White city, among other teams, and was as george orwell, Jack Jones, ralph fox railway friends on having won their battle instrumental in setting up sheffield Tigers and James robertson Justice. But the for the 8-hour day which, by Act of in 1929, a team that still exists today. clem legitimate, left-wing, spanish republic fell congress, will come into force in the new became politically aware, as we would say and the people there suffered from 36 year. The railway companies suggest that these days, while mending looms in years of fascist dictatorship. the 8-hour law will cost them £15,000,000 Lancashire mills; he had witnessed poor in increased wages per annum, but the working conditions and the struggle of EXHILARATING EvENING unions say the sum will not exceed trade unions to fight for workers’ rights. The sad thing is that clem’s story has many £4,000,000. in any case, we think the parallels with today’s world; austerity, companies may be able to afford it, if only BANNED FROM RIDING persecution of those of different ethnicity. out of past profits, for we note that the late He joined the communist Party and or who stand up for their rights; the rise of mr James Hill, the American railway formed a union for speedway riders in nationalism and the extreme right across magnate, left an estate worth some 30 response to the dangerous riding Europe. for those with an interest in million dollars.’ President Wilson said: ‘The conditions – and the lack of concern of the motorcycle sport the clever sets in the 8-hour day has the judgement of society hard-hearted promoters of the sport – they speedway scenes remind us of every in its favour, and should be adopted as the faced at many tracks. He fell out with the speedway or dog track to which you’ve basis for wages, even where the actual sport’s governing body, the Auto cycle ever been. neil gore’s writing is both work to be done cannot be completed Union, which was letting down riders by poignant and entertaining, and both he within 8 hours. The railroads which have not being tough enough on track owners and David Heywood’s character portrayals already adopted the 8-hour day do not for poor safety standards. This resulted in are brilliant. seem to be at a serious disadvantage in clem being banned from riding in Britain; The play stands up in its own right as a respect to their cost of operation he moved to germany, and Denmark, fascinating piece of theatre, and even if compared with the railroads that have where he met his wife Leda. Back in the UK politics or motorcycles are not really your retained the 10-hour day.” clem was active in the mass trespass at thing, i would recommend an exhilarating Kinder scout in the Peak District in 1932. evening. The play’s programme contains We now take walking these hills for more information about the story and a granted, but we should remember the small, but interesting, exhibition from the Don’t let it cost struggle that clem and his generation had international Brigades memorial Trust to gain free public access to these places. accompanies the play on its rounds. you your job!  November 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 17 only £10 +£2 p+p

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DARE DEvIL AUTUMN TOUR DATES 24 september The Place, Bedford (01234 354321; www.theplacebedford.org.uk) RIDES TO 26 september-1 october harrogate Theatre (01423 502116; [email protected]) 4 october loganlea Miners’ Welfare (01501 763354) JARAMA 5 october north Edinburgh arts (0131 315 2151) 6-7 october lowry, salford (0843 208 6000) 8 october Waterside Theatre, aylesbury (0844 871 7607) 11 october Guildhall, Derby (01332 255800; [email protected]) A new play by 12-15 october oldham coliseum (0161 624 2829; www.coliseum.org.uk) 18 october Quorn Grange hotel, Quorn, leicestershire (01509 412167) Neil Gore 19 october Peterborough Trades council (venue tbc) 20 october chilwell arts centre, Beeston (07861 308044) 21 october lansdown hall, stroud (01453 760900) ‘To you we speak, you numberless Englishmen, 22 october The seagull, lowestoft (01502 589726; www.theseagull.co.uk) To remind you of the greatness still among you 24-29 october The Bussey Building, Peckham (07949 635910) Created by these men who go from our towns 30 october Marx Memorial library, london (0207 253 1485) To fight for peace, for liberty, and for you.’ 1 november hertford Theatre (01992 531500; www.hertfordtheatre.com) 2 november Wedgwood rooms, southsea (02392 863911) 3 november Plough arts centre, Great Torrington (01805 624624; clem Beckett and christopher caudwell were two www.theploughartscentre.org.uk) such men. Moved by most spaniards’ determination 4 november Dorchester arts centre (01305 266926; to defend themselves against franco, hitler and www.dorchesterarts.org.uk) Mussolini, they crossed the Pyrenees to fight for 5 november Bridport arts centre (01308 424204; www.bridport-arts.com) democracy and against fascism in spain. clem ‘Dare 7 november Theatre royal, Margate (01843 292795; Devil’ Beckett, the rugged speedway star, and [email protected]) christopher caudwell, poet and literary critic, were 10 november The civic, Barnsley (01226 327000) 11 november Withal hall, Barnard castle unlikely friends; but a common cause brought them 12 november cast, Doncaster (01302 303 959; castindoncaster.com) together and they fought and died at a machinegun 13 november severn Theatre, shrewsbury (01743 281281; post covering their battalion’s retreat at the Battle of www.theatresevern.co.uk) Jarama in 1937. 14-19 november lantern Theatre, sheffield (0114 255 1776; commissioned by the International Brigades www.lanterntheatre.org.uk) Memorial Trust, Dare Devil Rides to Jarama tells the 22-23 november st Michael’s Irish centre, liverpool (0151 263 1808; story of the British and Irish volunteers in the brutal www.stmichaelsirishcentre.org) 24-26 november Yorkshire rural touring scheme (venues tbc) civil War in spain, capturing the idealistic hopes and 30 november The Place, Bedford (01234 718112; www.theplacebedford.org.uk) dreams, raw passions, fear and anger in a powerful 1 December square chapel, halifax (01422 349422; www.squarechapel.co.uk) new drama which features stirring songs, poetry and 2 December The hat factory, luton (01582 878100) flamenco dance. 3 December ruskin college, oxford (01865 759600; www.ruskin.ac.uk)

