ASLEFJOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2021 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen Free to members Heart of the union: Nick Whitehead Graham Walker Steve Wright Steve Meredith

Chris Proctor walks the walk with the rent boys of politics; Julian Vaughan : it’s time for the Labour Party to adopt PR; The train drivers ’ and ASLEF’s new website and database is up and running union since 1880 railway enginemen’ s tax fr ee saver plans

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@RailwayEnginemens Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authorit y. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authorit y. Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 ASLEF GS Mick Whelan JOURNAL Putting up fares The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen

won’t raise footfall ‘It’s good that they are passengers again, rather on the railway than customers, but…’

OR all of you who, for a year and a half, have gone about your job each day putting the travelling public – key workers, especially – and our communities, F and nation, first – moving food and medicines at the most difficult of times – there are now two major concerns (although I’m sure there are many others, as well). First, where is the recognition and even a thimbleful of thanks? We should not be surprised, though. Look at how those heroes of the NHS, and other frontline workers, have been treated. Where is an acknowledgement of all those in shops, transport, care, and other occupations too numerous to mention? A young Nick Whitehead in 1982 and running D4 today Second, let’s contract the industry, putting up fares to make it less attractive to use, whilst talking about regaining confidence and footfall, with faux initiatives around News flexi season tickets that are, in reality, more expensive. Reliance on a changing balance between commuter and business travel, and leisure travel, cannot be relied upon. l ASLEF in action at a virtual TUC this month 4 Because when people can travel abroad again easily they will revert from the l Finn Brennan was ready to rock for LBC but 5 ‘staycation model’ unless we can give them a real offer as an industry that is affordable, the show’s presenter was too busy playing flexible, and long-term to create long-term demand for rail travel here in the UK. tennis. Off the Rails: Iain Dale is told to take The odd loss leader is not enough and there is nothing, at this time, arising out of a bus; Sir Robert Mark, Cressida Dick, and Williams that allows or facilitates the change from the old mentality – where certain corrupt coppers; Angus Lapsley drops a brick; tickets can only be used on certain operators – even though the government now bears and Nicholas Soames questions his grandpa the revenue risk. It’s nice that we are calling people passengers again – rather than customers – but, in our experience, that translates into lower, not better, standards. l ASLEF’s delegates on track at London Labour 6 Although we would love to be proved wrong… We will always recognise the government for stepping in quickly when the l Scotland falls silent to remember Stonehaven 7 industry model – created by them, and which was already collapsing – gave up the l The government needs to step up for Eurostar 8 ghost under covid, but it is what the people of this country had a right to demand and Features expect. After all, the people of this country have paid for every inch of rail, every station, and every new coach or train, only to see those railways – paid for by the many – l Danielle Bett responds to Hussein Ezzedine’s 10 exploited for a private profit by the few. And it remains a people’s railway despite the – article on the plight of the Palestinians and now recognised, even by the Tories – abject failure of privatisation. explains why Israel has the right to exist When we ask what the Prime Minister or Transport Minister mean by keeping the best of the privatised railway we cannot get a definitive answer, other than the l Jen Thornton on ASLEF’s new website 11 snide comment, ‘Well, you lot have done rather well out of it’. If we, as drivers, are the only success of privatisation then we should remind anyone who asks that we paid for DO4 Nick Whitehead, who steps down this 12-13 l everything we have with productivity and flexibility. No one gave us anything. Why month after 18 years in position, reflects would they? But then the privateers – who say they believe in a free market – do not on his life on the railway and in this union believe their philosophy applies to workers who only have our time and skills to sell! Eleven years of austerity, followed by covid… I believe we are going to need all our l Gregor Gall detects the dark shadow of an 14 authoritarian hand in this Tory government strength, unity, and resilience for the challenges ahead. We are still in the midst of a worldwide pandemic and the richer nations are l Chris Proctor on political spin doctors – who 15 going to have to help with the vaccination of the poorer nations or we will never get Ken Follett calls ‘the rent boys of politics’ back to a degree of normality. Normality seems to be the new watchword in our industry with many seeming to think we can return to all pre-pandemic arrangements Regulars tomorrow. Well, we can’t. Every process we have put in place, according to the ORR standard that has to be reassessed, and that is to a standard better than ALARP, to see if l Branch Lines 16-17 it should be retained and, of course, we should also have the opportunity to do better if l Obituaries 19 required. We finally have train and cab cleaning to the standard it should have always l Letters 20 been and my belief is that it should remain as covid is not gone. Mandatory wearing of masks should have been retained across all forms of rail and confusion will happen in Julian Vaughan, Tube train driver and two-time 21 l multi-user stations, especially with Tube or metro connectivity, and we can already see Labour candidate, explains why he wants the party the drop in standards of the travelling public on a daily basis. Let’s not rush back to the to adopt proportional representation as policy old normal, and stay safely behind the curve as we open up, as that is one of the things that will help build passenger confidence in our industry. l Chris Longley on a journey into the heart of 22 darkness of Billy Wilder’s family history I want to pay tribute to Nick Whitehead , who retires after 18 years as District 4 Secretary, and was active at branch, AAD, and LDC before being elected district officer. l On Track: As Brighton rocks for Labour, we 23 Members owe much to his energy, commitment, and quiet determination. remember the founding of the party in 1900; My thanks have consistently gone to the executive committee, officers, Crossword; and your Change of Address form representatives, and staff during the pandemic and they have been wonderful, but each and every one of us is here to serve you, the members. Each and every one of you, EDIToR Mick Whelan, general secretary l DESIgNER Michael Cronin as a member of ASLEF, has served your country, community, and the railway family PRINTER College Hill Press, London, SW19 4HE l ADvERTISINg ASLEF during the most difficult and trying of times, that are not over yet, so may I take this Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 020 7324 2407 or [email protected] l clASSIFIED ADS opportunity to express my thanks and pride in you all. Please be safe, colleagues… [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a display or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of Yours fraternally, that product or service by ASLEF. Mick Whelan, general secretary, ASLEF

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News

the strongest levers available to the public Rail will play an essential sector. Public bodies from the NHS to local councils to central government procure a part in Britain’s recovery range of goods and services every day. The SLEF is taking two motions to the rules and guidelines governing these 153rd annual Trades Union Congress processes are important to ensure that high A to be held, virtually and online, this quality jobs are protected in the UK and that month from Sunday 12 to Tuesday 14 goods and services used here are made here. September. One is on rail, climate, and the ‘Ensuring that goods and services procured post-pandemic recovery; the other about using by the public sector are produced in the UK public procurement to create and protect high will benefit efforts to tackle the climate crisis, quality jobs here in Britain. as shorter supply chains mean fewer carbon ‘While the coronavirus crisis has, rightly, gS Mick Whelan moves an ASlEF motion at emissions. Using more carbon-efficient been the focus for governments around the the TUc in Brighton in 2019 – the last time infrastructure, such as rail freight, will have an world over the last two years, the climate the Trades Union congress met face to face even more significant impact on the amount of change crisis has not disappeared,’ says GS Mick including rail freight, which results in 76% carbon expended. Strong procurement rules Whelan. ‘Public transport use collapsed during lower emissions than the equivalent road and guidelines should stipulate that the pandemic, as people were told to stay at journey. We call on the general council to companies receiving public money must home. The financial cost of the pandemic campaign for more rail investment, not cuts; operate to a high standard of workers’ rights cannot be met with more failed austerity for investment in low carbon transport for a and employment conditions, and recognise a measures, but by growing our economy, in a green economy; and to campaign for the safe trade union. We believe the government way that not only doesn’t exacerbate the return of passengers to public transport.’ should work to protect British jobs and British climate crisis, but reduces carbon emissions. On ASLEF’s other motion, the GS explains: goods to ensure fair and high quality ‘Rail is an essential part of a green economy, ‘Procurement of goods and services is one of employment for all.’

TWEETS OF THE MONTH

ASLEF slams savage ScotRail cuts Great to visit the new Elizabeth line ASLEF has attacked plans by ScotRail to cut 300 services a day from pre- station to hear about the work MTR pandemic levels. Kevin Lindsay, our organiser in Scotland, said: ‘It is extremely and @ASLEFUnion are doing together to disappointing that Abellio appears to be trying to set the agenda for the future create good well-paid job opportunities for of Scotland’s railway. Reduced services, higher fares, and job cuts are a disaster women and other under-represented for ScotRail passengers – now and in the future – and I’m sure passengers and groups in the rail industry. workers will stand up to these unnecessary cuts. And if the Scottish @RachelReevesMP government is serious about reducing Scotland’s carbon footprint it needs to be clear that there will no cuts to our railway.’ They might have incentivised Neil Bibby, Scottish Labour’s transport spokesman, said: ‘We cannot build returning to the office by keeping rail back from the covid crisis or meet Scotland’s net-zero ambitions with a fares low. Steve Chambers @respros diminished rail network.’ Dominic Raab, ‘too busy’ on holiday in Crete to help brave Afghan TUC 2022: Next year’s Trades Union Congress translators, will be sweating a In memoriam – which, unlike this month’s virtual congress, holidaymaker at the five star resort should be face to face, not online – is snapped the Foreign Secretary sipping a ASLEF’s 2021 scheduled from Sunday 4 to Wednesday 7 pina colada on a sun lounger. poppy badge, September 2022. @Kevin_Maguire honouring those who lost their After Marcus Rashford and lifeboats lives on active Ever since I was a young boy I’m genuinely excited to see what the service for their ‘In Flanders fields the I’ve played the silver ball culture warriors try to go after today. country, is poppies blow’ Starving orphans? Puppies? The Dalai available in two versions: a traditional red from Soho down to Brighton Lama? Alan White @aljwhite poppy, worn since 1921 to commemorate those who died in the Great War, and a Keep up the great work @RNLI white pacifist poppy, first made by the Co- because, as some of your disparagers operative Women’s Guild in 1933 and then repeatedly told us, All Lives Matter. by the Peace Pledge Union for the No More @GaryLineker War movement. £6 each (inc p&p) with all proceeds from the red badges going to the Royal British Legion and from the white badges to Veterans for Peace. Please order through our online shop, which reopens QUOTE… this month, or email your order to ‘It feels as if it has all been for nothing’ – The party will be, ahem, piering (or peering) [email protected] specifying which poppy Dan Jarvis Labour MP for Barnsley into the future with Keir Starmer this month (and how many) you want. Badges will be Central, and Mayor of South sent out once payment is made. The Labour Party conference – the first to Yorkshire, who served in the be held, face to face, since Keir Starmer Parachute Regiment from 1997 to AAD: ASLEF’s annual assembly of delegates was elected leader in April last year – will 2011 including tours in Afghanistan will be held at the Highcliff Marriott Hotel in be held, in Brighton, this month from …UNQUOTE Bournemouth from 16 to 20 May next year. Saturday 25 to Wednesday 29 September.

