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ASLEFThe ASSOCIATED SOCIETY of LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & FIREMEN J JULY 2017

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Mick pays tribute to emergency services workers Somewhere up the stairs into the fire 7 8 T’S been a long month with the run up to the election and, of course, our own I parliament, AAD, in Bristol, much of which is covered in the following pages. We have a News hung parliament with the Conservatives seeking an alliance, not a coalition, of ‘confidence and  The Maybot’s election gamble backfires 4 supply ’ with the DUP. With the fraught situation at Stormont, it would be very foolish to do anything  Song and dance about Southern Failway 5 that would undermine the Good Friday  ASLEF in action at the general election 6 agreement. ATW’s avatar yob on Pillar Parkway 7 But that is the norm for the Tories – 25  10 percentage points ahead in the polls, hubris and  Gender matters; and armed cops on trains 8 arrogance, so far ahead we can do what we want, the public will swallow an uncosted manifesto and more austerity – including a dementia tax, as spiteful and damaging as previous policies such as Features the despised bedroom tax – removal of PIP, ATOS ASLEF’s policy making parliament 10 assessments, and hundreds of thousands using  food banks. Research by the Joseph Rowntree  Simple choice; the AGS gets his 30 11 Foundation shows that there were 1 million year badge; Off the Rails at AAD people, including 312,000 children, destitute in Jim Peters on tackling prostate cancer; 12 11 the UK in 2015. How many more now? No surprise,  Claire McCarthy; and Julie Boston then, to some of us, that a properly costed manifesto for the many not the few from a  Cat Hobbs; Stephanie Fitzgerald; Phil 13 credible leader like Jeremy Corbyn (not the one Talbot; and Neil Duncan-Jordan ritually demonized in the right-wing press) produced more seats – and votes across the  Problems on Southern and freight 14 country – for Labour.  Dave Tyson; and Bernard Kennedy 15 Unions, federations, there are a lot of names for organisations that represent workers. We have condemned the cuts, under the guise of austerity, Regulars in public services and ‘cutting red tape’ which is 19 just a euphemism for the removal of the  Branch News and 100 Years of Union 16-17 employer’s duty on health and safety whilst, at the same time, removing the worker’s rights to redress  Obituaries 19 from bad employers or injury. The government  Letters and Classified Advertisements 20-21 that voted down a bill that private homes should be habitable is a moral and ethical disgrace in the  Last Word: Gregor Gall says passenger 22 21st century. So, on behalf of ASLEF and its power is as easy as ABC on Southern members, I offer an unqualified tribute to all those  On Track, Prize Crossword, ASLEF’s 23 frontline workers in the police, fire brigade, Legal Services and Change of Address ambulance and NHS, and those working behind the scenes, who have done so much, particularly Cover shot of Andy Hudd harbourside and 22 after the incidents in Manchester and London conference photos by Nigel Goldsmith Bridge and the terrible Grenfell Tower fire. They have a vocation and a dedication that has The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: not been properly rewarded. If the race to the bottom on health and safety is shown to be a ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN Tel: 020 7324 2400 contributory factor then the law must be changed email: [email protected] website: www.aslef.org.uk to penalise government and other bodies which are negligent for monetary gain. EDITOR Mick Whelan l DESIGNER Michael Cronin l PRINTER TU Ink, 5 Wythburn Place, London, W1H 7BU Yours fraternally ADVERTISING ASLEF Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 0207 324 2407 Mick Whelan, general secretary or [email protected] l CLASSIFIED ADS [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a display or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of that product or service by ASLEF CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN

July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News

ASLEF and The tiring duds of May Scottish Labour HERESA May’s election activists out gamble backfired badly on the streets T as the Tories lost seats – campaigning and their overall majority in the for a House of Commons – while nationalised Labour gained votes in almost railway in every constituency. Edinburgh After saying she would serve until 2020, when she succeeded David Cameron as Prime Minister a year ago, Mrs May did a handbrake turn and called a snap general election on 8 June after opinion polls suggested she could win a three figure majority. Instead, the Conservatives fell Jeremy Corbyn gives the thumbs to 318; Labour gained 30 to 262; up as Labour make gains on the SNP fell to 35; the Lib Dems election night while Theresa May went up to 12; the DUP returned looks glum as the full extent of 10; Sinn Fein 7; Plaid Cymru 4; and Tory losses sinks in on Friday the Green Party 1 (the Speaker morning makes 650). Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general being in office but not in power.’ mind the gap secretary, hailed the result as an She has to rely on the votes of Train drivers have the smallest wage gap between men and woman endorsement of the positive, the Democratic Unionist Party – of any UK job according to new figures published by the Office of popular, socialist policies – meaning her disparaging phrase National Statistics. The overall gender pay gap is 18.1% but among including, of course, public ‘the coalition of chaos’ has come train drivers it is 0.7%. ‘I’m delighted,’ said Mick Whelan. ‘ASLEF has ownership of the railway – put back to haunt her – while former worked really hard to promote diversity and encourage train forward by Labour under Jeremy Chancellor George Osborne companies to ensure train drivers are more representative of the Corbyn. cheerfully described her as ‘a dead communities they serve.’ The GS added: ‘Train drivers are highly The result has left Mrs May woman walking.’ unionised and covered by strong collective bargaining agreements giving the impression, in the I Five train drivers – and ASLEF which have helped to deliver this success story. While the news is words of Norman Lamont during members – stood at the general welcome, the rail industry needs to do more to improve its his resignation speech in 1993, ‘of election (see page 6). recruitment policies and we will work with it on this.’