18 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 obituaries

STEvE KINGSTON FIGHTER TO THE END Ec and a cheque from the steve’s funeral service was held hardship fund sent to steve. at st Agnes church in reddish on it is with great sadness that i have about his own health. A real i would like to pass on the 12 August. it was standing room to inform you of the passing of fighter to the end. sincerest of thanks on behalf of only, packed out with family, our Brother stephen Kingston He was with DB schenker steve’s family to all branches that friends and colleagues, showing who passed away peacefully at cargo at Peak forest for less than contributed. i know how what a popular and loving bloke home, surrounded by his loving 12 months when he was humbled steve was by the steve was. This service was family, on 3 August. steve – Kingo diagnosed in 2015 (he previously donations, and the well wishes followed by a burial at gorton to his mates – was just 50 years worked for northern rail at sent with them, as well as the cemetery and a wake at the Lazy and had fought a brave, year-long manchester victoria) and due to cards and phone calls he received. Toad in Droylsden. The pub was battle with lymphoma; one he his limited service on the freight His wife and children are also packed and many a glass raised in ultimately couldn’t win. Always side ill health benefits were at a eternally grateful for the way you memory of Kingo. positive, always a smile, always minimum. A national appeal to helped them through this difficult paul Costello , Buxton & peak rather ask how you were than talk branches was sanctioned by the time. Forest branch