4 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 News

Anyone for tennis? off the Rails SLEF officers and reps IAIN DALE , the evening show presenter on A work hard, LBC, one-time Conservative Party candidate often around the in North Norfolk (where he lost to Norman clock, on behalf of Lamb), and co-owner (with Michael members. So when Ashcroft) of Biteback Publishing, DO8 Finn Brennan complained on the West Ham Till I Die was called, on website, which he runs, that Addison Lee Sunday 18 July, and ruined his night when the company failed to send a cab to asked if he would talk pick him up from Wembley after the Euro 2020 final. Which to LBC about the prompted this splendidly dry response from Hammer 63 problems of the (which might not be his birth name): ‘Iain, I’m so sorry to ‘pingdemic’, with hear you had to walk back to your hotel in the rain, life really many Tube train can be a bitch sometimes. Never rely on a cab. Next time get drivers being forced Wouldn’t it be nice, to a bus, it’s one of those big red things the poor people use.’ to self-isolate, it was get on with me no surprise that he neighbours? A Lazy SIR ROBERT MARK , the immediately said ‘Yes’. Sunday afternoon for Metropolitan Police commissioner The programme the one-time editor of brought in to clean up a force producer at Global The Lady riddled with corrupt cops, famously Media told us: ‘Train announced that it was his intention drivers have been on playing tennis.’ Rachel’s evening to arrest more criminals than he the frontline Perhaps she was show. employed. Recent findings of an independent inquiry into throughout the on court (elder Finn also did a live the murder of Daniel Morgan, a private detective, in 1987 pandemic and we brother Boris is a TV interview with the has shed new light on bent coppers and dodgy private eyes. would be interested keen, if poor, player, BBC News channel, And the part the present commissioner, Cressida Dick, in hearing your once thrashed by about masks on TfL, played in a subsequent cover-up. Not for nothing is the Met thoughts on freedom Speaker Bercow 0-6, just after the 2pm still known as ‘the best police force money can buy’. day. We can pre- 0-6, 0-6). Or perhaps news headlines and record at any time or she wasn’t, and had the Beeb used a tasty CRESSIDA DICK has attracted criticism do this live at just had a heavy soundbite on its like a magnet since she led the operation 7.20pm. The night. Or, frankly, Radio 4 on the hour in 2005 which ended in the fatal shooting interviewer will be couldn’t be bothered. news bulletins of Jean Charles de Menezes, an innocent Rachel Johnson and Either way, it was an throughout the Brazilian student, incorrectly identified the clips will run on LBC reporter who afternoon. because of ‘his dark skin’ as an Islamist bulletins across the called back to Giving hard- terrorist. Dick gave the order to ‘shoot to kill’ Jean Charles at Global network of interview Finn, by working Rachel, who Stockwell Underground station. He was not challenged but radio stations.’ Skype, which was no one could accuse shot, at close range, seven times in the head. Dick has just No probs! It was broadcast, as of trading on her given the Home Secretary a headache she doesn’t need by only 10.30am on promised, connections, a indicating she is keen to stay as the country’s top rozzer after what the Small Faces throughout the chance to finish her her term ends in April. Paul Gambaccini, the radio presenter famously called a Global network and game, shower, and arrested on false allegations, who spent a year on bail, and Lazy Sunday but Finn then bled into change… was then cleared of all charges, describes Dame Cressida as was as keen as an officer ‘who shames the Met’, adding: ‘As far as I am Colman’s and ready concerned she is unworthy of any public position from to rock. Rachel commissioner to dog catcher’. wasn’t. A clearly QUOTE… embarrassed minion ‘Matt Hancock is a man with the ANGUS LAPSLEY , the civil servant who lost 50 called back to tell us, mixed blessing of a good second-rate pages of secret Ministry of Defence documents ‘We’re sorry, but mind’ – John Crace The Guardian in June, found at a bus stop in Kent, was set to Rachel’s busy.’ Busy? …UNQUOTE become the UK’s new ambassador to NATO ‘Er, yes. She’s off before he ‘dropped a brick’ – and those sensitive pink papers detailing British troop deployments in Afghanistan and manouevres Hatfield and the North reunion will rock by HMS Defender against the Russians in the Black Sea. Lapsley, 51, was quickly sent back to the Foreign Office, King’s Cross branch is now able to have a reunion at the Hatfield where they claim, ‘He’s a safe pair of hands’. Except, of course, club on Friday 27 August so, if possible, can you include it in the when it comes to handling classified documents… next Journal as it usually comes out just before the start of the month? Unfortunately, it’s just a bar, no food, so if anyone NICHOLAS SOAMES tells how, as a attending needs some grub they will have to bring their own. But little boy, he went into his grandfather’s that means – and I can promise – a proper mess room atmosphere! bedroom and asked: ‘Grandpa, is it true Peter Smith King’s Cross RMS that you’re the greatest man alive?’ To which Sir Winston Churchill replied: ‘Yes 500 CLUB: Paul Clark, with number 233, won the August draw, it is. Now bugger off.’ scooping the Retired Members’ Section jackpot of £512.

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News

Marz: ‘A digital PM Johnson orders disgrace about which we should be capital punishment digitally disgusted’ SLEF sent four delegates ‘While the Tory government – GS Mick Whelan, DO8 tried to lie and deceive A Finn Brennan, EC1 Marz Londoners, attempting to blame Colombini, and Lucio Buffone, mismanagement by our Mayor, Paddington branch chair and they forgot that we are nobody’s London Labour Party EC LGBT fools. Londoners saw through the in services. No to attacks on of those who are not. Those with officer – to the two day London Tory lies and re-elected Sadiq transport workers. And yes to fair limited, or no, access to digital Labour Party conference Khan for another term. And how financing and public transport fit services will be a disadvantage. conducted virtually, via Zoom, did the government react? By for the future.’ It’s not just a digital divide, it’s where keynote speeches were punishing our capital city with Marz Colombini, who was digital discrimination. given by Angela Rayner and financial settlements full of cuts to elected to the London Labour Discrimination because those in Dawn Butler. services, fare hikes, and attacks on Party regional executive our society most severely Mick moved, and the TSSA staffing. This is a political attack committee, seconded a CWU impacted are the elderly, and the seconded, our composite motion that treats Londoners as collateral motion on the digital divide. young, those with disabilities, about TfL funding which was damage. But as we emerge from ‘The principle of access, for all, and, in many cases, people from adopted. He said: ‘London is the the pandemic, and the true to IT equipment and high speed BAME communities. A digital only major city in the world that economic cost becomes even internet – without which IT disgrace about which we should does not receive central more clear, we are going to need equipment is almost pointless – is be digitally disgusted. government funding for public London’s transport system to aid the key to a fairer, more equal, ‘But here’s the good news. transport. Other cities recognise our recovery. society, the delivery of which is There is a solution. Our 2019 public transport as serving an ‘The government is trying to fundamentally why our Labour manifesto pledge to deliver important public function, take away our pensions and – in Party exists. publicly-owned, free, full-fibre something that should be one of their favourite fantasies – ‘The lack of access to broadband. A pledge cynically supported by public money. They to take away our jobs by bringing information and education has mocked by our opponents for realise that a well-used and in driverless trains. There is no always been a prime factor in electoral gain, but which is now efficient public transport system business case for driverless trains creating, and perpetuating, recognised, by even some of its drives a city’s – and country’s – – a huge cost, but no benefit, and inequality. The educated and most ardent critics, as a panacea economy. we must stand together to fight informed prosper at the expense for a suffering society.’ ‘In Singapore just 21% of their this attack on London’s transport metro is funded by fares; in New workers. Our Labour Mayor has, so York and Paris it’s 38%; but in far, managed to curb the worst QUOTE… London it’s 72%. Is it any wonder, excesses of the proposed funding ‘This would be yet another eye-watering hike, hot on the heels then, that when the pandemic hit packages, and we commend the of the failure of the government’s so-called money saving flexi and TfL’s fare revenue collapsed work of the Mayor and his team. ticket scheme.’ – Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon by 90% almost overnight, the But the real battle lies ahead. And on fears of another major hike in fares capital’s transport system was the labour movement in London …UNQUOTE taken to the brink? must be united. We say no to cuts Jay’s trip to the salad bar Britain’s bus privatisation Jay Rayner, who presents just, ahem, for starters. breached our basic rights The Kitchen Cabinet on ‘Certain items are Radio 4, and writes described as “signature” Britain’s bus services restaurant reviews for The dishes. Prime among them outside London were Observer , went over the top is the McCarthy salad, That salad at the so badly damaged by (metaphorically, not named not after the Dorchester which, Jay privatisation that literally) after eating at the commie-hunting senator, observed, is ‘owned by people have been Polo Lounge pop-up on which would make a that uber-homophobe, unable to access basic the roof of the Dorchester certain vindictive sense, but the Sultan of Brunei, who needs such as work, Margaret Thatcher made us wait Hotel in London, where a polo player called Neil. It introduced punishments education, and for the bus that never comes starters cost £16 to £42, costs £38, and arrives under sharia law for healthcare, according to a scathing report by Philip homosexuality, including main dishes £32 to £135, looking like someone with Alston, a New York-based academic and former UN the death penalty, until he and the cheapest wine on an organising compulsion special rapporteur on human rights. Many people have was forced to back down the list is, er, £84. ‘I didn’t go has been at the Garfunkel’s lost jobs, and benefits, been forced to give up education, because of an outcry’ because I like watching rich salad bar. and been cut off from communities and healthcare as people pay ludicrous prices ‘There are separate been halfway through an services have become much more expensive, and far less for cack-handed food that’s sections for chopped egg slicer. Underneath is reliable, after Margaret Thatcher’s ‘rushed, botched, and a gross insult to good taste, beetroot, skinned tomato, shredded romaine lettuce, ideologically-driven’ privatisation. manners, and commercial chicken with the texture of including the gnarly hard Alston’s report says deregulation provides ‘a decency. I went because value-range cotton wool, bit at the centre. That masterclass in how not to run an essential public service, some risible hospitality cubes of sweaty, squeaky, displays serious leaving residents at the mercy of private actors who have operations need to be cheese, shredded egg and, commitment to gross total discretion over how to run a bus route, or whether called out.’ And that was on top, an avocado that’s profit, in all senses.’ to run one at all.’ The DfT admits: ‘Services are patchy.’

6 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 News Stonehaven: one year on

HE railway fell silent in Scotland on Thursday 12 August as we marked T the first anniversary of the tragic accident at Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire which claimed the lives of three men – the driver, Brett McCullough, 45; the conductor, The memorial plaque at Stonehaven station Donald Dinnie, 58; and a passenger, and the wreaths laid underneath Christopher Stuchbury, 62 – and in which six other people were injured after a landslip onto was going about his business, and we will the railway line caused a train to derail. redouble our efforts to ensure that the railway A minute’s silence was observed at 9.43am is made safe for passengers and staff so that at stations across the country while trains – accidents of this sort do not happen again.’ where it was safe to do so – stopped running, The 06.38 ScotRail service from Aberdeen Christopher. But we also need to reflect on too. A memorial plaque was unveiled and to Glasgow Queen Street – an HST set with a what needs to be done to ensure that the wreaths laid – in a private ceremony, at the leading power car, four coaches, and a rear infrastructure of our railways is not neglected.’ families’ request – at Stonehaven station. power car – left on time with three train crew Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF’s organiser in (Brett, Donald, and another conductor l ASLEF condemned vandals who destroyed Scotland, said: ‘It is with enormous sadness travelling as a passenger) and six passengers. flower displays at Stonehaven station hours that we remember the event, which is still The service would have been busier were it before the railway fell silent. ‘I am absolutely fresh and raw in all our minds, of Wednesday not for the covid-19 pandemic. disgusted that anyone would want to do this,’ 12 August last year. The accident cast a long GS Mick Whelan, who was at Stonehaven said DO2 Kevin Lindsay. ‘It besmirches the shadow across the railway, not just here in station with Kevin, Aberdeen branch secretary memory of all those who were involved in, Scotland, but throughout the United Kingdom. Brian Wood, and ASLEF members, said: ‘It is and affected by, the crash and I hope that ‘We will never forget Brett and Donald, who right that we take a moment today to anyone with any information will contact the were doing their jobs, and Christopher, who remember the lives of Brett, Donald, and British Transport Police.’ Rachel praises ASLEF Tories slam Johnson Rachel Reeves, MTR to negotiate a Shadow Chancellor of new form of for Afghan ‘defeat’ the Exchequer, and management contract Tom Tugenhadt, Conservative MP for Marsha de Cordova, to recruit train drivers Tonbridge & Malling, and chair of the House Shadow Secretary of from all backgrounds of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, who State for Women & for the new Elizabeth served as a soldier in Afghanistan, bitterly Equalities, met line – and the result is criticised Prime Minister Boris Johnson and on track: vicky, Rachel, Marsha, and Juanita women train drivers one of the most Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab for their working on the MTR diverse workforces in workforces are pandemic, public inept handling of the withdrawal of British Elizabeth line in the UK transport representative and transport will continue troops last month. He said: ‘This is clearly the London and praised sector. that quality jobs are to play a vital role in biggest single disaster of British foreign the work being done Rachel said: ‘As we available for all.’ the economic policy since Suez [in 1956]. It is pretty by ASLEF to create a look towards our GS Mick Whelan recovery and tackling extraordinary that our focus has been on more diverse, more economic recovery, said: ‘ASLEF is proud to the climate crisis. minor negotiations with NATO and European representative, and we must pool all the be a union that works ‘Driving trains is a partners and allies, who we’ve worked with more inclusive talents and drive of hard on equality and high quality job and, and traded with very, very, closely for the last workforce. everyone in our diversity. We’ve as a union, we will be 70 years, rather than on the lives on 28 We have been workforce – and that organised, over many continuing our work million Afghans, several thousands of whom working with TfL and means ensuring those years, to put in place with MTR, and right have risked their lives in order to save the policies that mean the across the rail industry, lives of British soldiers or to serve the workplace is a to ensure it’s a job interests of the British people in preventing welcoming space to accessible to everyone terrorism and keeping our country safe.’ Lest we forget both recruit and retain in our community, He was one just one of many Tories – We’ve just launched this a diverse group of regardless of another was former Prime Minister Teresa year’s poppy appeal drivers. Throughout background, gender, May – who gave the two men a good kicking which follows last year’s the pandemic, train or any other in the Commons on Wednesday 18 August. successful HST badge drivers, as key workers, characteristic.’ which sold out and made £2,500 for have been at work – the Royal British Legion. This year’s enabling other key l An article on train QUOTE… badge is the HST in BR swallow livery workers to travel to driving and diversity, ‘Football fans are being treated as a from the mid-1980s. Price £6 plus work, and moving by Vicky Badham- revenue stream rather than as the £1.20 p&p per order. Please email freight such as May and Juanita lifeblood of the game’ [email protected] medical equipment George, will be – Henry Winter The Times Martin Thompson Fratton SWR and food – and as we published in the next …UNQUOTE recover from the edition of the Journal .