Passengers have paid £50 EC president Tosh McDonald gives Rodney Bickerstaffe, former billion for rail privatisation GS of NUPE and Unison, ‘and Rail privatisation is upgrades, excessive another Donny lad’, honourary ‘financially flawed’ train leasing costs, the membership of ASLEF for a according to a new bureaucracy of the lifetime of service to the labour report from academics franchising system movement. Rodney has just at Queen Mary and and train company finished chemo and radiotherapy Essex universities profits have been and will shortly have surgery. We which finds that the passed on to Mick Whelan: The wish him well and look forward to cost of running the passengers through government is a more formal presentation when railway has increased grossly inflated fares. ideologically blind he has finished his treatment. by a staggering £50 ‘This new research value for money and billion since John follows the Transport ANNIE STEpS DowN cheaper fares,’ said GS TwEETS oF ThE moNTh Major’s sell-off. Select Committee and Mick Whelan. ‘It has, in Annie Rutter, one of the first The study suggests many others in fact, delivered huge women to drive trains on Britain’s Obviously, there’s a more that the impact of highlighting the lie inefficiencies for railway, has retired. The Equal Pay nuanced take on this, but, unnecessarily that rail privatisation which staff, Act 1970 and the Sex broadly, voting for Labour = expensive track would deliver better passengers and Discrimination Act 1975 meant not being a c***. taxpayers continue to women could apply to join the Caitlin moran TImE – hE’S wAITINg IN ThE wINgS pay the price. footplate grade on British Rail in Trevor Lawless has a beautiful ‘That £50 billion the late 1970s. Annie joined BR in It’s almost like left-wing railway clock made by John could have paid for 1979 and, after three years as a millennials don’t read the Walker of 1 South Molton Street, the first phase of HS1. driver’s assistant at Norwood Daily Mail . London W1, which he needs to But the government Junction, trained as a driver. She hugo Rifkind sell as he’s downsizing. ‘We would has no strategy for drove her first passenger train, on love it to go to a good home and, making the railway Southern Region, on 22 February Theresa must wish she’d obviously, get a decent price for more efficient. It is 1983. listened to Brenda from it! My wife, in her wisdom, thought someone ideologically blind to I We tell the story of Annie’s Bristol back in April. who reads the Journal might be able to guide the benefits of public journey to the driver’s cab next Kevin maguire us or know a place to sell it.’ ownership.’ mo nth.

4 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 News

Song and dance at Southern Fail OUTHERN Off the rails Railway, the S struggling train operating RoD LIDDLE , a one-time Trot – he was a company known to member of the Socialist Workers’ Party in his long-suffering teens – as well as a sharp and inspirational passengers as editor of Radio 4’s flagship news and current Southern Failway, is affairs programme Today from 1998 to 2002, being savagely has become world weary, cynical, and rather mocked in a new right-wing in his old age. He aspires to be a Southern Fail – turning misery into music comedy musical. British version of PJ O’Rourke, the Republican Party Reptile , but is really just a low-rent Richard Littlejohn. Recent Southern Fail: The and Simon Levenson. company which has columns in The Sun , Sunday Times , and The Spectator have Musical premiered in ‘As well as being become a byword for been criticised for being racist and misogynistic (often at the the Spiegeltent entertaining, and a lot delays, cancellations, same time). On the eve of the general election he wrote: during the Brighton of fun, Southern Fail and everything that is ‘Times reader David Stoneman applied many times for a festival last month, will help publicise the wrong with Britain’s place in the Question Time audience, making clear he was a and then played at campaign to support privatised railways – middle-aged, middle-class professional who always voted the Ropetackle Arts long-suffering are hammered in the Conservative. Rebuffed without even an acknowledgement Centre in Shoreham commuters in their show, which is in the every time. So next he stated he was “a militant trade and the Sallis Benney battle against an same vein as The Book unionist train driver who wanted fracking banned”. theatre in Brighton. It’s utterly incompetent of Mormon and the Immediate email from the Beeb, followed by imploring the brainchild of Mark and useless railway Jerry Springer Show . phone calls. He was even asked on another BBC debate show Brailsford – whose company,’ said Mark. The Association of he hadn’t applied for. If he changed his name to Mrs Winnie clever parody of John ‘We support British Commuters is (formerly Winston) Nkobo, he’d probably get to present the Lennon’s Imagine , renationalisation of impressed, adding, ‘In programme.’ This is the man who in The Sun on 14 December which we wrote our rip-off railways.’ a cruel satirical twist described train drivers as ‘pig thick ASLEF meatheads’, about on this page in Hapless many theatregoers referred to our GS as ‘Baldy Mick’ and a ‘moron’ and urged the Journal in June, management at will be required to the Tories to get ‘rufty tufty’ with us. Colleagues say it’s an features in the show – Southern – a travel by train to see Oedipal thing. Rod’s dad was a train driver. this show’ while the production’s QUoTE… ThE pEACoCK , the pub in Facebook page urges ‘The best way to reduce road congestion, Stannington, near Sheffield, Southern passengers collisions and pollution is integrated rail where former EC president to attend: ‘You’ll weep. and road planning, not adding more and District Organising You’ll laugh. You’ll lanes to motorways.’ – philippa Secretary Bill Ronksley possibly arrive at the Edmunds , manager, Freight on Rail celebrated his 93rd birthday theatre in time for the …UNQUoTE with ASLEF colleagues interval…’ including Tosh McDonald, Ray Jackson, and Dave ‘Proof that Ripple Lane Court, has a special place in Bill’s heart. Because when his men went everywhere!’ parents, who were agricultural workers with a young family, says Dave Brennand, who lost their jobs, and tied cottage, on a local estate, it was the sent the Journal this pic. village blacksmith – the pub was then a forge, with a cottage ‘This is Toffee Apple attached – who offered them a room at what became an inn. Brush D5511 at Inverness Bill, whose political views were forged on the anvil of such depot circa 1958. I kid adversity, has never forgotten the kindness. you not. Anybody got a piccy of Ripple Lane men LoNgSIghT LEgEND Mel Thorley caught on the moon?’ Burnley claret Mick Kelly posing proudly next to his black Beamer with the END oF AN ERA registration plate MK 10F (Rose Grove’s It was the end of an era when the last Bubble car on the national shed code when Mick was there). ‘That network was withdrawn (see page 8). ‘I think the warranty is going to prompted Tommy Abbott, who started at expire soon,’ mutters Cliff (Frightliner) Blackwell. ‘It’s the last time you Gorton, to say, “I could have TA 39A TA”, will get that wonderful driver’s eye view if he has the blinds up.’ that being the code for the famous eastern shed in Manchester. That prompted one wag to say, “You’ll be lucky CoNFERENCES & RALLIES to see 2019, you begger, never mind 2039!”’ The Matchwomen’s festival is at the London Irish Centre, Camden Square, London NW1, on Saturday 1 July. The Durham Miners’ Gala is ANN mYATT, Tory candidate for Batley & Spen, on Saturday 8 July. The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival , near Dorchester, is former seat of Jo Cox, the Labour MP brutally from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 July. The Trades Union Congress is at the murdered by a neo-Nazi last year, made the Brighton Centre from Sunday 10 to Wednesday 13 September. The most tasteless remark of the election campaign Labour Party conference is at the Brighton Centre from Sunday 24 to when, at a hustings, she joked, ‘Well, we’ve not Wednesday 27 September. yet shot anybody, so that’s wonderful.’ It was the philosopher John Stuart Mill who said, ‘the 500 CLUB: N Musgrove, with number 134, won the June draw, Conservatives are the stupidest party.’ scooping the RMS prize money jackpot of £394. July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News I wanna be elected