pAUL BARBER TOp GEEZER SID BROWN i knew Paul for 20 years, and got to know him a RUN ONE IN FOR YOU lot better after we both ended up working for crosscountry; we had some great laughs Bedford depot was shocked by the together, and he was there for me when i sudden demise of sid Brown, one of the needed a friend. After my move to Bristol we Polmadie 8 who came here when made kept in touch and would regularly hook up for redundant 20 years ago; he was the last drinks in Brighton. Paul and his wife maria were remaining after the others graduated due to visit in June but a week before i got a back to scotland. phone call saying he had been diagnosed with sid was a very popular, unassuming lung cancer. i arranged to meet Paul in the man who came to work, got on with it Basket makers a couple of weeks later, where and went home. for a very short time we sat in the sunshine talking about the he joined GB railfreight at sid: one of the Polmadie 8 troubled times that lay ahead, and all sorts of Wellingborough but found it not to his other shite; we had a great few hours, liking so returned ‘home’ to Bedford. much to the liking of his colleagues. our exchanged gifts and said our goodbyes. Little after a period of ill health he came thoughts are with his family back in did i know it would be for the last time. The back as a shed driver where he was Glasgow where he was laid to rest. next seven weeks passed with texts and phone always willing to ‘run one in for you’ Bill Davies , RMS, Bedford calls, then all of a sudden it ended with a phone call while i was in Plymouth. Paul was a very private person; he didn’t want a funeral but wanted his body used for medical science. JAMES NORTHEY THE RIvER GANG IN SOMERSET The speed his death happened stopped him Ex-Launceston, Taunton and Bristol Bath road driver Jim northey passed from having his wish so he had the next best away on 8 July 2016. He was 80. Jim was a Western man, starting his career thing, as maria, said ‘Bowie-esque’. All the best at Launceston in cornwall as a cleaner. He joined AsLEf in 1955 and Paul, you will never be forgotten, top geezer. remained a loyal member for 45 years. He was promoted to fireman and Andy Gregg , Bristol moved to Taunton to take up this position. During his time in somerset a gang of fellow firemen and cleaners decided to have a night out in Burrowbridge. Whilst there the local youths took a dislike to this invasion of WILLIAM DAvENpORT their manor. A confrontation and altercation took place with the Taunton Bill Davenport, who began his life on the lads coming off worse and ending up in the river Parrett! from here on in footplate at newton heath in 1953, moving cornish dragon they were known as the river gang! to Manchester victoria as a driver instructor, Jim moved back to Launceston until the depot closed in the early 1960s as part of the and who then retired to Poole in Dorset, has Beeching cuts. He moved to Bristol Bath road diesel depot as a relief driver, eventually getting his died at the age of 84. driver’s job in 1985. Jim progressed through the links to the top links, ending up working for Sam Black , Newton Heath RMS great Western Hss following the depot split. He retired in 2000 after almost 50 years in the industry. He was often late for work but always did his fair share! MALCOLM TAIT Jim had green fingers; his garden was his pride and joy. He was also a great animal lover, retired Doncaster driver malcolm Tait passed especially his cat, who followed him everywhere. He will be much missed by his wife Joan, away after a short illness at the age of 71. malc daughter Teresa, family, friends and former work mates. was a friendly bloke, a good mate, with a Bernard Kennedy , Bristol branch secretary wicked sense of humour, who could find the best in any situation. He was also a dedicated ROY CORDY and knowledgeable railwayman, working as a shunter, guard and driver in a 40 year career. roy cordy, a great Western man working at st Philip’s K Beresford , Doncaster branch secretary marsh and Bath road depots, died on 15 April at the age of 87. He progressed through the ranks as cleaner, fireman and, finally, driver in the mid-1950s. He became an ANDREW MUIR instructor driver in the late 1980s, towards the end of his andy Muir, who started his footplate career railway career, and many drivers of my seniority benefited in november 1947 at newton heath shed, from his vast railway knowledge. roy retired in the early later moving to Manchester victoria, has 1990s before the depot splits and privatisation. died at 86. roy moved through the ranks Bernard Kennedy , Bristol Sam Black , Newton Heath RMS