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 7 News Catch a falling Eurostar HE leaders of three UK But even though 70% of rail unions have Eurostar staff are based here in T launched a petition Britain, Brexit Boris has been calling for government support for reluctant to support the service Eurostar. At a virtual public even though it is the greenest meeting, held safely online, on form of travel to Europe, at its Wednesday 4 August, the general peak taking 60,000 short-haul secretaries of ASLEF, the RMT, and planes out of the sky. the TSSA reaffirmed their ‘The first battle is to protect the commitment to preserving jobs, to protect the future of Britain’s vital link to continental Eurostar, to make the green case, Europe. They were backed by to make the financial case, and to Eurostar staff, Friends of the Earth, make a long-term case for why it’s Eurostar: It’s time for the Johnson government to step up and step in and the IPPR think tank. the right thing to do,’ said GS Mick Eurostar did a deal with Whelan. ‘Then it’s to make the ‘The idea that the government shoulder with the future of the backers in May after coming under case for how it fits into our cannot step in to save Eurostar is planet, so our children can inherit enormous financial pressure connectivity to the rest of the absolute rubbish. Sign that something better.’ because of the pandemic. The world. How other countries are petition, share it on social media, RMT GS Mick Lynch added: ‘I cross-Channel operator has been looking into doing longer train and talk to your friends and family worked for Eurostar for 22 years, running just a handful of services journeys, so we introduce sleeper so we get the message out there, as an electrician engineer, looking each day, with staff among the journeys rather than flights, and loud and clear, that we stand after trains at the depot. I’ve got a first to be furloughed, as revenue tax those flights.’ shoulder to shoulder with lot of friends there and I want to fell off a cliff. TSSA GS Manuel Cortes said: Eurostar workers, and shoulder to see the service survive.’

Electric warrior Fishing for compliments The Railway Industry Association has called on the government to look at electrification as a Leicester branch held a farewell party for retired whole, not on a project by project basis. David driver Mick Poultney on Saturday 7 August (deferred Clarke, technical director of the RIA, told the from last year due to covid) to celebrate his Future of Rail conference that while he retirement after 46 years’ service on the railways. welcomes the DfT’s transport decarbonisation Mick spent 21 years as Leicester branch secretary plan and its commitment to further and was also as an LLC rep. Mick was presented with electrification it was important to take a strategic a replica headboard by EC president Dave Calfe; we approach. felt it was very appropriate as he loves his fishing ‘If we start to examine individual projects we and drove the Jolly Fisherman train from Leicester on could end up with the silly situation where there many occasions. Many thanks to Simon Chaperon for would be a business case reason to leave a gap organising the event and to Tony Rimmington for his in the wires,’ he said. ‘We need to ensure that we terrific speech celebrating Mick’s career. Here's to a include carbon and consider the whole long and happy retirement, Mick! programme. We’re absolutely up for the John Liddle Leicester 117 branch reporter challenge of efficiency and benchmarking by project, but some individual projects will be more expensive than others due to local complexity. The important thing is that the whole programme is value for money.’ The call comes shortly after the government was warned that a failure to deliver rail electrification will make it impossible for the UK Mick’s a Jolly Fisherman ; to meet its net zero carbon emissions target. The Tony has them in fits; and House of Commons Public Accounts Committee Marie Antoinette says ‘let has already criticised the ‘disappointing lack of them eat loco cake (top) progress in agreeing a specific and funded plan for rail electrification’ and called for ‘a long-term plan for rail, including a strategy for HARLOW GOING UNDERGROUND: Harlow Council is to see if the Central Line can be decarbonisation and electrification’. extended to Harlow as part of plans to improve and modernise the town’s transport connections and infrastructure. Councillor Michael Hardware, portfolio holder for strategic growth, said: ‘With Harlow’s close proximity to London, our plans include investigating the potential for the QUOTE… extension of the Central line to Harlow as well as improving existing public transport links in and ‘Boris Johnson wears the responsibilities out of the town.’ of office much as he wears his clothes: askew, for theatrical effect’ RETIRED MEMBERS’ SECTION: The coronavirus crisis means that head office is unable to – Rafael Behr The Guardian send out letters reminding RMS members, who pay annually by cheque, that your membership is …UNQUOTE up for renewal. So if you know your renewal is due, please post a cheque, made payable to ASLEF, to head office in St John Street. An annual subscription is just £15. Thank you!

8 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 The ASLEF RMS 500 Club colleagues

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

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

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

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

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September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 9 Platform Solution? Two states!

Some points in the article by Hussein Ezzedine, of Edinburgh No 1, in the July edition of the Journal , based on his passionate speech about the plight of the Palestinian people at AAD in May, attracted some comment, not all of it positive. DANIELLE BETT of Yachad UK offers another perspective on how to achieve a peaceful outcome in this contested part of the Middle East

OMEONE once told me, My father used to say that he Platform ‘the term left-wing, in was a Zionist, not because he had No peace without justice HUSSEIN would require both sides to have EZZEDINE, the capability to wage a full-scale S war. When one side in this conflict branch Israel, has been similarly an interest in defending Israel’s secretary has one of the most advanced militaries in the world – indeed, is and also a nuclear power – while the other the branch has a few home made rockets, equality rep small arms, and stones to throw, distorted as the word Zionism has right to exist, but rather to assert of Edinburgh No 1, made a shame on anyone who frames this passionate speech to AAD crisis as some kind of equally about the plight of the matched conflict between Palestinian people. This is warring nations. what he said… Mariam Barghouti: ‘Palestinians are destined to be a demographic threat’ in the rest of the world’. It’s an that it does exist. Action and ‘There is an occupier, and an ’M FED up talking about occupied’ For over 70 years Palestinians to comply with international law is emergencies in have been resisting the brutal having an impact. Strategic action I Palestine, after an The narrative must change, and realities of this colonial project will make a difference – pressure emergency lasting more than 70 we‘ should avoid the intentionally and what has become the world’s on governments, institutions, observation that has stayed with progress mean accepting its years. But, when the state of Israel misleading narrative which is – at longest military occupation of universities, pension funds, and has escalated its violence, best – of ‘an insoluble and modern times. It matters not companies that are complicit. BDS Palestinians are calling on us to complex conflict’, with both sides whether that resistance is is not dogma, but a strategy for protest, to demonstrate our responsible. peaceful or violent. They are effective solidarity – in a country solidarity, and to take action. As It isn’t. It is, actually, very gunned down while protesting; as small, and trade-dependent, as me. ‘Smolani’ – Hebrew for left- existence and working on that they continue to resist the simple. There is an occupier, and bombed periodically; and denied Israel it could work. ongoing programme of ethnic an occupied. There are the ethnic basic human rights, including cleansing. cleaners, and the ethnically freedom of movement, and ‘A people that cannot return’ We must, of course, answer cleansed. freedom from want or fear. this call as generation after There is discrimination, and People are asking what we can ‘When we take the diplomatic wing – is often used as an insult basis. The work that needs to be that advocate for Palestinian generation endures more the victims of that discrimination. do – well, we can donate to road, our people are dragged in a suffering. Because, unfortunately, Let us be clear – Zionism is racism. Medical Aid for Palestinians to ‘debate over our humanity,’ said for decades much of the UK trade We talk a lot about equality, but help with the immediate crisis, the Palestinian writer Mariam union movement was complicit – there can be no equality in a state but, beyond that, the answer is Barghouti. ‘When we resist with supportive of Zionism – and there which, by its very nature, places boycott, divestment, and arms, we are terrorists, and killed. here in Israel. It’s been done, for me, as an Israeli who human rights – and you will are still elements of that today, one people above another. sanctions. Appeals for Israel to live When we resist through non- but we can be proud in ASLEF to For more than 70 years, Israel up to its obligations under violence, we are targeted and be unequivocal in our support for has denied Palestinians their international law, and to our vilified. When we protest with our the victims of settler-colonialism, fundamental rights and has government to condemn Israel, tongues, we are put in prison. ethnic cleansing, discrimination, refused to comply with are fine but, after 73 years, have When we rise up in protest we are weaponised by Benjamin cares about Israel, ought to be the understand that debates on and apartheid. international law. This is only proved to be ineffective. sniped down and killed. When we We need to change the possible because of international We must uphold the simple are simply born Palestinian, we narrative. You don’t get to drop an support from a handful of principle that Palestinians are are destined to be a demographic entire colony on top of an governments, including our own, entitled to the same rights as the threat, a people that cannot inhabited land, grind the and facilitated by complicit rest of humanity. Israel is return home and, with all of this, Netanyahu and his peers, who focus. Debates on language have Twitter too often reek of privilege inhabitants into the dirt for corporations and other occupying – and colonising – what option are we left with? A decades, and then claim self- institutions. Israel’s occupation of land, discriminating against silent death? Because god forbid defence every time they retaliate! Palestinian territories is illegal Palestinian citizens of Israel, and oppressors get uncomfortable.’ The UN has stated that the under international law so, by denying Palestinian refugees the We must ensure those violence is moving towards full- definition, Palestinian resistance right to return to their homes. The oppressors have no opportunity have distorted its definition to their place, and language and lack focus on the policy and scale war. It isn’t. Full-scale war to that occupation is legitimate. BDS campaign to pressure Israel to get comfortable.