T’S a long time – 47 years, in fact – since a member of ASLEF sat in the I House of Commons as a Member of Parliament. That was Archie Manuel, Labour MP for Central Ayrshire, who stepped down in 1970. But five of our members worked extremely hard during the general election campaign to put that right on 8 June. Andy Botham came second to Conservative Party chairman Patrick McLoughlin in Derbyshire Dales. He polled 15,417 votes – up 8.4% from 2015 when QUoTE… McLoughlin was Secretary of State for ‘It was a crap campaign, Mrs May was a Transport and the contest was described in glumbucket, and the public hate national newspapers as the Train Driver versus austerity.’ – Sam Coates in The Times the Fat Controller – and finished well ahead of …UNQUoTE the Liberal Democrat, Green Party and Humanity candidates. Andy, 50, a local boy, a member of Derby For the many, not the few (clockwise from branch, and a train driver for 27 years, said: top left) Andy, Mark, Tom, Julian and Ed SoN oF mY FAThER ‘Young people made a big difference this time Jared O’Mara, whose father Ian was a train Mark Daniels finished second behind Mark and I think the short campaign helped, driver, and is now a member of the RMS, Francois, the Conservative, in Rayleigh & because it focused minds and energised beat Nick Clegg in Sheffield Hallam. Jared Wickford. He won 13,464 votes – up 11.7% – everyone. We ran out of garden boards and won 21,881 votes – up 2.6% on 2015 – and was well clear of the rest of the field – the posters.’ Andy sent some young activists to 2,125 more than the former Liberal UKIP, Lib Dem and Green Party candidates. help Chris Williamson campaign in Derby Democrat leader who looks to have Mark, 44, a member of Barking main line, North; he retook the seat from the Tories, after suffered for taking his party into coalition who has been a train driver for 21 years, and losing it in 2015, promptly promising to deliver with the Conservatives from 2010 to 2015. ‘the sunshine of socialism’. worked on the railway for 25, said: ‘It’s been an Tom Corbin , who was re-elected as a interesting night. My aim was to get 15,000 votes, which would have been the best Labour No go hEAThRow councillor for Bemerton to Salisbury city Heathrow airport has lost its claim for £42 council at the local elections in May, got vote here ever, and there were times during the night, walking round the hall at the count, million a year in access charges for allowing 13,619 votes – up 10.2% on two years ago – to Crossrail services to use the Heathrow spur finish second behind John Glen, the sitting when I thought we were going to do it. We came close.’ as part of the new Elizabeth line. The Office Conservative, in Sarum. Tom, 40, a train driver of Rail and Road ruled the proposed fees for 15 years, finished well ahead of the Lib Ed Mayne , 32, of Feltham Electric, and a driver with South West Trains, put on 6,000 out of order but the airport appealed – and Dem, UKIP and Green Party candidates, and lost after a three day judicial review. out of sight of the independent, King Arthur votes in the contest dubbed the Train Driver versus the Transport Secretary. Ed, a Labour Pendragon, which may well not be his real TRESpASS TEENS ShoCK name. councillor in the London Borough of Hounslow, got 14,838 votes – up 9.5% – to Two 13-year-old boys were electrocuted finish second behind Chris Grayling, the and left with serious injuries while playing Carry all your Secretary of State for Transport, in Epsom & near a railway line. They were among four stuff – papers, Ewell, with the Liberal Democrats and Greens a trespassing teenagers playing near tracks keys, sandwiches long way behind. next at Wednesbury in the West Midlands. – in style with our Julian Vaughan , 50, of Northern Line smart black North, a Tube driver for 14 years, polled 18,277 CRoSSRAIL LAUNCh DELAYED documents bag. Price £10 (inc p&p); votes – up 12.7% – to come second behind the The introduction of Crossrail trains on the email [email protected] or visit our sitting Conservative Alistair Burt in North East new Elizabeth line was moved back from online shop at www.aslef.org.uk Bedfordshire. Julian was well ahead of the Lib May to June. TfL blamed problems with Dem, UKIP and Green Party candidates. testing, assurance and approvals.

6 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 News

In yer face From a View RRIVA Trains Wales is to a Kill using an advanced 3D A simulator to train staff to deal with angry, difficult or reckless passengers. The company decided to run lessons in conflict management as passenger numbers continue to rise and problems on platforms and stations rise, too. Screens on three walls of a projection room in Cardiff display a fictional station called Pillar This stocky, scowling, crew cut yob is helping rail staff in Cardiff Parkway (Parolffordd Pilar in manage confrontation. Not that he knows it Welsh). Its platforms are busy with training scenarios, such as dealing said the most delicate situation avatars – including passengers with drunks and crowds. Staff on she has faced was when she teetering dangerously near the duty for the Champions League found two rugby fans having sex platform edge, running for trains final between Real Madrid and in a waiting room after Wales as the doors close, and teenagers Juventus in Cardiff last month played England in Cardiff in Roger – BECTU and Bond distracted by mobile phones. were trained on the simulator. February. That, though, is not one The RSSB has just handed ATW Suzanne Murray, a customer of the scenes on the ATW Tributes to Sir Roger Moore, £400,000 to develop more service manager at Network Rail, simulator. who has died at 89, included one from BECTU. Despite voting Conservative, Roger, best Steel pile left on track QUoTE… known for seven James Bond ‘Switching to Smart means no more standing films, and for playing The Saint , in queues to purchase tickets.’ – Cathy Craig , Ivanhoe , and half of The commercial director, Abellio ScotRail Persuaders on television, had …UNQUoTE been a member of the union since working in an animation studio after leaving school. He was, in fact, BECTU’s longest- Key corridors serving member. Investing in key rail freight corridors could cut lorry traffic on the strategic road network and save money by mUggLES Harry Potter fans are putting The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is trying to reducing the need for road repairs and themselves in danger by walking find out how a one tonne steel pile was left on the improvements, according to new along a railway line to a Hogwarts line near Kirkham in Lancashire after engineering research carried out by the metropolitan Express landmark, the Glenfinnan work. The driver of a railway maintenance vehicle Transport Research Unit for the viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. stopped short of the tubular pile after spotting it. Campaign for Better Transport. It analysed the potential for rail to move ‘Tourists from all over the world significant numbers of hgVs off four key travel on the Jacobite steam train Tea and coffee tastes better in a routes – the A34 and m3 serving over the summer,’ said Sgt Kevin red and white ASLEF mug! Price Southampton; the A14 serving Lawrence of the British Transport £3.50 (inc p&p); email Felixstowe; the m6 in the west midlands; Police. ‘Alarmingly, they get off at [email protected] or visit our and the m62 between greater Glenfinnan and walk back along online shop at www.aslef.org.uk manchester and west Yorkshire. the line to take photos. This is extremely dangerous.’ What can you get for your new, shiny £1 coin? TBF membership... just £1 a week covers you, your partner and dependent children. 0300 333 2000 www.tbf.org.uk