November 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 19 letters

We welcome letters, either by email to [email protected] or by Royal Mail to ASLEF Journal at THAT’S EXACTLY HOW 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN . The writer of our star letter THE TORIES LIKE IT wins a rich range of ASLEF regalia. The Tories, led by unelected Prime Minister Theresa May, are clearly Remember paddington still the nasty party. i wanted to write and offer my voice in support Their conference slogan of your dispute with southern on the was ‘a country that works anniversary of the Paddington train crash 17 for everyone’, but the years ago. As a survivor of the crash, in which opposite is true. They 31 died, and countless others were burnt and claim to have brought injured, i am only too aware of the role of the down the deficit, but guard/conductor. colin, our guard, helped have missed all their many people and in my eyes was a hero, economic targets, whilst directing many survivors to safety. What did the country’s debt has the drivers do you may ask? doubled. They claim that Theresa May makes a point at the conservative Party sadly Brian cooper, 52, a father of three more people are in work, conference in Birmingham from Hayes in middlesex, the driver of the yet zero hours contracts grammar schools is policy that has great Western intercity train, and michael and welfare sanctions threatening segregation frightening undertones Hodder, 31, a father of two from reading, are at an all-time high. instead of integration in of the darkest days in Berkshire, and the Thames Trains driver, were They claim 1.5 million education. European history back in both immediately killed which, for me, more children are in The nhs is on the the 1930s and ’40s. The underlines the deep importance of guards in good or outstanding brink of collapse with a nasty party is clearly the event of a serious incident. We must not schools, yet schools are £2.45 billion deficit, alive and well. forget, either, that the incident was caused by suffering from chronic whilst the Duke of This country doesn’t lazy management and lack of communication. underfunding, being Westminster uses tax work for everyone as i wish you well in your endeavours. forced to consider loopholes to avoid Theresa May suggests. It Helen Mitchell , Stroud reductions in the school paying £3.6 billion in is deeply divided; the week, and being taxes, which is obscene. rich and powerful are Rush to single manning financially driven to take add the deliberately protected, whilst the rest up the option of I find it impossible to understand the rush divisive and frightening of society is attacked and becoming profit-making by Govia Thameslink railway to enforce thoughts of a home weakened, and that’s privately-owned single manning on electric trains to take secretary with ideas like exactly how the Tories academies. and now the hundreds of people in up to 12 coaches to getting employers to list like it. promise of more Gatwick and perhaps on the Brighton route all foreign workers – a John Metcalfe , Carlisle – hardly a branch line – as well accompanied by only one GTr employee – the driver. conditions by cutting services; and is gore would never have taken that route. Why It begs the question why GTr – with its bringing unfruitful, but provocative, is that so important? Tom Watson summed it high court high-handedness – is risking actions against employees. up with his conference speech highlighting injury or death to trusting passengers; is Barry vaughan, Kingsbridge the fantastic positives from 1997 to 2010. But trying to single man train sets in arrogant Tony Blair’s support for the iraq war put us on ignorance of 100 years of safety lessons; is, the defensive, blinded us to our achievements, by bad management, disrupting franchise What a legacy we leave and divided us along the lines of Blairite v the may i say thank you to Bros chris george and rest. Also, we did not praise gordon Brown’s robert o’connell (Journal, october)? Although recovery plan. nationalisation of the banks, our 2016 poppy they disagree with me, and without seeming copied practically throughout the world, saved badge commemorates to be patronising, i respect their sincerely held the financial system from complete collapse. A remembrance Day – views. However, it is not right that we lost master stroke i hope one day will receive the originally to mark the power because we were not left-wing enough. recognition it deserves. moment, at the 11th Ed miliband was left, maybe not left enough Blair was wrong, as i was when i gave up hour of the 11th day of the 11th for some of you, and the trade union my adult life membership of the party because month – when the armistice was movement’s choice for Labour Party leader. it he took us to war. my mistake was that Tony signed between the allies and the was our failure to nail the Tory lie that we were Blair was not the Labour Party; our mistake central Powers at the end of the the architects of the financial crises that led to was to contemplate our own navels and forget Great War. now Poppy Day is a the electorate refusing to trust us with the all the good that was done during our time in moment to remember all members economy. government. it is encouraging that an old fart of the armed forces who died in the Without the corrupt Us presidential like me can still stimulate debate. Thanks for line of duty. £4 (inc p&p); email election in 2000, when the vote in florida that; it keeps the old brain cells from seizing [email protected] or visit our (where Jeb Bush was governor) foisted george up. online shop at www.aslef.org.uk W Bush and Dick cheney on the free world, Just heard the Pm, so it’s now official. it was there would never have been war in iraq; Al about immigration after all. no freedom of

20 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 classified advertisements