There was rivalry between ASLEF and Reprisal attack on railwaymen the NUR and, in an intelligence report to mean ‘traitor, snowflake, hater of certainly matters, especially when politics that have brought us here. Michael Collins, the unions were described Further to the piece about the Mallow shootings in County Cork in 1921 as being ‘at loggerheads and always trying to get one up on each other’. by Robert O’Connell, chair, Northern Line North, in the ASLEF Journal ‘Regardless of the rivalry, ASLEF and (December) rail historian PETER RIGNEY, a former industrial officer of the the NUR kept the Mallow shootings and Israel’. While, in the rest of the language is too often used to Despite the lack of hope so Irish Congress of Trade Unions, wrote in the Irish Examiner: the behaviour of the police in the national news cycle but the military inquiry HE Locomotive Journal reported was established and guarantees given as unsurprisingly exonerated the police. T ‘Mallow Outrage – five members to the safety of Irish railwaymen. John ‘But the British policy of reprisals was shot, three killed’ and described Bromley, general secretary, had visited coming under increasingly sharp criticism world, the term ‘Zionism’ has attack minorities, dismantle often felt in this region, most of us how the executive of the union was Cork in December 1920 and in the Journal and the Mallow shootings in County Cork threatening a general railway strike described ‘drunkenness among recent were a prime example of the British throughout Great Britain unless an inquiry Royal Irish Constabulary recruits’. scoring an ‘own goal’. taken on so many twisted identities, or incite hatred. still belie ve t h at a two-state July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 21 meanings – most of which would However, reality is equally solution is the best solution. We not resonate to the average Jew important. already have one of those states, status quo isn’t one of stability – or Israeli who identifies as a And reality is that believing and it’s time to talk about the but a dangerous slope. The Zionist. that Israel has a right to continue second: Palestine. Just as Zionists international community needs to to exist does not mean accepting aren’t the enemy, neither is a seize any opportunity it can to ‘I’ve been accused of being a today’s Israel as it is. In other desire for Palestinian statehood. support, or pressure, the new Zionist and anti-Zionist’ words, Israel’s existence, in theory, Israeli government. is not a barrier to the existence of ‘Right-wing Americans do not The rest of us – we need to In my time working with a free Palestinian state. Israel’s own our flag’ listen to Palestinians and Israelis J‘ewish and Israeli people and, in policies of occupation, settlement working for peace. Recklessly particular, due to my focus on expansion, evictions – and its Right-wing Americans who fly throwing around terms, t‘he Israeli flag over their churches, Israel Palestine, I’ve been accused treatment of Palestinians – is a mischaracterising reality, or of being both a Zionist and an barrier to the existence of a free I remind you, do not own our flag. waving flags that don’t belong to anti-Zionist. I say ‘accused’ Palestinian state. Far-left activists who deny anti- you – isn’t helping. It’s damaging. because that’s exactly how the Semitism and fly the Palestinian The debate on Israel Palestine has term is used – as an accusation; an ‘Debates on Twitter too often flag, do not own it, either. become so toxic, and so lacking in attempt to put people into a box reek of privilege’ It’s time to focus on the reality, nuance, that the only voices we that then makes them easier to and the people, on the ground. hear are the extreme ones. dismiss. Choosing to fight all Zionists is Israel exists. It’s time for Palestine Extremism isn’t only damaging – Generally speaking – and, of c‘hoosing to fight the wrong to exist, too. It’s time for us to it’s distracting. It diverts the efforts course, there are exceptions – the battle. Most Jewish people in the acknowledge that occupation is and energy of people who want term Zionist simply means a belief UK identify as Zionists, and most supposed to be a temporary to do good and to make change. in Israel’s right to exist – at least to of them feel Israel forms part of measure, that settlement And if there’s anything we so the average Israeli, and the their identity. There’s a lot of work expansion is structural violence desperately need in this region, average Jewish person. The to be done in our community on which is a barrier to peace. The it’s people driven to change. complex (and often misguided) how we talk about Israel. Last layers that we see added to the month’s Ben & Jerry’s crisis term – particularly in online evidenced that. We’re too often Danielle grew up in Israel, lives in Scotland, and speaks discussions – do not exist in the too quick to defend Israel and English, Hebrew, and Spanish. She studied international day-to-day lives of Jewish Israelis. condemn its critics. It’s a difficult relations and Spanish at the University of St Andrews, They are Zionists, because they instinct to explain to people founded the Scottish-Israeli cultural Association – a non- are Israeli. It’s a national pride – outside the community. political and non-religious initiative for Israelis living in and any form of nationalism can But I don’t want to talk about Scotland – and has worked on a number of inter-faith and be dissected and criticised – but ice cream, as it’s a distraction. I anti-racism initiatives. Danielle was Scotland manager for identity as a Zionist must not be want to talk about how Israel and the Jewish leadership council for three years before mischaracterised as something Palestine, even during times of joining Yachad UK, which works to mobilise British Jews in which it is not. And, in particular, ceasefire, are in a crisis. Spend a support of a peaceful political resolution to the Israeli- the debate about Zionism must day in Hebron with Breaking the Palestinian conflict. Yachad believes in a two-state solution not be ruled by Western non- Silence, or in Sheikh Jarrah with and a Jewish and democratic future for Israel. Jewish voices. Peace Now – Israeli organisations

10 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 Points & crossings online and interactive

After much thought, preparation, and planning, ASLEF’s new website and membership database has gone live. JEN THORNTON , policy researcher and digital communications adviser at head office, logs on

VER the last year and a half, ASLEF has been working with consultants O Victoria Barlow and Duncan Robertson, and suppliers 89Up and Impact Box, to develop a brand new ASLEF website information as well as finding documents and and member database. contact details relevant to their branch, The new systems launched last month, and company, district, or equalities strand. Reps you will already have seen the much-improved and branch secretaries are also able to access website if you’ve been online. The new site is the information they need to support fully responsive, which means it works on your members and run branches. The new home page; member services; the desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone. While everything may not be exactly where new welcome page; as it appears on your At the beginning of the process, an it used to be, all the information and mobile phone; and please fill in the equality extensive research project was undertaken documents you need are available to and diversity information which involved surveying users of the website members on the new website. In the member and database, including head office staff, reps, area and branch secretary sections you will and members. This research has informed the find all ASLEF circulars, EC, and other development of the new website, which will committee minutes, and downloadable Is your membership make it much easier to find and access templates for posters and meetings. information up to date? If you need any support accessing the new information. Please make sure you keep your system, you can check the member account The site is also linked to the new Salesforce personal details up to date with ASLEF. help page (https://aslef.org.uk/aslef-member- membership database and, by logging in to You can do this by logging in to the account-help) on the website or contact the the database through the website, members new dashboard at aslef.org.uk administration and membership department. can access and update their personal If you haven’t completed the equalities information please update this, too. It’s important for the union to know how representative our membership is, and the TUC requires us to report on this data. Even if you don’t identify into any of the equalities groups that ASLEF organises around, please still fill in the form as we need the data to be as accurate as possible. Any data you provide will be kept confidential and will be anonymised for reporting purposes. When you log in to your dashboard, click on the link on the right to update Social media this information. Over the last few years, ASLEF has also been developing its social media channels, providing up to date content, including news and reports from Circulars around the country, as well as using our platform The new system also has the facility to to raise awareness of important issues for workers, send out mass emails, so circulars will trade unionists, and on the railway. You can follow now be sent from Salesforce. It’s a ASLEF on Twitter and Instagram @ASLEFUnion, or more modern and secure way to on Facebook at fb.com/ASLEFUnion. manage contact information and send out emails. Branches, committees, and reps will continue to receive circulars Your union needs you by email. There will be no additional Just like the Journal , our online channels need opt-in available, but circulars remain you! Send your stories, news, and updates to accessible to all members on the new [email protected] to be featured both in website at https://aslef.org.uk/ print and online. union-information

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 11 Key Worker As a union man I’m wise to the lies of the company spies

District 4 Organiser Nick Whitehead retires this month after 18 years in position. He reflects, with KEITH RICHMOND , on a life spent on the railway, looking out for ASLEF members, and the fluctuating fortunes of his home town team Leeds United

EEDS has played a prominent part in the history of this trade union. It was at L the Commercial Inn, in Holbeck, Leeds, that the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen was formed 141 years ago. The Leeds branch of ASLEF was, for many years, one of the biggest in Britain; it has also been one of the most influential. And, in the 1990s, the LDC at Leeds boasted three railwaymen who would go on to play an important part in this Nick Whitehead with former Do3 colin Smith train drivers’ trade union: Mick Rix, who became and former Ec president Tosh McDonald; with general secretary; Tosh McDonald, who became Shami chakrabarti and Ec4 Mark Wakenshaw; EC president; and Nick Whitehead, who became Nick (third left) with leeds reps including Dave District 4 Organiser. Dobson (far left) and Mick Rix (third right); at locally, some managers are not up to scratch, an ASlEF training school (in the second row, but usually you can sort it out with senior ‘The Ballad of Billy Bremner’ third from left, sporting a red tie; but can you managers.’ spot Ec5 Howard Kaye, then Healey Mills, in ‘Yes, full house!’ smiles Nick, who steps down the back row, and Bernard Kennedy, Bristol ‘A football in a Yorkshire rose’ this month as DO4. ‘Me, Tosh, and Mick – a branch secretary, also in the picture?); at the f‘uture district secretary, a future president, and a Durham Miners’ gala; and competing in the ASLEF is a democratic union – every position, future GS, we were all at Leeds back in the 1980s World Triathlon championship in leeds from branch secretary to general secretary, is and all on the LDC in the 1990s. Not a bad line- ‘ elected – and every rep and officer is a train up, was it? Tosh played quite a lot of tennis in reps in other rail unions. driver. But there can, from time to time, be those days. Me and him entered the railway Nick has been the full-time officer in District differences of opinion between our executive sports games in 1996, playing doubles, and we 4 for 18 years, re-elected after every term committee – with one member elected from got to the final – what we didn’t say was that unopposed – ‘fantastic in itself’ – and, when each district – and the eight district organisers. only two pairs entered, so we went straight pressed, finally admits that it’s been ‘quite The EC meets for one week each month to make through to the final, our first and only match – successful’. policy, but it is up to the DOs to put that policy where we were up against a pair called Voss and into practice. Which is not always easy. Schnell – who sounded like a couple of ringers ‘And I always get my way, if I strike for higher ‘TPE was a bit of a problem,’ admits Nick. ‘The to us, but were in fact two fitters from Swindon – pay, and this is what I say’ 2011 strike came about because there was an where we lost 0-6, 0-6! We said we’d trained on EC res that said, “Get a deal, but without a grass – which we had – and had to play the ‘I’m not a banging the table type. I think it’s productivity agreement”. I was negotiating with game on concrete. But it might also have had ‘about getting stuff done. Not about striking, but the company, and they insisted on a something to do with the fact that we had five about trying not to get into a strike position. I productivity clause. I told them that would pints before we started…’ think we’ve only been in a strike situation four or mean that we would go into dispute. This very That story – and the way he tells it – is typical five times in 18 years. There was Tyne & Wear senior manager simply said, “I know”, and stood of Nick, the diminutive he prefers, although Metro. And a day’s strike at TransPennine up and tried to walk out of the room. I stood up many ASLEF members refer to him, Express. And we won them all. I wouldn’t go into and explained, politely and patiently, but firmly, affectionately, as Nicky. He’s modest, and self- a strike which I thought we would lose. The job and with absolute clarity, so there was no room deprecating, but highly principled and very is about protecting and saving people, about for misunderstanding, where he was going. But proud of what the union does and achieves for getting solutions. And I think we’ve saved more all he said was, “So be it”. We went on strike, as I its members. It’s also the way he goes about his people, and more jobs, than we’ve lost. said we would, and it was splashed all over the business – quietly, getting the work done, with a ‘We’ve been quite successful. We’ve been telly, and I was going round all the telly studios, minimum of fuss – rather than grandstanding, lucky on the whole – with the companies’ senior and radio platforms, and was absolutely which is the factory setting for some officers and managers – Northern has a bad reputation and, knackered when I got home, but we annihilated