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

July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 7 News

The difference between a woman and a man A new TUC guide will help taking the differences between treatment to one group or reps ensure that employers men and women into account another but to help reps take the differences between when managing health, safety encourage employers to look at men and women into and welfare risks at work. the hazards faced by people at At first glance why this is work and then to take into account at work reports important seems glaringly account how those hazards might mICK hoLDER of ASLEF’s obvious – men and women are affect different groups of workers, health and safety different. But most research into notably taking gender into department occupational ill health studies account, and make work safer and adult men and misses out healthier for everyone. HE TUC has revised and everyone else. Most personal Using the guide also presents updated its guidance on protective equipment is designed an opportunity to challenge old T gender in occupational for men to wear without taking gender stereotypes, such as New guide from the TUC health & safety with help from women, or the different sizes and women doing lighter work, or ASLEF’s health & safety and shapes of the men required to men being less likely to suffer with a checklist which can be used equalities departments. The new wear it, into account. And that’s from work-related stress. The in the workplace. The document is guide for h&s and equalities reps just for a start. guide provides background available free to download at addresses an issue which is often The purpose of the new guide information on why the issue of www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files overlooked at work – employers is not to give preferential gender matters and provides reps /GenderHS2017.pdf

QUoTE… She pulled a knife when asked to pay ‘Clement Attlee did more good for more A violent teenager who slapped station staff in the face and then pulled a knife, people than any other Prime Minister. threatening to kill, has been jailed for 14 months for affray, possession of an offensive The fact that a series of Conservative weapon, and two counts of common assault. governments have taken nearly 40 Siti Awled, 19, of Wembley, became aggressive when she was asked to buy a ticket – she years to dismantle the achievements of had barged through a barrier at Action Town Underground station without paying. She the post-war Labour government only slapped a female member of staff in the face and then, when asked to leave the station, shows how great those achievements pulled out a kitchen knife, Blackfriars crown court was told. ‘Everyone has the right to were.’ – philip pullman , author of the travel and work in a safe environment, without fear or intimidation,’ said DC Ross McAlpine His Dark Materials trilogy of the British Transport Police. ‘This was a frightening experience for staff at the station. …UNQUoTE Behaviour like this will never be tolerated on the rail network.’

Armed cops on trains END oF ThE LINE FoR ThE 121 Chiltern Railways withdrew its last two Class 121 double-ended single car DMUs, which were running on the Aylesbury to Princes Risborough route, on Friday 19 May. The company said the units, built in 1960, were ‘the last remaining trains in service that use vacuum brakes’, and had become too expensive to Pulling out of the station for ever: the maintain. Bubble car on the Chiltern line

gBRF TIE-Up wITh Dp woRLD Armed officers on a train from London GB Railfreight, as part of its plans to develop Euston to Birmingham New Street ‘safe and reliable rail transport’ at the DP World Armed police officers have been travelling on London Gateway in Thurrock, Essex, has signed trains across the country for the first time in an agreement to manage the movement and the wake of the terror attacks in Manchester preparation of all trains in and out of the deep and London. Armed officers have been sea container port for three years. ‘This is a patrolling London Underground since fantastic opportunity to develop our services in December, but the decision to put police with London,’ said GBRf MD John Smith, ‘and ensure GBRf is to develop freight on rail at DP guns on services nationwide was taken after the economy continues to function effectively.’ World in Thurrock the bomb blast at Manchester Arena, next to Manchester Victoria station. ‘Since the UNIoN mEmBERShIp SLIpS devastating events in Manchester, our force Trade union membership has fallen from a high of 13.2 million in 1979 to 6.2 million in has radically increased the presence of officers 2016. Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said unions are rising to ‘the nationwide,’ said BTP chief constable Paul challenges of recruitment’ and blamed the loss of good quality jobs in the public sector and Crowther. the rise of precarious short-term jobs in the gig economy for the drop.

Our hip, hot and happening black BomB hoAxER jAILED baseball cap will keep the sun out Rias Choudhury, who dialled 999 and claimed there was a bomb at Gloucester railway of your eyes. £5 (inc p&p); email station, has been jailed for six months. Choudhury, 41, who made the hoax call to [email protected] or visit our emergency services two days after the bomb attack at the Ariana Grande concert in online shop at www.aslef.org.uk Manchester left 22 people dead, and dozens injured, pleaded guilty at Cheltenham magistrates’ court.

8 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 The government is trying to take away your right to free or affordable legal representation if you’re injured at work or anywhere else.

Why? They’re prioritising

If government plans go ahead, nearly one million people will lose their right to free legal representation. Meanwhile it will cost the NHS and the government at least £150 million of your taxes every year and fat cat insurers will be rewarded with multimillion pound profits.

Visit www.feedingfatcats.co.uk to take action and stop the government #FeedingFatCats.