movement at the expense of free trade with cavalier – who attended reunions regularly GLASGOW branch 125 the EU, reflected in the fall of sterling to a 35 until he passed away last year. The majority of year celebration badge. £4 year low, and it won’t stop there. What a legacy members who attended were former Br including p&p. Contact we leave our children and grandchildren... drivers; i fear a great division could open up in ASLEF’s Glasgow branch Len Worboys , RMS, 63 years in ASLEF future years if train drivers of all ages don’t mix secretary John McCue at together at social events and branch meetings. [email protected] p Begley , Bedford Denis, menace and media DAVE EAST has some badges to Did Denis Parker ( Journal , october) really sell to raise money for preservation believe the headlines in the national press Did you work a Class 40? and repaint of Phase One 4 CIG saying that £353 million spent on the Eu Did you work on class 40 diesel 1753 named Chris Green in August. £5 + £1 p&p. Please send cheques payable would go to our wonderful nhs if we left? locomotives? I am a signalman with nr to Network South East Railway Society to NSERS, Perhaps the other promises or threats from although my father and grandfather were 41 Highfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 6DD. nigel and Boris swayed his thinking? Does both drivers – my father was aslEf for just he not realise the refugee camps in france under 50 years and my late grandfather for GWR NIGHT RIVIERA SLEEPER are only there because of an agreement 42 – and I’m looking for information to add badge £7 + £2 recorded postage from between the British and french to my website www.class40motherlist.com. Greg Burton. PayPal payment to governments? That as soon as we leave the stories, pictures, workings, anything at all [email protected] Eu the french are well within their rights to to do with these engines. You can email me stop policing the Jungle as it is called? so it at [email protected] or write to me. OAKS MEMORIAL wasn’t really Project fear – Mr Parker’s Alan Wilson , 37 Hillside Road, Stratford on commemorative badge honouring term, not mine – but someone trying to get Avon, Warwickshire, Cv37 9EB 361 miners killed in an explosion at the Oaks colliery near some realism through to the readers of the Barnsley on 12 December 1866. Daily Fail , Daily Excess and The Scum . £3 from [email protected] Stuart parry , RMS Those Tory Brexiteers The AsLEf Journal (september) refers to LONGSIGHT badges to michael gove as one of the ‘Tory Brexiteers’. When the facts change… mark 125th anniversary. £5 + The three government ministers heading £1 p&p. Also a bespoke tie at given Diane Abbott’s recent outburst that Brexit negotiations are David Davis, secretary £8 + £1 p&p. Contact Jim anyone who voted for Brexit is a racist – she of state for Exiting the European Union; Liam Hopkins on 07810 564804 or said ‘People who complain about freedom of fox, secretary of state for international Trade; [email protected] for details. movement will not be satisfied because what and Boris Johnson, secretary of state for they really want is to see fewer foreign-looking foreign and commonwealth Affairs. michael BESPOKE CUSHIONS Hand people on their streets’ – maybe AsLEf should gove has no position in Prime minister Theresa made 40cm square cushions of consider its position, given it backed the vote may’s new cabinet. railway engines and carriages. to leave the EU? some months ago i thought Stephen Norton , RMS £50. Call Abi on 07954 659849 or email me at Jeremy corbyn was a breath of fresh air but, to [email protected] quote John maynard Keynes, ‘When the facts  no, michael gove doesn’t. But he played a change, i change my mind. What do you do, big part in the referendum campaign – the SALTLEY 023 branch badge. £4 sir?’ i think we have to face the fact that Labour debate leading up to the vote on 23 June – inc p&p. Contact Michael may well be out of power till 2030! and is an influential figure in the conservative Clatworthy by email Simon Jackson , Tonbridge Party. His wife sarah vine is a columnist on [email protected] the Daily Mail . or by mobile on 07786 338650. This poison is pathetic PROfESSIONAL ENGRAVING at I have been a member of aslEf since 1965. Thank you Stuart and phil sensible prices. I can engrave anything Yes, those of you who can count will realise Thanks to all my friends and colleagues for you wish, such as the ASLEF logo on that I have been a member for more than 51 their support during my recent illness. My the pint tankard. Contact Paul Potts by years, which means I am over 65. and I bet wife and I particularly wish to thank my lDc email at [email protected] you know what’s coming? Yes, you’ve reps, stuart armour and Phil Mieleszko, guessed it! I work for that deplorable without whose help I wouldn’t be on my ON LOAN from British Rail hard company West coast railways, the only way back to the driving seat. enamel badge. Individually numbered, train company in Britain that has incidents Antony Cornwall brooch fastening. £6 + £1 p&p from – sPaDs, overruns, failure to call, opening [email protected] doors on an eight coach train that’s Thank you, Thompsons standing in a four coach platform, etc, etc – PD (Paddington depot) badge £5 + £2 that no other company has. This poison i was a driver at grangemouth, with 46 years’ recorded postage from Greg Burton. towards Wcrc is pathetic. Do those people service, and would like to thank you very much PayPal payment to intercityexpress125 like Mick Whelan and Tosh McBranson – for all your assistance with Thompsons @hotmail.co.uk sorry, McDonald – who want to close West solicitors in obtaining a settlement for my coast railways not realise it is staffed by asbestos claim. The cheque for £9,000 is BLAND ENCOUNTER by Donald fully competent time-served footplatemen greatly appreciated. Wightman is a comedy novel about risqué encounters on the railways. A sadly missing on the modern railway? patrick Connochie , Clackmannanshire donation from the sale of each book D Blair , Hartlepool will be made to the Royal British Lucky European number Legion and Help for Heroes. Paperback The Laughing Cavalier My apologies. I scribed an incorrect £7.99 ebook £3.95 from www.amazon.co.uk How nice it was to socialise with my former reference regarding driver training in my workmates at the King’s cross branch annual letter ( Journal , october). It should be To advertise please phone 020 7324 2400 reunion and tell a tale or two. sadly missed, statutory instrument 1798 not 1758. or send an email to [email protected] the hearty laugh of Jack crate – the Laughing Nige ‘Bomber’ Harris , plymouth