12 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 Nick Whitehead

the job – driving coast to coast, Hull to EWS back to the top of the table.’ Blackpool, but, to be honest, I didn’t do that Nick, naturally, grew up supporting Leeds much driving, because I was passed out LDC.’ United when the team, with players like Billy Nick joined ASLEF in 1980. ‘First day at the Bremner and Jack Charlton, was in its pomp. He depot, I was taken into the mess room, and a enjoyed many a Saturday afternoon at Elland superviser, an ex-driver, said, “They want to see Road. ‘I had 11 favourite players! They weren’t you in the union office,” and I signed up. ASLEF loved outside Leeds but they were the best ran the depot. The LDC had the power; they team in Europe.’ Nick liked to play a bit, too, as were the ones who would give you a bollocking, ‘centre-forward, centre-back, or left-back. I they were the ones who decided who worked played footie from infants school until I was 40, on Sundays. The power has shifted a bit for a pub team, and when I stopped playing, still upwards but it’s not that much different now… smoking and drinking, within seven or eight ‘I was keen to get involved, make changes, years I’d become Fat Dad. I saw a picture of make things better. I’ve always had an interest in myself at my daughter’s graduation in 2009 and politics, been left-leaning, and joined the thought, oh my God, I’ve got to do something Labour Party in 1980 – I’ve been in and out a few about this.’ He gave up smoking, reduced his times – and went to branch meetings where you calorie intake, and lost 7st. Which he has kept off can air your views.’ by doing ten triathlons through the Leeds and Bradford Triathlon Club. ‘Elland Road Baht’at He met Mandy in 1979 – ‘42 years together, married since 1983’ – and they have three He joined the branch committee at Leeds, children – Tom, a driver on Crossrail; Sean, a where Dave Court, followed by Mick Rix, was delivery driver at ASDA; and Lois, who works in b‘ranch secretary, and became vice-chair and the NHS. ‘It will be nice to have time on my then chair of the branch. hands but I’m not getting the slippers out. We ‘Alan Dodd was only a year older than me, like to get away, and have a month in October and I would never have stood against Alan, who booked at Fuerteventura in the Canaries, and was a top notch rep, but, tragically, he died, are looking forward to spending more time with while we were at conference. It was a massive our young grandkid Ralph.’ them! I got a phone call, that night, and they shock, and all a bit of a whirlwind, but I stood for came back, crawling under the door, and we District Secretary and got elected. ‘With a hell of a shout, it’s out, brothers, out’ taught them a lesson.’ ‘I’ve been fortunate, we’ve had good reps, on Nick, born in 1960, was born and brought up the whole, and you can leave them to get on Nick’s final reflections, as he looks back over in Leeds – ‘I’ve lived here all my life’ – at Gipton, with it. There have been times when the EC – his railway career, are about two of ASLEF’s eight people pontificating – have done us in. ‘general secretaries. in the east of the biggest city in West Yorkshire, where his dad, who was also a train driver, Sometimes it’s hard to go out and get a deal ‘Mick Rix is one of my best mates, I’ve known worked out of Stourton and Holbeck. but, on the whole, the EC supported me. him all my life. He stood against Lew Adams, the ‘But that wasn’t the reason I joined the ‘I was lead officer when new DO4 Nigel incumbent, and won. Mick had a five year term railway. I left school in 1977 and did various jobs, Roebuck started at EWS, now DBC, and that and then Shaun Brady stood against him. There I was a bus conductor for a while, and I’d been company council had a bad reputation. There was a big smear campaign which we weren’t working as a computer operator, but then I were 13 people on it because the company ready for. We’ve sat in pubs, since, and come up found myself out of work and saw an ad at the worked from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and with a million different reasons why Mick lost Job Centre for traction trainees. I was 19, which had 2,000 drivers spread the length and breadth and Brady won. I’d have loved a different was quite old, but it was a job, and I thought it of the country, but it meant they would go off in outcome. There were big moves in Mick’s time, would keep me going for a few months. I their own little groups – the optimum number and in other unions they would have been remember at the interview they asked me, for a company council is between three and five doing cartwheels down the street shouting “What’s the capital of Canada?” – there was no – and when we met the company, who sent God “Hallelujah!” But ASLEF sacked the general psychometric testing in those days – and then, knows how many managers, every meet was a secretary… when they found out that my dad was a driver, I town hall meeting. EWS was rattling along the ‘On a happier note, Mick Whelan is a great was in. bottom – it needed a smaller council – so we set GS, one of the greatest general secretaries we’ve up a national negotiating team, picked four ever had. He’s one of the best, one of the ‘You don’t get me, I’m part of the union, until people, did a deal, and while I felt a bit rotten for brightest, stars in the labour movement. People the day I die’ the other people, it was a good working group, in the party and the movement know there’s no and we got a very good deal, which pushed one better than Mick.’ ‘There was quite a bit of nepotism in those d‘ays. The railway was keen to keep it in the family – as soon as they heard that my dad was a driver, it was, “You’ll be all right then” – but they ASLE&F: It all started at the Commercial in Leeds didn’t like to put fathers and sons together so as A draft manifesto for an Associated Society of Locomotive Steam Enginemen & Dad was at Holbeck, I worked at Leeds and, in Firemen in February 1880 proposed ‘that a Society be formed, consisting of 1980, as a second man at Neville Hill. When they enginemen and firemen only. Enginemen to pay 5 shillings, firemen 2 shillings.’ The closed Neville Hill in 1986 they made us all first eight branches were established at Bradford, Carnforth, Leeds, Liverpool, redundant, so I went to York for a short period, Neath, Pontypool, Sheffield, and Tondu. ‘It was decided for reasons of economy that did my MP12, driver training, and got a job back the affairs of our Society should be conducted by a committee elected from the at Leeds, as a driver, in 1987.’ Leeds branch, Leeds being chosen as the most convenient position for the Nick stayed at Leeds – driving 47 locos, 31s, movement, and the men at Leeds were vested with directing authority in January and pilot engines, 14s, and 150s – until he was 1881.’ And the first rule book of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & elected DO4 in 2003. ‘Leeds has always been a Firemen was issued to members later that year as ‘registered under the Trade Union massive depot. There were 600 drivers and Acts, with registered office at the Commercial Inn, Sweet Street, Holbeck, Leeds’. second men there. I loved the job – I really loved

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 13 Manifesto

And, oh, the iron masters they always get their way

GREGOR GALL , an affiliate research associate at the University of Glasgow, and editor of the Scottish Left Review , detects the dark shadow of an authoritarian iron hand at work in this Tory government

EHIND Boris Johnson’s familiar bombast and bluster lies a dark and We won’t be bullied by BoJo B sinister underbelly of a new and the men they couldn’t authoritarian populism. Home Secretary Priti hang: the Pentonville five Patel, who likes to adopt a stern, (that bit of bad boss class schoolmistress-type demeanour, even when legislation didn’t last, either) she is not bullying her minions at the Home Office, is leading the way in creating a ‘hostile democracy – is now under assault. also creates a broad statutory offence of environment’ for those who wish to rid our One part of the new authoritarian populism causing a public nuisance, which would green and pleasant land of statues of racists, or that should worry every trade unionist is the include obstructing the public or a section of stop the destruction of the environment, or Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. After the public in the exercise of their rights, or asylum seekers and economic migrants passing its first two readings in the House of causing them ‘serious harm’. Lastly, it creates a seeking a better life in Britain. Commons, it is now at the committee stage new criminal offence of trespass – currently a For Patel, known as ‘Pretty Vacant’ by and it is only a matter of time before it civil, not criminal, matter – which would apply colleagues who despair at the gaps in her becomes law later this year. to someone ‘residing’ on land (even knowledge, this is to protect the traditions and Though there are many different aspects to temporarily) ‘in or with a vehicle’. values of the ‘British way of life’. In 2019, she the Bill, the government has made it clear that proclaimed, ‘The Conservative Party is the those parts pertaining to public order result ‘Whistles, drums, and vuvuzelas’ party of law and order. Full stop. The defence from it wanting to clamp down on the of our nation, defence of our streets, and law activities of Extinction Rebellion and Black The most obvious threat to unions is in regard and order, are at the heart of our values’. Lives Matter. One of the main objectives is to to picketing during strike action as picketing is By contrast, BoJo likes to present himself as put static protests under the same tight ‘a stationary – and often noisy – affair. But the somebody who – at one and the same time – regulation as processions such as marches and Bill is also likely to a have a significant effect on is a cultured cosmopolitan liberal and an anti- protests and demonstrations. unions’ leverage campaigns. These are a more elitist ‘man of the people’. And though unions are never mentioned important tactic than picketing and involve specifically, there are clear implications and static demonstrations (like flashmobs and the ‘Boris Johnson’s double-speak’ ramifications for us. This is not just as pressure use of whistles, drums, and vuvuzelas, etc) groups similar to XR and BLM whose stock in outside employers’ premises. These can be You might think, then, that the new trade is protests and demonstrations away highly disruptive, and publicly visible, in authoritarian populism is just about crime – from workplaces. It is also as organisations that practice and via mainstream and social media. ‘albeit masked in a little British nationalism. But seek to exert leverage within the workplace. These tactics can create reputational and dig a little deeper and the evidence shows it is brand damage and are commonly used in a much wider political project, whether it’s that ‘Home Secretary will be judge and jury’ construction, couriering, and cleaning. plan to require photo identity for voting when Another aspect of the Bill is in regard of there is no empirical evidence of widespread The Bill allows the police to impose tight ‘encampment’. The new offence, supported by voter fraud, or limiting the right of citizens to ‘conditions on a protest, when they say they new powers to enable police to ‘seize any mount a judicial review of contentious believe that the noise generated may cause relevant property’, could be used against government decisions. serious disruption to an organisation’s pickets and workplace occupations when they Both proposals were in the Queen’s Speech, activities, or cause people in the area to take place on the employer’s property or that outlining the Tory government’s legislative experience serious alarm or unease. It also of a private landowner. programme. A double-speak is being used. For gives the Home Secretary the power to decide The Bill is likely to make it onto the statute example, on voter identity requirements, this is what ‘serious disruption to the life of the book because of the Tories’ sizeable majority in paraded as ‘protecting democracy’ when it will community’ and ‘serious disruption to the the Commons, so our thoughts must turn to lead to fewer people voting as around 3.5 activities of an organisation’ mean. Making how the Act’s measures can be resisted. The million men and women are estimated not to Pretty Vacant both judge and jury. best example I can recall is Ted’s Heath’s have current documents with photo identity. On top of this, the Bill increases the Industrial Relations Act (1971) which, despite On judicial review, the government’s maximum fine for breaching conditions from huge protests, was passed into law. Protests argument is that the Bill stops the judiciary £1,000 to £2,500 where there would be no after the jailing of five Pentonville dockers in being drawn into politics when, in fact, it is the need to show that the person charged actually 1972 for breaking the Act (with regard to government attempting to curtail an knew that the conditions were in place. The picketing) led to this bad law becoming a dead independent judiciary in order to stop legal maximum sentence for the protest organiser letter. But its repeal took a change in challenges to its actions. The separation of would be increased from three to 11 months’ government, in 1974, when Labour won back powers – a fundamental principle of British imprisonment, plus a fine of £2,500. The Bill office under Harold Wilson.

14 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 live Rail Walking the walk with the rent boys of politics

Ahead of the party conference season CHRIS PROCTOR , who has written for The Guardian , The Times , the Morning Star , the New Statesman and Tribune , as well as spending eight years at ASLEF, where he handled press and Spinning a The basic problem is that the media is, above all, interested in the media. Spin doctors PR for the union, and helped the GS put yarn: Malcolm are the people reporters see every day, the together the Journal each month, casts Tucker, Andy people from whom they get their stories. And a wry eye over the dark arts of the coulson, and they are generally more interesting than stiff political spin doctor Alastair politicians who are more interested in being campbell guarded than telling a good story. Leaking confidential information is a major tool of the spin doctor. But employers have to be careful about demanding to know who has spin doctor’ front page spread when he took just spun what. When Boris discovered that his to bad-mouthing Gordon Brown’s mouthpiece, plans to introduce stricter national lockdown Charlie Whelan. ‘The government will not be measures had been leaked to newspapers held to ransom by one little oik,’ he declared. before anyone told the emergency services, or Charlie’s crime was to have told the papers business bosses, he was livid. He demanded about Peter Mandelson being given a loan of that the leaker be unmasked and dismissed. £373,000 by Geoffrey Robinson whose But then, according to the raving Dominic business dealings, as it happened, were Cummings, the prime candidate for subject to be scrutinised by Mandy’s confidence-breaker was, er, Henry Newman, a department. So it ended up as a three-way very close friend of the soon-to-be Mrs bout with ‘Dark Arts’ Pete himself. Two spin Johnson. Oops! doctors in a story is bad. But three of them is excessively offensive to the ‘it‘s time to ‘Putting on an appearance and polishing walk’ principle. up the positive’ Charlie recounts that Prime Minster Blair once rang him to ask what was being leaked Wild-eyed Dominic has shown clearly that you about the news that the UK was not going to h‘ave to be careful who you have working for join the euro single currency. No one’s sure you. Dom wasn’t, strictly speaking, a spin who was in charge of policy at that precise doctor, but Boris used him to float ideas the moment. I mean, if it was in The Sun , it must be government was considering introducing. true, no matter what the PM has to say. What Boris failed to take into account was that Dom is less balanced than a one-legged man HERE used to be an adage, in the ‘A policy of leaving no phone untapped’ in a gale. He flew into a terrible rage when he worlds of politics and press and was given the sack, and he’s been ranting T public relations, that ‘when the spin But Labour’s professional leakers were pristine about how his former boss is a ‘clueless gaffe doctor becomes the story, it’s time to walk’. If it compared with David Cameron’s spin doctor machine’. His unprincipled, disloyal, snide held true, a lot of PRs would be a little short on ‘Andy Coulson. He joined Call Me Dave’s team attacks have provided us all with hours of fun. shoe leather. direct from the News of the World , where he Great entertainment. Good old Dom. Because lots of spin doctors don’t take the was the editor with the policy of leaving no The fact is that we all spin a story a bit. We hint. That Alastair Campbell, for example. He phone untapped. He left Number 10’s press all put on an appearance if we’re meeting the just won’t go away. He’s on the news more office to be incarcerated in HMP Belmarsh, in-laws for the first time, appearing in the than Tony Blair these days, with soporific banged up for ‘conspiracy to intercept dock, or going for a job interview. We polish diaries, books about his breakdowns, and voicemails’. That incident really did offend up the positive. That’s OK. diatribes dissing Jeremy. He has no idea of the against the maxim of the spin doctor not But it’s not all right when you’re supposed concept of a sell-by date. being the story. to be representing the government. That sort It was around this time that the author Ken of spinning means a reader or listener has little ‘Peter Mandelson, the Prince of Darkness’ Follett began describing spin doctors as ‘the idea if the ‘news’ is someone seeing how a rent boys of politics’. He may have a point, but policy might be received, the ramblings of a I accept that he was useful for a while, his accusation showed gender bias, as Jo spokesperson the other side of a few pints of ‘especially when he was pushed to the front to Moore proved. She hit the front pages when Fuller’s ESB in the Red Lion or just bile from tell porkies about Iraq, while Tony hid manfully she famously, and cack-handedly, told civil someone who didn’t get a promotion. Oh, or in the background. But has he never heard of servants that the news of the 9/11 attacks on even the truth. the pleasures of retirement? the Twin Towers was ‘a very good day to get You can’t rely on anything you read, really. Alastair even managed to feature in a ‘three out anything we want to bury’. This article, for example…