#FeedingFatCats is a campaign run by Thompsons Solicitors. Thompsons is proud to stand up for the injured and mistreated. @feedingfatcats AAD ASLEF’s parliament

EC7 Andy Hudd on IKB hUDD’S LINE oN goD’S woNDERFUL RAILwAY ‘A lot of Bristol’s history is defined by the achievements of Isambard Kingdom Brunel,’ Andy Hudd, executive committee member for SLEF’s annual assembly District 7, told delegates when A of delegates – our they arrived on Sunday. ‘On your annual conference – was way here some of you will have held at the Marriott Royal Hotel, travelled on the Great Western Bristol, from Monday 22 to Railway and here in Bristol you can Thursday 25 May. AAD is ASLEF’s also see his famous Clifton policy-making parliament, the suspension bridge and the SS foundation of our union’s Great Britain. ’ democratic structure. ‘This is where we turn our Delegates at AAD; DO7 Brian Corbett, with badges and bag, by a STAR RISES IN BRISToL trade union over to the colourful piece of Banksy street art in Bristol; and Temple Meads Delegates voted to donate £1,000 membership to evaluate where station, which opened in 1840. Conference photos by Nigel Goldsmith to the Morning Star . Petar Petrovic, we are, and what we have done, of Euston branch, moved the and to discuss future changes and policy; what it cannot do is dictate Tosh McDonald, in his motion, seconded by Simon evolution of policy based on strategy. That will always lie with president’s address, said: ‘AAD is Goode of Wolverhampton. items sent in from branches for the lead officers and, when the ASLEF’s most important body. You ‘The Morning Star is the only discussion,’ said GS Mick Whelan. machinery is exhausted, the make the policy that we carry out.’ daily paper that supports us day ‘It has been a hard year of executive committee, who apply Every branch has the right to in, day out,’ said Tosh McDonald. legal, governmental and policy on a daily basis, which may propose a motion and the chance ‘It’s run on a shoestring and the industrial attack and some often be subject to the vagaries of to send a delegate to the forum fact that it’s been coming out decisions will have to be made changing circumstance or what where, each year, we establish our every day for the last 80-odd years that will impact on all our futures. can be moved forward through priorities and make plans for the is truly remarkable.’ This AAD will define attitudes and negotiation.’ year ahead. Steve Richardson, of Waterloo Nine Elms, said: ‘The Morning Star TRANSpoRT SYSTEm To CoNNECT EVERYoNE mINUTE’S SILENCE is the only newspaper that AAD stood for a minute’s silence provides an industrial Marvin Rees, Labour Mayor of on Tuesday morning in memory of correspondent, rather than a Bristol, welcomed delegates to those who lost their lives in the political correspondent, to report the city on Monday morning, suicide bomb attack after the on industrial matters.’ saying: ‘I congratulate you for Ariana Grande concert at leading the campaign to get the Manchester Arena. An emergency BERNARD ShIpShApE world-class transport system we motion moved by Gary Boyle, of AND BRISToL FAShIoN need. It’s about sustainable Manchester Piccadilly No 1, and Bernard Kennedy, of Bristol economic development. I grew seconded by Trevor Robinson, of branch, unanimously elected up here, in Bristol, as a poor, the Black & Ethnic Minority chair of AAD after 38 years in ‘my Mick thanks Marvin Rees mixed-race kid, in a physically representatives’ committee, was adopted city’, told the mayor the divided city, and part of the otherwise people get locked out passed to donate £1,000 to Hope first thing he should do is ‘tackle problem was the transport of economic opportunities. It’s Not Hate who later texted the GS: the stranglehold that First Group network, so I know the essential that we make sure we ‘We will use this money to heal has on buses and trains in this importance of a transport have a transport system – here the hate and to offer hope. This is city.’ Daniel Masrani, of Cardiff, network in building an and everywhere else in Britain – the time for the good and the was elected unopposed as vice- integrated modern city, that connects everyone.’ great to stand up.’ chair of conference.

10 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 AAD Simple Off the AAD rails

ANDY wAKEFIELD , of Nottingham branch, got home after a choice long day helping Andy Botham campaign for re-election to Derbyshire county council. ‘There was a knock on the door, I AD debated the state of Tosh: ‘A breath of fresh air!’ opened it and there was Anna Soubry, Conservative MP for politics in Britain ahead Broxtowe. I thought I’d have a bit of fun so I asked her what A of the general election But the political battle lines in she was going to do about the railway and she said, “Well, on 8 June and in the light of Scotland are not as clear cut as in we’re going to stop train drivers striking because they’re opinion polls showing the gap England and Wales. always on strike. And we’re going to control their wages between the Tories and Labour ‘I hope Jeremy Corbyn will be because they’re on disgusting wages. In fact, we’re going to was narrowing. Prime Minister but I won’t be break them.” She went on in this vein for ten minutes and Tosh McDonald, president of voting Labour and neither will then she stopped, paused for breath, and asked me what I did ASLEF’s executive committee, told most of the members of my for a living. And I said, I’m a train driver…’ conference: ‘There’s a simple branch,’ said Hussein Ezzadine of choice at the general election Edinburgh No 1. ‘It’s about DELEgATES were surprised to find, in the top drawer of the between Labour and stopping the Tories and Labour is cabinet beside their bed, next to the Holy Bible placed there Conservative, a choice between now the third biggest party in by Gideons International of Lutterworth, Leicestershire, a investment and cuts. The Labour Scotland, there’s no great revival copy of The Book of Mormon – ‘another testament of Jesus manifesto is a manifesto for which happening, and the party has Christ’ – courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday I’ve waited a lifetime. It’s a breath been unable to adjust to what’s Saints of Salt Lake City, Utah. That’s the power of a Broadway of fresh air! Yes, we have a happening. I don’t believe there is – and West End – musical. mountain to climb, but we are room for two left of centre winning the argument and we are parties.’ ToSh mcDoNALD brought the house down with his opening closing the gap.’ Grant Murchie, of Perth, remarks, displaying faux disappointment at something or Ian Smith, of Glasgow, warned: argued: ‘The Labour Party is a someone – actually, a group – not on the agenda in Bristol. ‘Chris Grayling, the Transport unionist party and the SNP is no ‘Brian Corbett and Andy Hudd made a good case for bringing Secretary, would like to destroy friend of ASLEF. Nicola Sturgeon the parliament of our union to this great city. But we were this trade union. Because the has lied about driver only promised The Wurzels, and that’s not happened…’ Tories today see us as Margaret operation. The truth is that Thatcher saw the miners.’ nationalism is extremism and the DANIEL jASZCZAK , Newton Heath, speaking on the political Darren Howe, of policies of the Scottish National report, dryly announced, ‘I agree with everything the other Bournemouth, agreed. ‘The Tories Party are divisive.’ guy with the long hair said.’ Daniel doesn’t keep his barber in hate us. They don’t just disagree And Unjum Mirza, of Victoria clover and sports what is now known on the railway as ‘a Tosh’. with us, they hate us. Margaret line, said: ‘People talk about Brexit Thatcher sold you a council house but it’s not about Brexit because ToNY VENSoN , Rugby, organised a bucket collection among – at a discount – so Theresa May the real divide isn’t between leave the 80 delegates, further to the formal donation on Monday, can take it off you to pay for your and remain but between rich and for the Morning Star , saying he wanted ‘to hear it rustle, not dementia.’ poor.’ clink’. It raised a further £589.22 for ‘the beacon of the left’. When Mick Whelan wondered: ‘So who put in the 22p?’ Ben NoT hERE To Wallington, of Rickmansworth, joked: ‘And I wanted change!’ mAKE FRIENDS NIgEL RoEBUCK , Sheffield, drew appreciative laughs, and ‘We’re here to protect full marks for self-awareness, when he said: ‘The moment the train drivers, their photographer enters the room Sheffield will get up to speak.’ roles, and their futures,’ said Mick Whelan, DAVID hoopER , Westbury, raised chuckles around the room spelling out what AAD – laughing in the face of adversity – when he talked about ‘DB is all about. Hussein Cargo – or should I say DB Cargone?’ Ezzedine added: ‘We’re not here to make GS Mick Whelan (left) presented AGS Simon friends, we’re here to Weller with his 30 year badge in Bristol QUoTE… make policy.’ And, media, the GS argued: mess room wall, then ‘Don’t know if you’ve been to Cleethorpes lately. warning about the ‘If you’re not prepared you shouldn’t be Even the pawnbrokers are boarded up.’ – Nigel dangers of posting to put your name on putting it out on social Roebuck , Sheffield No 1 comments on social it, and put it up on the media.’ …UNQUoTE