November 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 21 last Word

of the unhealthy relationship between gTr and the DfT, which extends to the very top. i wrote to sue gray, director general of propriety and ethics in the civil service, who Covering up eventually agreed to investigate if rutnam had endorsed a falsehood to the cabinet office and the public to cover up the cosy pAUL DAvIES , managing London surface transport – and a colleague of relationship. i twice had to formally complain director of a management Philip rutnam. i saw that the contract to run about her prevarication – her repeated failures consultancy, reveals the Thameslink wasn’t actually a franchise – but a to report back – with no response. she finally cosy relationship between management contract. This meant that govia wrote back at the end of July rejecting my could do what it liked but faced no financial Govia Thameslink Railway complaints without mentioning what the risk – it just got paid. complaints were about! sue gray, you might and the Department for Transport not be surprised to learn, has also been at the WORST pERFORMING COMpANIES DfT – and is a former colleague of Philip HErE is undoubtedly a cosy charles Horton, who had run southern Trains, rutnam. relationship between the and then southeastern, both among the worst i wrote to sir Jeremy Heywood complaining T Department for Transport and govia performing train companies for passengers, about the cosy relationship between govia Thameslink railway but perhaps more now runs gTr – which is absolutely the worst and the DfT. i received a letter back, on behalf worrying are the attempts to cover up this performing company. Peter Wilkinson, who of sir Jeremy and mr gummer, which denied unhealthy alliance – now orchestrated at the top of the civil service and including the cabinet secretary, sir Jeremy Heywood, and the government in the form of the minister for the cabinet office, Ben gummer. Compare and contrast these pictures We all have an interest in this – because it appears that the government, and the DfT, are using the relationship with gTr to bully the train company’s staff and, as the service deteriorates, to blame the unions to cover up an unhealthy relationship between civil servants and a private company.

WEB OF FALSE INFORMATION i started to unravel this cosy relationship, between govia and the DfT, over what seemed to be initially a fairly trivial matter – the independent Penalty fares Appeals service. Parliament required that if penalty compare and contrast: the first class carriage in which the passenger inadvertently fares were introduced, there should be an sat (left) and the carriage (right) as the company falsely claimed it looked independent appeals service. But it turns out that iPfAs is anything but independent – in This is an example of GTR’s duplicity. To try and defend the way the company, in fact it is run as an integral part of southeastern heavy-handed fashion, issued a penalty fare to a passenger who inadvertently Trains – owned, like southern, by govia. To sat in first class with a standard class ticket, Southern maliciously, misleadingly cover this up the DfT and its Permanent and deliberately issued a photo of a first class compartment from a different secretary Philip rutnam created a web of false carriage configuration, showing sliding doors on the compartment, first class information including the statement that decals on the glass, and antimacassars on the seats. The real first class iPfAs was a separate business unit and then compartment had no doors, no decals and no antimacassars on most of the ‘an arm’s length subsidiary’. Even though he seats. knew neither statement was true, Philip rutnam has refused to respond to requests to correct them. worked with govia to win the gTr contract, is that my complaints had been suppressed. That nick Bisson, then Director for rail, now employed by the DfT – on a salary of letter, though, contained no facts. my eventually admitted that every time a penalty £265,000 – to manage that contract which is, complaints were not dealt with, just denied. fare appeal is turned down, executives of clearly, a conflict of interest. Wilkinson then set govia personally benefit financially – with the about insulting the staff to exacerbate an INDEpENDENT INQUIRY blessing of the DfT. A DfT official also admitted industrial dispute as a way of disguising the What i have uncovered is a cosy relationship that if an appeal is upheld, govia’s executives appalling service that gTr provide. no one and a scandalous cover up which means that still benefit financially as the DfT has outside the DfT, and civil service, believes govia and its executives profit unfairly, that authorised govia to charge an ‘administration govia should be allowed to run Thameslink – govia is allowed to run an appalling train fee’. but rutnam is determined to protect govia, service regardless of the misery inflicted on This is when i started to smell ‘something and Brown and Horton, at all costs. passengers and staff, and that senior civil rotten in the state of Denmark’. i seemed to be i got nowhere with my complaints to the servants believe they can act and behave scratching on the surface of a major scandal – DfT, so i wrote to the chief executive of the appallingly, without public accountability. if the DfT were prepared to help govia’s civil service, John manzoni. He refused to do meanwhile the reputation of our railway is executives make money secretly here – what anything about the falsehoods authorised by being trashed. else was going on? rutnam, on the grounds that this was We should all demand an independent i started to dig deeper and found that government policy on the railways, and that inquiry – so we can lay bare the appalling David Brown, chief executive of govia, on a my complaints had already been dealt with. i scandal at the heart of this relationship base salary of £2,160,000, used to be head of began to see that there was an active cover up between govia and the DfT.