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch lines Future in British Steel Upcoming Events

WRITE on moving to freight as ferry, while trying to n RIPPLE LANE: behalf of a driver with DB calm a coach full of FRIDAY 3 SEPTEMBER I Sheffield No Cargo in South colleagues who ‘Our outing to Clacton starts with 1 branch to Yorkshire. Nigel has wanted to leave him donkey rides, followed by a visit to the congratulate our always been an behind, and dealing beach theatre for the Punch & Judy comrade Nigel active member of with the aftermath of show,’ says Cliff Blackwell. ‘Culminating Roebuck and wish ASLEF, which he an incident when a in a midday trip to The Moon & Starfish, him all the very best describes as ‘the only regional manager on a Wetherspoons hostelry, opposite the in his new role as union for train a trip decided to club pier. And, from 14.00, a brisk walk to District 4 Organiser. drivers’ and of which a dog walker, the Old BRSA next to Clacton station. Nigel’s working life he is ‘proud to be a resulting in Hope to see you.’ began, after leaving part’. That’s evident hospitalisation. Nigel: we only want GILLINGHAM: school, at Middleton’s from the time and Nigel has been on what’s best for him n Pet Shop in Sheffield effort he puts into the DB Cargo THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER city centre. He soon the work he does for company council for managers. Railway reunion from 11.00 at the realised, despite his members, with a 20 years. He took on Incidentally, he is Rainham Social Club, Station Road, love of animals, that work ethic second to the job of council missing the cloak and Rainham, Kent. ‘Please note this is not cleaning dirty cages none. chair in difficult mask should anyone just a retirement do and active staff are day in, day out, Nigel’s time at circumstances, and want to buy him one. very welcome,’ says Steve ‘Grudd’ wasn’t attractive or Redhill, where he became an I have seen the Gurdler. ‘Past, present, and future cool and looked for was secretary of the outstanding chair, compassion he has railwaymen and women, all mixing and something with a bit social club, was working through for every member’s moaning together. Come along and say more excitement and colourful. His friend some of the most individual hello. A small raffle will be held and pulling power. Roo Botham difficult times at the circumstances. He that’s what pays for the buffet. And Despite a promotion, remembers how ‘he FOC. Nigel has seen takes his time to get remember, this is your reunion; so use to selling dog food, organised some very off five CEOs and to know and it or lose it!’ Nigel decided that successful events’ council members understand their animal nutrition which he subsidised describe him as ‘a needs, and builds his n FRATTON: FRIDAY 8 OCTOBER wasn’t his vocation, with the takings from force to be reckoned arguments Fratton train crew reunion is at the and began his railway a slot machine he with’, and say they accordingly. Nigel is BRSA Club next to Fratton station from journey. installed at the will miss him dearly, not one to quit; he 12.00 to 18.00. All welcome – it would He started life on depot. These ‘events’ though I’m not so will go through a be great to see everyone this year now the iron road 33 years were where Nigel sure they will miss his case with a fine we are back! Free buffet and raffle. Gary ago as a driver’s developed his constant puffing on toothcomb until he White, driver, Fratton depot. assistant with British negotiation skills, e-cigarettes that finds what he needs Rail at Network South trying to secure the gives him the aura of to build a case for a n TOTON: FRIDAY 29 OCTOBER East in Redhill. He release of a colleague Darth Vader, member and get the In anticipation of the lifting of all covid- worked in passenger caught shoplifting although it best deal possible. He 19 restrictions, the 2021 Toton old boys’ for 11 years before on a cross channel intimidates the doesn’t hesitate to reunion will be held at the Sportsman, step in when Derby Road, Long Eaton, Derbyshire, someone is in need NG10 4HA, from 19.30. All welcome! Transplant of support, even if it email [email protected] means travelling hard legend and working long n ASHFORD: outside hours. WEDNESDAY 3 NOVEMBER It was Phil Limerick’s We will miss his Ashford Old Guard reunion (open to all last shift on Friday 9 knowledge, rail workers and their partners) from July, after 42 years of expertise, confidence, 11.00 at Ashford Railway Club, Beaver service, and a book and protective Road, Ashford, Kent. has been published persona that made by our ‘unofficial members feel he had n ASHFORD: official’ Transplant our backs. ASLEF’s THURSDAY 6 JANUARY Jason cross and Phil limerick and that book photographer Jason District 4 has gained ‘Confirmed date for next year!’ says Cross. It’s called Phil Underground, but from colleagues. I a true trade union Grudd. From 11.00 at Ashford Railway Limerick: Transplant now there is a 15th, a hope you enjoy the fighter who will put Club. Legend . unique one-off book, book, Phil, and the needs and rights Steve Walker Lillie which I presented to thank you for all the of members above n TONBRIDGE: THURSDAY 7 JULY Bridge 253 branch Phil on his final day, times you put the everything else. Best Railway reunion from 11.00 at the New secretary and which features cab lights on when of luck in your new Telegraph Club, Priory Road, Tonbridge, many pictures of him you spotted me post, comrade, it has Kent. It was a pleasure to driving Transplant photographing your been an honour and visit Ruislip depot Engineering trains. In train but, most a privilege to work l Please send your branch news, for Phil Limerick’s addition, I left the importantly, I want with – and learn from reports, articles, features, last day. I have, so first couple of pages to wish you a happy – you. presentations, and photographs to far, written 14 books blank and these were retirement. San Senik branch [email protected] about the London filled with messages Jason Cross secretary

16 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 Branch lines

during the 2009 dispute, Steve Best for members asked me, with fairly colourful Having worked closely with both language, why our sister trade of them, in their roles as company union reps were in attendance, council representatives, I would just at the point at which the like to place on record my thanks room fell quiet. Needless to say, to Steve Wright and Steve there were some chuckles! Steve Meredith for their contribution to has a serious side to him, too, and ASLEF over many years. we were both very proud to Steve Wright has served in the establish a new set of terms & role of company council rep for conditions and rates of pay at nearly 30 years and is one of our MTR Crossrail (as it was) from its longest-serving reps since before onset in 2015, delivering on the privatisation of our industry. ASLEF policy, and Steve has been Having worked with Steve, in building on that ever since. various roles, over the years, I Steve Wright and Steve have learnt that his passion for Meredith have both contributed a ASLEF as a trade union has never huge amount of time and effort diminished and his efforts have to our trade union and their always been focused on what is experience will be greatly missed. best for our members. Steve has Ex-gA company council Steve Wright, Steve Meredith, Mick Bradbury I will find it strange without them been known to blow a gasket or (now retired), and Alan Edwards (also retired) with District 5 around but look forward to two on occasions, but always for organiser Nigel gibson, in the red tee, taking the happy snap catching up in their retirement – the right reasons, and our which will be a new challenge discussions and debates have Steve Meredith, who spent 28 rep, always knew how to take the altogether. I wish you both well often been lively, but I have years as a branch secretary, and heat out of an argument with a for a long and happy retirement. always enjoyed working also worked as an LDC rep and, short, sharp, one-liner, not always In solidarity! alongside him. subsequently, a company council intended. One time at ACAS, DO5 Nigel Gibson

year-on-year; he then promptly left the Dealing with rogue managers company and it remained the same until now. The new ASLEF agreement for drivers, T’S BEEN an extremely busy time on settlement, ASLEF got a massive 95.2% ‘Yes’ who work Boxing Day, will be to receive an London Underground. It has been vote from drivers for full strike action. additional 21 hours’ pay on top of their I on many TOCs and FOCs, owing to However, the pandemic then captured the normal salary. So, in all, around £900 for one the covid-19 pandemic. Every day our tier 2 news across the world, meaning our day’s work. Other unions have, not health & safety reps are dealing with, and mandate was effectively redundant, with the surprisingly, come out of the woodwork to responding to, new issues as they arise. They associated crash in Tube train services. Any claim the credit even though they didn’t are working around the clock to do all they final pay and conditions agreement is have a Boxing Day payment listed in their possibly can to ensure that the workplace backdated to April 2019, almost one year of claim. Some things don’t change. But, environment is as safe as possible. Similarly, back pay was outstanding, and the other fortunately, drivers are generally far too the issues TFC reps have been dealing with three unions had already accepted. Part of intelligent to be ‘had over’ in this manner. are wide-ranging, from trying to get our the agreement was a four-year pay deal of They know that it’s ASLEF, the Tube train Night Tube drivers working full-time and RPI + 0.2%, an improvement to our Boxing drivers’ union in London, that did the deal. additional shifts, to stopping rogue Day (26 December) payment, as well as a The company attempted to bring in new managers, who feel they are now doctors, commitment to reduce the working week, emergency working timetables without the questioning drivers unable to attend work, plus additional payment talks following the usual and agreed 28 days’ minimum notice. to getting them to apply the appropriate pandemic. ASLEF reps across the combine rejected government guidance on 12-week shielding, Following successful industrial action these, not because we didn’t want to assist as well as various other reasons why drivers over three consecutive years ASLEF agreed the company during a pandemic, but are unable to work. an additional payment of £350 for volunteers because they potentially endangered The LU pay and conditions deal has been who work Boxing Day. The then HR director drivers. Such as requiring them to travel accepted under strange and stressed said he would add this to the next pay claim around on the ‘cushions’ and not being able circumstances. Only weeks before to get this indexed-linked so it would go up to socially distance, having large numbers booking on for duty at the same time, and having too many on meal breaks meaning social distancing is impossible. TUC tribute for ASLEF’s Khalid Moving forwards, ASLEF continues to have a full TFC meeting on a weekly basis as Khalid Rana, an MTR Elizabeth line driver, Gidea Park branch, well as company council scheduled with the health & safety rep, local district council, and Crossrail projects same frequency. Industrial relations items rep – he’s a very active activist! – has been chosen as a recipient have never gone through the entire of a special Trades Union Congress h&s special commendation machinery with such gusto! award. ‘Khalid will receive a certificate and his name will be Khalid at AAD If management continue using the included in the general council’s report to congress this month,’ national emergency to circumvent our report Vincent Borg and Una Byrne of ASLEF’s health & safety department at head agreements then the goodwill of our office. ‘I want to add my congratulations to Khalid,’ said GS Mick Whelan. ‘He’s a members will evaporate, leading to top rep, and this award is a tribute to his hard work, and to the work put in by all unnecessary industrial relations issues. our reps up and down the country.’ Gary Comfort District 8 trains functional council

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 17 18 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 obituaries