July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 11 AAD

was like being 16 again! ‘But, in early 2012, I had to go to the doctor’s Tackling cancer because I was too ill to work. I lost two stone in 10 weeks. I was referred to hospital where it took IM Peters, in a thoughtful, informative 19 months of tests, scans and biopsies –19 j and poignant speech on Monday months of waiting, worrying and getting more ill morning, which ended with delegates – before it was found. rising to applaud his courage in talking so ‘Being told you have cancer, even when you honestly about such a sensitive issue, spoke expect it, is a shock. Everything went quiet, and movingly about his battle with prostate cancer. into slow motion, but eventually my brain kicked ‘I spent 13 years at King’s Cross and, before back in and my first thought was now they know that, I was at Eurostar for seven. I’m here to tell Mick thanks Jim (left) for speaking at AAD what’s wrong I can get something done. you my prostate cancer story. I’m going to try my ‘I had surgery. But the cancer had spread to best not to make it too heavy. I hope that, by integral to your sex life. And it’s one of the things my lymph nodes and I was told there was no telling you what’s happened to me, not only will that helps you not to pee yourself. cure. I reckon if I’d had regular PSA tests the you be better informed about prostate cancer, ‘My first noticeable symptom was, as the cancer would have been found early and one you will talk about it to others and, most doctors put it, impaired sexual function or, as I treatment would have cured me. Instead, for the importantly, you will think about getting tested. said to my GP, I can’t get it up, doc. I didn’t so last 3½ years, since I had the surgery, I’ve had ‘One in eight men get prostate cancer – that’s much say it, though, as whimper. I was 53 and continuous treatment to try to slow the cancer 10 of you here at conference today – but not went from having trouble keeping the bloody down – radiotherapy, hormone therapy, every man who gets it will die from it because, thing down to the opposite in a few weeks! I chemotherapy – and I’m still on treatment now providing it’s found and treated early, it can be found it embarrassing admitting to that sort of to keep me alive. cured. Too many men don’t get checked and thing but figured I was far too young to give up ‘The way things went for me isn’t the way that’s why one man every hour dies needlessly sex. My doctor put me at ease and did a prostate things have to be for you. You can get a simple from a cancer that could have been cured. specific antigen test. He prescribed me some PSA blood test done. It only takes a few minutes.’ ‘What is a prostate? Well, it sits just under pills, something I’d never heard of called Cialis, At AAD 56 delegates went for a PSA test your bladder. It’s about the size of a walnut. It’s they’re like Viagra and were a bloody miracle. It offered by the Graham Fulford charitable trust. Tory Theresa’s ideology trumps common sense Severn up jULIE BoSToN , a former primary CLAIRE m CCARThY , general government is no different from its school teacher, and NUT rep, and secretary of the Co-operative Party, Conservative predecessors in not now organiser of Friends of underlined the symbiotic understanding the role or value Suburban Bristol Railways, thanked relationship between her party and trade unions play or the solidarity Bristol branch secretary – and AAD the labour movement on in the workplace that unions and chair – Bernard Kennedy for his Wednesday morning. co-operatives bring. help in their campaign and told She said: ‘We, in the Co- ‘The Co-operative Party is proud delegates how drivers can work in operative Party, and in the co- of the relationship we have built tandem with community groups to operative movement, recognise the with ASLEF. We share your vision of keep local services alive. Speaking vital role that trade unions play in a modern, integrated, publicly- on Wednesday afternoon, she Britain. We share a vision for a owned rail network, fit for the 21st Co-op Party GS Claire McCarthy explained how FoSBR saved the better society, one with a more century, run in the interests of (left) with Mick Whelan Bristol to Severn Beach line – due to democratic economy, where all passengers, employees, and the be replaced by a bus service – with communities have the same whole country. a more frequent and reliable train opportunities and services as those ‘This is the Co-operative Party’s QUoTE… service which has seen passenger in the leafier places I pass on the centenary year. A chance to ‘Isambard Kingdom Brunel numbers soar. train as I go around the country. celebrate our proud history. And a would be a good chap to ‘I haven’t read all of Theresa moment to look forward. If you have supper with. Anyone May’s manifesto – turns out she agree that co-operatives are a who builds a railway and hasn’t, either! – but I don’t have to, I better way of doing business; if you then, when he gets to Bristol know she has a different vision believe in the power of people to and can’t go any further, from us. One in which, when it come together to challenge vested builds a steamship, must be comes to public services, including interests and take control based on a good chap.’ – Fergus the railways, ideology trumps shared interests; if you want to see henderson, common sense. public services, like the railways, chef/proprietor of St ‘While some of the rhetoric the utility companies and social john in Smithfield coming from the Conservatives care, run in the interests of people, …UNQUoTE now sounds a bit different, we not profit, then I’d ask you to Tosh McDonald hands over an know that this Conservative consider joining us. ASLEF presentation plate to Julie