22 The ASLEF Journal l November 2016 on Track Prize crossword

Prize Crossword 127 by Tom Williams across Down 1 Elite university city 1 freshwater WHAT’S LEFT? 7 fang mammal 8 A hoard of riches 2 Wood varnish (6, 6) THis should be a defining moment for 9 firearm with 3 Twice as much progressive politicians. The economic spirally grooved 4 rear of a boat orthodoxy has failed. barrel 5 maker or seller Mariana Mazzucato , professor in the 10 Wealthy of sweets Economics of Innovation , Sussex 12 gap or cavity 6 sewing cotton University 13 sharp and sour 11 garden tool f 14 sleeveless cloak or weeding since 2010 Tory and UKiP masters of 15 flat-bottomed 13 Termite misdirection have performed an boat 14 Humour extraordinary mirror trick by directing 17 slight tinge or hue 15 short flat- fury away from the right-wing economics 19 Back tooth bladed oar that caused the poverty, austerity and 20 Assembly of 16 Turf food banks we see, towards poor people, spectators 18 Extremely small here and abroad – immigrants, welfare 21 Wipes furniture or ----- weeny claimants, disabled people. with a cloth solution to crossword 126 Ros Wynne-Jones , Daily Mirror 22 get-up-and-go across: 1 Pocket money 7 Plot 8 Penguin 9 Tie 10 spire 11 Desert 13 fishes 16 sharp 18 Eel Politicians in all parties pay lip service to 19 raisins 20 Aide 21 sagittarius Disraeli’s ideal of one nation. But almost Down: 1 Palace 2 cattle 3 Expert 4 minus nobody believes that Westminster speaks name...... 5 nourish 6 yankees 11 Desires 12 soaking for the common values of our nation any 13 fiesta 14 salami 15 Exodus 17 Point longer and, without that, democratic Address...... politics is inert. congratulations to John cooper , Marc Stears , chief executive , the New of Burbage , leicestershire , ...... Economics Foundation who was last month’s winner. The winner of this month’s Prize in the sunny Blairite days it was possible crossword will receive marks & ...... to believe that everyone would be a spencer vouchers to the value of £25 winner. That belief became unsustainable ...... after 2008. The economic crash  You can see more of Tom Williams’s discredited the Blairites and disoriented crosswords, word games and puzzles at the Labour Party. Postcode...... wordgames.co.uk Gary Gerstle , paul Mellon professor of American History at Cambridge Thanks for all your responses to the 126th prize crossword in the October edition of the ASLEF University Journal . If you successfully complete this month’s crossword please send the solution to the Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN by 14 November There is a growing divide of social values in British politics which splits the left’s core electorate down the middle and Labour, at present, has no effective strategy to address it. The young ASLEF’s legal services embrace immigration and diversity as If you are being harassed at work, bullied or discriminated against, and beneficial while older voters are more if your local, branch or district rep is unavailable, call the industrial attached to old forms of national and relations department at union headquarters (020 7324 2400) or email local identity and see immigration and [email protected]. If you are arrested or interviewed by police and need diversity as a threat. Robert Ford , professor of political legal assistance – day or night – call the members’ emergency hotline on Science at Manchester University 0800 587 7530. aslEf also provides first class legal advice free for members and dependents. The left was rooted in big factories, and an even bigger working-class, in cohesive nation states, all of which have become irrelevant. Neal Lawson , chair, Compass changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form

The idea that Jeremy corbyn’s mass rallies name...... augur well for Labour’s electoral prospects reminds me of what i call the Address...... John Peel mistake when, circa 1969, he ...... wondered why one of his favourite albums was not in the charts. ‘Everyone i Postcode ...... Telephone...... know’s got a copy,’ he said. Back came the reply, ‘no. you just know everyone who’s Branch...... membership no...... got a copy.’ John Harris , The Guardian Please return coupon to: AsLEf, 77 st John street, clerkenwell, London, Ec1m 4nn

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