GRAHAM WALKER CAMERON MANY GRATEFUL FOR HIS REPRESENTATION MacKINNON T IS with great sadness that we learned of the death on Sunday 4 LARGER THAN LIFE I July of Bro Graham Walker, former EC member for District 1, at the It is with a heavy heart that I age of 64. Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Valerie and report the sudden passing of family. Graham retired at 55 but was a lifelong member of our Society, both Cameron MacKinnon, who was active and RMS. taken from us on Tuesday 18 Graham started his career as a cleaner at Willesden and finished as a May. Cam will be remembered driver at Victoria Eastern, a long-time member of Battersea branch. Not only for the larger than life character an EC member, he served on the South Eastern company council and that he was. Loud, forthright, attended a number of AADs representing his area. Always active, many in and principled, he was a good the Society will be grateful for his representation and activity. trade unionist and generous to a He played an important part when we went through the trauma of fault should there be a collection graham: sorely missed privatisation, fragmentation, and a painful restructuring of our once- for one of his brothers or sisters integrated rail industry. He finished his railway career as a training assessor instructing on driver simulators. in trouble. Graham was a loyal man, to the Society and his family. He was a champion golfer, captain of his club, and Cam began his driving career many say he could have been a professional golfer (and he had the trophies to prove the point). Graham led a at Inverness before settling full life, but left us too early, and will be sorely missed by his many friends. ‘down south’ at Gloucester depot Lew Adams GS 1993-1998 where he worked until being medically retired a few years ago and, despite struggling with TERRY LAWRENCE FOUR IN THE MORNING, FOUR AT NIGHT some health issues, he had plans I have to report the demise of driver Terry Lawrence who came to Bedford in 1984, after to move and spend his the closure of Wellingborough, where he started his career in 1953. He was one of that retirement on the Isle of diminishing number who was familiar with a shovel and the garrets. At that time he Skye. Unfortunately the was a passed man retaining the starred man status and having to wait a short while pandemic put a hold on his before gaining registration as a driver. plans, and he never got to see Terry was a single man, dedicated to the job. His passion in later life was his his beloved Scotland again allotment and a few beers. The medical officer once asked him how much he drank, to before his passing. But Cam’s which he replied, ‘Eight pints of Abbot.’ How an earth do you do that? ‘Four in the family will be taking his ashes to Tl: key was to keep morning, and four at night.’ I hasten to add that this was on his days off, and TL – as he be scattered on Skye, a small away from the was always known – had a very, very, very dry sense of humour. comfort, knowing he will be scrapyard magnet He always had a large bunch of keys on his belt and, on the tripper to Cransley going home to rest. Book twelve scrapyard, had to be kept away from the scrapper’s magnet! Always reliable, conscientious, and a thoroughly Cammy, and have your wee good workmate, it is a great loss to our community of retired footplate staff that we have to say goodbye to dram, you will be sorely missed. such a well-liked colleague. RIP TL. Rest in Peace. Bill Davies RMS Bedford Daniel Smart LDC Gloucester Railway badges Great day raise £13,000 Throughout the for the London pandemic rail workers Underground and have continued to Overground, followed report for duty as key by six BR regional and workers. But it appears three BR coloured our efforts have been versions and, finally, a overlooked. To show series to cover the we have also been various Underground Andy gregg (Bristol), Bob Dorkings (Barnham playing our part, day and Overground lines. RMS), Ivan Wilson (Airdrie) and Paul Edwards in, day out, to keep We decided to (St Blazey) present the money to Michelle coYI: Sooty turns up in last season’s third kit the country moving donate profits from Quittenton of NHS charities Together during the crisis, the sale of the badges At last, after lockdowns and restrictions, retired Barnham driver to NHS Charities Bob, Paul, Andy and members, who have the Old Oak Common retired members’ Bob Dorkings and Par Together and, on Ivan all spent a large supported, promoted, reunion took place on Tuesday 27 July. driver Paul Edwards Wednesday 21 July, part of their footplate and contributed by We’d like to thank all those who made the produced railway met Michelle careers working on buying these badges. effort to attend, and a great day was had service badges based Quittenton at London the old London, Numerous fellow rail by all. Presentations were made to on the original Second Victoria station to Brighton & South workers from across recently retired full-time officer Brian World War versions present her with a Coast Railway division the country, including Corbett and retired drivers John Donnelly, issued to staff to cheque for £13,000 in of the Southern Transport for London Tony Rushby, Alan Sinclair, Mark denote that they were front of the London, Railway. employees, have gone Couchman, and Alan Taylor. in a reserved Brighton & South Through the out of their way to Thanks to all who provided donations occupation. There was Coast Railway war Journal , we would like give us vital support to help fund this event. one for main line rail memorial on the to thank everybody, and we will be forever Bob Morse , Dean Holloway and Mark companies and one station concourse. including many ASLEF grateful. Urpeth

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 19 letters

mean nothing, has been done about them. Come and join the conversation! Send letters by email to Despite plenty of doctor’s advice that [email protected] or by Royal Mail to the ASLEF Journal something needs to be done, especially as regards my situation, (prolapsed disc, at 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN absorbed intervertebral discs, degenerative spondylitic change, degenerative arthritis, and spinal stenosis) which has cost me years in lost Mrs Thatcher, Mr Johnson, crisis, including the millions wasted on failed work time, and seen me become a green card contracts, will be by the PAYE population. driver, off the main line after more than 44 and that joke about closing The measly rewards for NHS staff, despite years, and on shed work only. I have been Britain’s coal mines their efforts and sacrifices, and with the ignored at all levels with this, and been seen as onslaught on public services and key workers wanting either a ‘soft job’ or compensation. [sic] gathering momentum, nothing is safe in Neither is the case. I wanted a real fix. So I the sectors supposed to look after the poor could go to work, earn a crust, and not go and vulnerable in society. The usual easy home in pain every day. Not too much to ask, targets are being asked to pay for the cost of is it? (Putting a ‘bouncy’ seat on is treating the covid with raids on pension funds and savings, symptoms, not the disease, in case anyone cutbacks, more outsourcing of services, free suggests this). prescriptions raised to 66 (or state pension So on reading said article, my angst awoke, age), and the state pension age itself. You can and I ask, where was this survey? How could I be sure there’s more to come. miss it? And what will be done regarding these Despite all of this, big pay rises and vile locomotives? We didn’t need a survey for bonuses at the top persist. How do so many this one, it’s common knowledge. There are Boris Johnson on a visit to a wind farm in the still fall for the hollow promises of this other ergonomic and practical issues, too; it Moray Firth: ‘Thanks to Margaret Thatcher, shambolic and self-serving government? makes a Class 66 feel like a Bentley! Ask any who closed so many coal mines [laughs] These people have no idea how most of us driver what they think, and they will tell you! across the country, we had a big early start live! £25,000 on takeaways? Boris, many Where do we go from here? Act now to and we’re now moving rapidly away from families do not have this to live on for a year! forestall future problems. I am going into coal altogether.’ Calls for companies such as Amazon, and the retirement shortly as ‘damaged goods’, and people who run them, to pay their fair share of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher will be don’t want anyone else to have this to look tax are perfectly reasonable, as well as morally remembered for her neglect of British industry, forward to. Over to you, ASLEF! ethical. But these organisations have so much particularly our collieries, but we must be David Hebblethwaite clout and influence that politicians are wary of honest in our arguments. I worked in the pits Freightliner Intermodal, Crewe pursuing this option. before joining the railway following The pandemic has impacted our lives in an redundancy. It should be noted that Labour unprecedented way, physically, socially, and, Space – the final frontier closed more pits than the Conservatives (and crucially, mentally. But from a global As Richard Branson travels to the edge of more miles of railway, allegedly) and now, with perspective, has anything really changed space, just think, without all the UK taxpayer a pressing need for coking coal, Labour among those with the power? The rich have dollars he trousered from Virgin Trains and opposes the proposed colliery in Cumbria got richer with a greater grasp on the Virgin Healthcare and squirrelled away in a which will supply coking coal to our steel common wealth, authoritarian politicians have British Virgin Islands tax haven, it’s possible works (instead of importing it with all the reinforced their position, and control over their that none of this would have possible – now transport costs) and, in Wales, the Labour citizens, the financial markets have recovered isn’t that f*cking priceless! Senedd denies the extension of the steam coal and continue to make gains and yet millions Paul Oldfield Cheshire prospect at Merthyr Tydfil. I support the use of still live in abject poverty, food banks are now coal for prime steel production, steam raising, endemic in the UK, and there are endless and the 3.7 million home users, which includes appeals from charities across all media. Get them to join a union farmers not connected to the grid. The EU lists All in it together? The fundamental values Many ASLEF members may have a member of coking coal as a critical mineral and the UK will of trade unions are more pertinent than ever. their family doing part-time work to add a almost certainly follow this. And what will ASLEF, true to these principles, has faced little extra to the family budget. A word of young girls do who wish to sail the world in many challenges. But it’s hard to think of warning! Make sure they join a trade union! It’s carbon fibre yachts? A balanced approach to anything that compares to this current pan- for their own protection. carbon neutral is the way forward. So, thank global crisis, and its impact on our lives now, P Begley Bedford you, Sir Hindsight Starmer, for also defecating and in the future, too. on our coal industry. Jeff Morgan retired member Robert McMillan RMS Wolverhampton BRITISH RAIL TRAIN CREW MANUALS 33056 SERIES n There were 170 working collieries in The Class 66 is a Bentley WANTED for my personal Britain, employing more than 190,000, in beside the awful Class 70 collection. Good price paid 1984; by 2015, they had all been closed. for all wanted manuals. I cannot stay quiet any longer. Reading the email Tony Middleton, recent article in the Journal , regarding GBRf driver, at [email protected] The usual suspects will be dissatisfaction with driving cabs, I am coughing up for the cost mystified as to why no one has flagged up the Class 70. I have been subject to many severe of the covid-19 crisis beatings while working on these dreadful The ASLEF Journal is published every The leader column in the July edition of the machines. I have an old (work-related) back month by: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN l Tel: 020 7324 Journal made for salutary if, sadly, inevitable injury which has been severely aggravated by 2400 l email: [email protected] reading. Politicians dish out fine words and the ride ‘qualities’ of the Class 70. website: www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: I am not alone, and the powers that be, and empty promises as so much empty rhetoric. @ASLEFUnion But it’s clear that payback time for the covid ASLEF, are acutely aware, but nothing, and I

20 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 Manifesto classified Advertisements

RAILWAY SERVICE Throughout Why ASlEF must fight for a better, the pandemic railway workers have played their part in keeping this country moving. Retired Barnham fairer, and more inclusive politics driver Bob Dorkings and Par driver Paul Edwards have produced a covid service badge in nine versions: BR red; BR blue; BR black; Eastern Region blue; Midland Region maroon; North-Eastern Region orange; Southern Region green; Scottish Region light blue; and Western Region brown. Each badge costs £5 (plus £2.50 p&p) from [email protected] or [email protected]