12 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 AAD

or on trains – and people now know that privatisation doesn’t Once in a lifetime work, but, of course, it keeps happening. AT Hobbs, director of We She told delegates on Tuesday ‘It makes no sense to hand over Own It, the pressure afternoon: ‘It’s great that public profits to shareholders rather than C group which campaigns ownership is back on the political reinvest it in our industries. All the for public ownership, told agenda in a way that hasn’t evidence, as the Financial Times delegates that the general happened in Britain for a very reported recently, is that Cat: ‘privatisation doesn’t work’ election ‘is a once in a lifetime long time. privatisation of our public services opportunity’ to bring Britain’s ‘We started campaigning on has not made them more efficient. Time after time people say they railways – and the other public the high price of fares – which ‘And surveys now consistently want to see the mail, like the services – back into public shows that privatisation hasn’t show that people don’t believe railway, and other public services, ownership. worked for passengers, on buses that private is better than public. run in public ownership.’

It’s OK not to be OK We have to stand DR STEphANIE FITZgERALD , a clinical psychologist who is lead health and wellbeing together specialist with the Rail Safety and Standards Board, addressed AAD on Tuesday morning. She works with stakeholders to promote health and wellbeing on the railway. Her current projects include reducing the stigma of mental health in the rail industry and improving the recognition and management of trauma following a fatality on the permanent way. The Mick presents Stephanie with an ASLEF plate subject may be difficult, but Stephanie’s for speaking at AAD presentation was, by turns, amusing, engaging, and reassuring. And as entertaining as it was people say they’re “fine” often they aren’t. We informative. need to change the way we regard mental mick whelan (left) thanks Neil Duncan- ‘I want the men and women who work in the health, not just on the railway – where jordan for speaking at AAD railway industry to know it’s OK not to be OK depression and anxiety are all too common – and to admit they’re not OK. Because when but in society at large.’ NEIL DUNCAN-joRDAN , national officer of the National Pensioners’ Convention, told delegates on Wednesday afternoon: BRIZZLE BE BEST ‘We were set up by Jack Jones, the great BRISToL , like Liverpool, is a city built on slavery. From general secretary of the T&G, who felt that 1697 to 1807 more than 500,000 men, women and if men and women need the protection of children were taken, in chains, from Africa to the a trade union when they are in a job – and Caribbean on ships trading out of Bristol, many of them they do – then they need the protection of belonging to the Society of Merchant Venturers, one of a trade union when they are retired. whom was Edward Colston. The Colston Hall, one of ‘Right-wing think tanks like the Britain’s best known music venues, is to change its name, Mick thanks Phil (left) Institute for Fiscal Studies say pensioners possibly to the Bristol Concert Hall, because of the way are getting something for nothing. That’s in which Colston made his money from human misery. jUST £1 A wEEK not true. Pensioners have paid in, one way phIL TALBoT , organiser at the or another, for what they get out. DANIEL DEFoE met Alexander Selkirk, who spent four Transport Benevolent Fund, came Everyone deserves dignity in retirement. years castaway on an uninhabited island in the South to Bristol to explain the benefits of That’s why we need to bring care back into Pacific, in the Llandoger Trow in King Street, Bristol, just joining the fund on Wednesday public ownership. At the moment the a few hundred yards from our conference hotel, which morning. ‘We’re a charity profits are huge but the private care inspired him to write Robinson Crusoe . Robert Louis supporting those who work in the companies don’t pay their workers Stevenson based the Admiral Benbow, the inn in public transport industry when properly. And we need solidarity between Treasure Island, on the Llandoger Trow. they are in need, hardship or the generations. The Tories want to divide distress. For just £1 a week we us – suggesting one sector is doing better RoBERT LoUIS STEVENSoN also used the Hole in the offer a wide range of financial, at the expense of others – so they can Wall, just off Queen Square, Bristol, as the basis for the health and welfare benefits to the make more cuts. Don’t fall for it! We have Spyglass Tavern in Treasure Island . member, their partner and to stand together!’ dependent children.’

July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 13 AAD

Bringing them back to the negotiating table

C1 Marz Colombini He added: ‘The purpose of brought delegates up to industrial action is not to E date on our long-running indiscriminately damage an QUoTE… dispute with Southern Railways. employer but to put them under ‘‘The RMT don’t want us to ‘Our dispute with Southern is a pressure to come to the cross their picket lines but dispute with Southern Rail. It’s not negotiating table when they would they always cross ours.’ – about bringing down the not otherwise come to the table. jeff Turner, Barnham government – despite what a few Which is more or less where we …UNQUoTE badly-informed Tory backbenchers find ourselves at the moment.’ like to claim – and it is not a dispute Peter Scott, Horsham, said: ‘We company. And our relationship designed to undermine the GTR don’t seem to be working to get with the RMT is not in a good place.’ franchise. It is not a dispute in this back together. My daughter is a That prompted Gary Comfort, support of another trade union or guard and a member of the RMT. Jubilee Line East, to say: ‘The another grade. It was, and is, an Told “Become an OBS or lose your relationship with the RMT on the industrial dispute over imposed job.” Conditions at Southern are Underground is toxic. They nick our changes in our terms and toxic. There’s mistrust between the members, report them, Delegates listen to the debate conditions.’ drivers and the conductors and the disciplinaries.’ on rest day working