KEYWORKER badge to recognise the hard work of all railway and other keyworkers this year. £5 plus £1 p&p from Fiona Lumsden (MTR Elizabeth line and Paddington branch). Please email [email protected] DARLINGTON 125th anniversary badge 1895-2020. All badges individually numbered. £6.50 inc p&p. Please contact branch secretary John Clark by email at [email protected] NORWOOD depot special pin badges including Cowden 25th anniversary. Julian vaughan in the driving seat. Which is where he would like the labour Party to be… £3 each or £5 the pair (inc p&p). Proceeds to Norwood Drivers’ Social JULIAN VAUGHAN , Tube system which privatises profits while placing Club. Email Stuart Boxall at driver, Northern Line revenue risk on the public purse. [email protected] North branch, and trains For too long our broken political system THE KING’S CROSS STORY health & safety council, has stood as a barrier between us and the by Peter Darley (The History change we need. The kind we campaign for, in stood as a Labour Party Press, £20) as featured on the our workplaces and in our communities. In centre pages of the January candidate in the 2017 and 2019 general transport, in housing, in our response to the Journal . Buy it direct from the elections. He hopes it will be third time climate emergency, all too often progressive Camden Railway Heritage Trust at a discounted lucky and, here, explains why he wants solutions lose out in favour of a reactionary price of £15 inc p&p; email [email protected] or the party to adopt proportional right-wing agenda caused by a dysfunctional phone 020 7586 6632 for details. ‘All income from sales goes to the trust,’ says Peter. representation as policy Westminster that concentrates power in the hands of an elite few. PORTSMOUTH and I SLE S TRADE unionists we’ve always led And, at the centre of that, is our warped OF WIGHT branch 164 has demands for greater democracy. voting system which, all too often, delivers struck a new badge for A Campaigning for the empowerment right-wing majority governments committed active and retired members. Set of two £12 plus £1.20 postage; email to turning back the clock on workers’ rights. of working people and communities and [email protected] offering a different vision of society. And that is Right-wing governments that end up with still true today. huge majorities despite getting less than half HANDMADE miniature driver’s keys to wear as a charm or round the vote. That’s why I’m proud that ASLEF has the neck. Solid silver and solid 9ct become the latest trade union to back the But democracy doesn’t end at the ballot gold weighing approximately 7 grams. Just over campaign for proportional representation as box. It’s something that has to be fought for, at 2cm in length and just under 2cm width. Gold we did at our virtual annual assembly of all times. We need to rebuild our democratic £300, silver £100 + £7 p&p recorded delivery. delegates in May and why I believe that, by muscles as a movement, to forge a country Contact Brad McCarthy on 07929 350146. working with campaigns like Politics for the where everyone has a stronger stake in AIRDRIE has produced a badge to Many, and Labour for a New Democracy, we political life. commemorate its reopening as a can make sure that Labour embraces the That’s why it’s important that ASLEF is on separate branch. £6.50 inc p&p. Please radical reform we need to our politics at the the frontline of the fight for democratic reform contact branch chair Ivan Wilson party’s conference in Brighton this month. – and why we must build the movement (07949 862393) for details. For some, electoral reform might seem far within Labour for them to do the same. As we CASH paid for original pre 90s away from the bread-and-butter issues we re-build from the pandemic we need to find a railway photographic slides or deal with in our day-to-day lives as trade better way. We cannot build a just society on negatives. Please contact GBRf unionists, but nothing could be further from the foundations of a broken democracy. Tonbridge driver (and railwayana collector) John the truth. Reforming our voting system must be at Waddington at [email protected] The terms and conditions of our members the heart of this and democratic reform must PERTH branch badge to across London Underground are being be the centre piece of a radical Labour commemorate 110 years (1908- threatened by a government whose majority manifesto at the next election. We can’t keep 2018). £6 plus £1 p&p. Cheques has resulted in it acting like an elective papering over the cracks. Tinkering round the payable to Perth branch ASLEF No 134 General. Please contact branch dictatorship, in spite of gaining less than 50% edges, or a ‘one last push’ approach isn’t secretary Grant Murchie for details on 07412 of the popular vote. Across the UK rail network enough to get the kind of progressive change 453454 or [email protected] jobs are under threat, as the Tories press on we need. with their agenda of maintaining private The time for reform is now and, together, To advertise please phone 020 7324 2400 or send an email to [email protected] companies at the heart of a discredited rail ASLEF can lead the way.

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 21 last Word Don’t let the sun go down on me

CHRIS LONGLEY , sales and marketing manager of College Hill Press, printer for unions such as Unite, the CWU, FBU, and NUJ, as well as ASLEF, reviews a new paperback that begins at a London Underground station and takes us on a journey into the heart of darkness that was Billy Wilder’s family history

‘I have two talents. Two things that give me a reason to go on living. I’m a good composer, and I’m a good mother. Writing music, and bringing up children. That’s what I do. And now I’m basically being told that neither of these skills is required any more. On both fronts, I’m island. A recluse. A Garbo figure. A producer finished. Kaput. And I’m only 57! Fifty-seven, comes looking for her, but when he finds that’s all.’ where she lives, he can’t get anywhere near her. He can’t get past the people who are HAT is Calista speaking, who lives in looking after her.’ Hammersmith with her husband, and Fedora , like Sunset Boulevard (1950), holds T twin daughters about to fly the an excoriating mirror to the Hollywood star parental nest, who writes music for films and is system. In both a diva tries to hold onto her no longer in demand. This sets the tone for Mr on the write lines: Brummie boy Jonathan coe place in cinema history. And both star William Wilder and Me by Jonathan Coe (Penguin, Holden. In Sunset Boulevard he is Joe Gillis, our £8.99) a novel populated by people – through a character, Calista, similarly unaware omniscient narrator, a washed-up screenwriter particularly the American film director, Billy of the movies he has made. drawn into the demented fantasy world of Wilder – whose best days are behind them. Thus, in flashback, in a cleverly plotted Norma Desmond. In Fedora , he plays the He’s spent decades making great movies, and narrative, we join a young Calista, on a road washed-up producer, Barry ‘Dutch’ Detweiler, winning six Oscars, but he finds himself, after a trip across the States, and wearing the wrong hoping to make a connection in Corfu with his couple of turkeys, out of time and out of clothes, but aware that ‘youth and novelty are ex-lover Fedora as one last shake of the dice. favour, and struggling to finance his new everything’, as she has dinner with Wilder and Calista, who gets a short-term gig as a project Fedora (1978). his screenwriting partner Iz Diamond at a translator on location, is inspired to write the Earlier this year Coe told Le Monde – he is swanky restaurant in Beverly Hills. notes that will define her life: ‘I wrote a piece, revered in France – how, as a teenager, he She bones up by reading Halliwell’s Film about four minutes long, to remind myself would record Wilder’s films on his cassette Guide – a running gag – but after movies such what it felt like to sit on the beach in Malibu recorder, playing them over and over: ‘I knew as The Seven Year Itch (1955) and Some Like It reading Fedora , filled with both a feeling of much of his dialogue by heart. Everything I Hot (1959) and The Apartment (1960) and Irma exhilaration and loss, knowing that for four know about how to convey information about la Douce (1963) the sun is now going down on hours I had passed through the gates of character through dialogue I learnt from their careers. Paradise that I would probably never be able Wilder and from those cassettes.’ Wilder realises the game is up. After the to go there again. I had a private cassette of Coe, who made his name with What a counter-culture of the 1960s and a brutal and me playing it, which, I admit, I listened to again Carve-up! (1994), a satire on the Thatcher pointless foreign war which America lost, and again.’ government’s obsession with privatisation, The public taste has changed. The ‘kids with We move from Corfu, and Calista’s first Rotters’ Club (2001), a coming of age novel set beards’ now call the shots, not those who significant romance, to Paris, and Berlin, and in Birmingham in the 1970s, and his state of escaped the Holocaust and survived the Wilder’s memories of the horrors of the the nation novel Middle England (2019), about Second World War. He’d thought of buying the Holocaust. In a savage twist, Fedora has been Brexit, added: ‘It is easier, I think, to draw a rights to Thomas Keneally’s book Schindler’s financed by German money. And we get an faithful portrait of someone through a novel Ark and admits he watched the Steven insight into the reality of making than a biography. I’ve always found the story Spielberg film Schindler’s List : ‘Yeah, I saw it, I movies which, as Charlie Watts dryly said on behind Fedora fascinating: a great filmmaker, saw it once. I couldn’t bear to watch it another Desert Island Discs , about playing drums with who has known so much success, finds himself time. I think it is one of the… greatest films, the Rolling Stones is ‘five years of playing, 40 abandoned by all the major studios because the very greatest. Better than anything I could years of hanging around.’ his recent films have been a flop.’ have done.’ Jonathan Coe says Billy Wilder was a key You don’t need to have seen Fedora – not At another table Al Pacino, star of T he influence on his development as a writer; Mr many have – or to be intimately acquainted Godfather films, is eating a hamburger with Wilder and Me repays the debt. It’s your with the director’s oeuvre . Coe wanted his the beautiful Swiss actress Martha Keller. So summer reading sorted, particularly for ASLEF book to be enjoyed by people who have no Wilder makes his pitch: ‘It’s about an old movie members, as it opens at an Underground particular interest in Wilder; haven’t seen many star. A woman. Her name is Fedora. Nobody station. The Guardian got it spot on when it of his films; or have never even heard of him. has seen her for years and all that anybody described the hardback as ‘a love letter to the Which is why he approaches his subject knows is she lives somewhere on a Greek spirit of cinema’.

22 The ASLEF Journal l September 2021 Across Down Prize crossword 1 Slower mail (6,5) 1 Afternoon nap on Track 7 Inheritance 2 A plus sum in Prize crossword 185 by Tom Williams chromosome the bank 8 Tynesider 3 Evenings 9 First note of 4 Small tenant farm Brighton rocks musical scale in Scotland 10 Persuade to 5 The belly N TWO bitterly cold winter do wrong 6 A doubting Thomas days back in 1900 – Monday 11 Pours fat over 11 Legacy O 26 and Tuesday 27 February roasting meat 12 USA law enforcer – a group of men in heavy woollen 13 French brandy 13 Snapshot taker suits, coats, and scarves met at the 16 Mature female cat 14 Tittle-tattle, Congregational Memorial Hall on 18 Married woman’s chatter Farringdon Street, just around the title 15 Guidance, words corner from what is now ASLEF’s head 19 One part of a of wisdom office, to set up the Labour TV serial 17 Looped rope to Representation Committee. The 129 20 Ocean liner tether ponies delegates present represented a 21 Caramel-coated broad range of working-class and left- fruit on a stick (6,5) wing opinion – from trade union activists to the Independent Labour Solution to Prize crossword 184 Party, Social Democratic Federation, Across: 1 Vanilla 5 Cube 7 Nun 8 Gradient and Fabian Society. 9 Erect 10 Hair 13 Cave 14 Test 18 Ease 19 Tails Name...... They were all disenchanted with 21 Meditate 22 Ten 23 Golf 24 Literal the Liberal Party and approved a plan, Down: 1 Vendetta 2 Nonsense Address...... proposed by Keir Hardie, to get 3 Lights 4 Apathy 5 Clinic 6 Band ordinary people into Parliament to 11 Radiator 12 Personal 15 Tariff ...... ‘promote legislation in the direct 16 Detail 17 Street 20 Hero interests of labour’ – meaning working-class men and women ...... Congratulations to John Parker, of impatient for better pay and working Wolverhampton, who was last month’s conditions, proper holidays, decent winner. The winner of this month’s Prize ...... pensions, and unemployment benefit. Crossword will receive Marks & Spencer The LRC was formed at the end of vouchers to the value of £25...... the Victorian era, when millions of men worked in mills and mines and l You can see more of Tom Williams’s Postcode...... factories and shipyards. Labour’s crosswords, word games and puzzles at heartlands were the South Wales wordgames.co.uk valleys, the towns along the River Clyde, and the great industrial areas of If you successfully complete this month’s Prize Crossword please send the solution by post to the Lancashire, Yorkshire, and County Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN (or take a photo on your Durham. The LRC won two seats at the mobile phone of the grid and send the image to [email protected]) by Friday 17 September general election of 1900, 29 in 1906 – when its MPs changed its name to the Labour Party – and, 18 years later, in 1924, formed its first government under Ramsay MacDonald, the ASLEF’s legal services illegitimate son on a farm labourer Have you been sacked, or are in trouble at work, and cannot get hold of and a housemaid. In 1945, under your branch secretary, local representative or District organiser in an Clement Attlee, Labour won a landslide, with 393 of 640 seats in the emergency? call our industrial relations department on 020 7324 2400 Commons, establishing the NHS and (9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday or 9am to 4pm on Friday) or leave a welfare state, and nationalising mines message on the answer service, or email [email protected] with a subject and steelworks, utilities such as gas, heading of ‘For the attention of the water, and electricity, and, of course, our railways. The party, under Harold industrial relations dept’. Wilson, won elections in 1964, 1966, and (two in) 1974. And in 1997, under Tony Blair, Labour won 418 of 659 seats in Parliament. changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form or go online As the Labour Party, forged in the factories and foundries of industrial Name...... Britain, meets in Brighton this month Address...... to plan a pathway back to power, we should remember its rich history, and ...... its enormous achievements, and realise that the party has a future as Postcode ...... Telephone...... well as a past. As long as it remembers Branch...... Membership No...... why it was formed, who it represents, and what its purpose really is… Please return coupon to: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN Keith Richmond

September 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 23 © S tur ti/P eter Dazeley/Get ty Images

Ther e has ne ver be en a mor e impor tan t time to j oin a t rade uni on. When a gr oup of work ers act and spe ak together , their employer has to listen. Tha t’s how unions mak e things bet ter a t work. Ne arly 5.5 million people ar e in a union. Many have been on the fr ontline during the pandemic, fr om our brilliant NHS work ers to r etail staf f and car e work ers. Unions pr otect jobs, stop people being tr eated unfairly and mak e workplaces safer . During the pandemic tha t’s been mor e impor tant than ever .

“My tr ade uni on s tands betw een me and an uKeny wcoerk retr ,a Livner pfou otl ur e. ”

ndyourunion.tuc.or g.uk