drivers! That tells you LIBERTAD Bad company everything you need to A five minute video made by Justice for know about the FOCs Colombia of Huber Ballesteros, a Freight on rail in Britain chair of DBC company and the way they see member of the national executive of the has contracted by 30% council, told delegates: things and the way Colombian TUC, vice-president of the in the last 12 months. ‘We had to make some they treat us.’ agricultural workers’ union, and a leader The government – and decisions which we Hussein Ezzedine, of the Patriotic March, who spent three the freight operating didn’t want to make Edinburgh No 1, said: and a half years in prison in Bogota, was companies – are but we made those ‘They threatened to played on Monday afternoon. entirely to blame. The decisions to keep an close the business if Tory government, and industry alive. We need they didn’t get what Nigel makes his point RUNNINg oRDER the Conservative-led to give the freight they want. has failed on every The arrangements committee for AAD coalition before it, drivers a message that Unfortunately there are level. We’ve got to comprised Tony Venson, Rugby, chair; forced coal and steel they are not the some guys clambering bring it back under Gary Boyle, Manchester Piccadilly No 1, off the railway while forgotten people. over themselves to get common ownership. secretary; Chris Sneddon, Wimbledon, the four big FOCs – ‘DB Cargo was in redundancy while The difficulties are not and EC1 Marz Colombini. Deutsche Bahn Cargo; financial trouble, we’re trying to save insurmountable and GB Railfreight; haemorrhaging money, jobs. The fact we’ve rail is the most No pASARAN Freightliner Intermodal; because of the saved their fifty grand a environmentally Jim Jump, secretary of the International and Freightliner Heavy management who year job is the worst friendly way of moving Brigades Memorial Trust, spoke about Haul – knew the have been running the thing in the world! freight around the the Spanish Civil War at the gala contracts were going company, badly, for the Freight privatisation country.’ evening in the Palm Court of the to end but sat on their last ten years. Yet the Marriott Royal Hotel on Wednesday. hands instead of new CEO claimed finding new business. everything was down ShoRE ThINg Nigel Roebuck, to the terms and The Bristol branch social on Tuesday Sheffield No 1, and conditions of lazy night, at the Shore Café Bar, raised £1,800 for the Julian Trust night shelter. QUoTE… ‘I first came to conference 10 years ago and QUoTE… Mick Whelan, with Brian Corbett, Andy Hudd the items we see in the political report are ‘We have discussions, we get heated, then and Bernard Kennedy, presents a cheque for now quite different to what we saw then. In we go to the bar and have a pint together. £5,000 to Marion Colverd and Andy Irwin for a good way!’ .’ – Daniel masrani, Cardiff That’s what we do.’ – Tosh mcDonald the East Bristol food bank. …UNQUoTE …UNQUoTE

14 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 AAD

and £23 million in death benefits.’ INTImIDATIoN oN Protecting our pensions GS Mick Whelan, thanking mERSEYSIDE Dave, said: ‘It’s every GS’s An emergency motion moved AVE Tyson, who spent nightmare – two ASLEF presidents by Tony Cashman, West ten years on the EC, and in the room! Seriously, Dave is Brompton, and seconded by D is now a trustee director erudite and funny and comes here John Bryans, Southport, of the Railways Pension Scheme, every year to bring us up to date – condemned ‘the outrageous gave a typically thoughtful, lucid and he does an awful lot of work intimidation and victimisation’ and elegant report on the state of behind the scenes for this trade of union members on the scheme on Thursday morning. union.’ Merseyrail. The company sent ‘Over the past two years we I Phil Clark, a partner of Moore threatening letters to guards have seen the scheme add Stephens, presented the saying they will not be somewhere in the region of £4 considered for promotion to Dave Tyson, who has served 16 auditor’s report. ‘The union is in a billion in value to its assets. From train driver if they take part in a years as a trustee director of the sustainable position. There may the low of £14 billion in 2008 third day of strike action. ‘You Railways Pension Scheme be challenges ahead but you assets have climbed to £25.5 have a platform on which to cannot, on Merseyrail, be a billion as of 31 December 2016. members, up almost 9,000 since meet them. You have a clear driver unless you have been a Much of this is due to the 2012; 105,000 preserved report. The underlying records guard,’ said Mick Whelan. ‘So investment team at Railpen being members; and 139,000 support the report you have the company is saying if you given more power to make pensioners. £775 million was paid before you. We are signing a lawfully strike you will be quicker investment decisions. out in pensions last year along clear audited report on the barred for ever from being ‘We have 94,000 active with £204 million in lump sums union.’ promoted. That is outrageous!’

QUoTE… ‘When I look round this room I don’t see black men, or women, or white men, or women, or gays, or straights. I see locomotive engineers. ASLEF locomotive engineers.’ – David Dobson, Leeds Delegates at the launch of the union’s Mind the Gag campaign – examining when banter, ‘the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks’ ( OED ), becomes bullying and harassment – on Tuesday lunchtime. ‘We’ve got people out there whose only crime is to be made redundant. A View from the Chair Because the company they BERNARD KENNEDY , secretary of Bristol branch, work for is crap. It’s not and a driver with Arriva Cross Country, was thrilled their fault. It’s the fault of to be elected chair of AAD. Partly because Bristol is the industry.’ – Nigel his adopted city – ‘I’ve lived here for 38 years, since Roebuck, Sheffield No 1 1979’ – and partly because, at 60, he doesn’t think he’ll get another chance. ‘Can’t be right for drivers ‘It’s my third time as chair – after Southport in to work past the state 2000 and Nottingham in 2009 – and special retirement age. The people because it’s here in Bristol,’ said Bernard, who who do it are not the hard- started on the railway as a guard in 1980 and up or poor but the most Home run became a driver nine years later. He’s been to 15 financially secure.’ – Steve for Bernard AADs, his first in 1995, and understands the Richardson, waterloo Kennedy importance of conference to this union. Nine Elms in Brizzle When he settled into the chair’s seat he …UNQUoTE promised, ‘I will endeavour to be a delegates’ chair; get the debate going, and get through the business,’ and he did. Delegates said he did a great problems on Southern and DBC. AAD is far more ThE RED FLAg job. cohesive than it used to be – in the past it was AAD ended, in the traditional ‘We discussed the important things at length, often the top table against the floor, with some way, at 5.30pm on Thursday quality not quantity, as we should. Things we must nasty confrontations – but this union has really with everyone singing the Red get right, like rest day working and the terrible come together under Mick.’ Flag .

July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch News

Brighton rocks Upcoming e vents HE seventh annual ASLEF Brighton reunion T was on 2 May – and  AShFoRD – ThURSDAY 6 jULY what a fantastic afternoon it was. Southeastern retired and working members’ reunion from It was well attended, with drivers 11.0 at Ashford Railway Club, Beaver Lane, Ashford. old and new. These events are not just about honouring our retired wATFoRD – SATURDAY 7 oCToBER members but also a fantastic  Watford reunion from 14.00 in The Flag next to Watford opportunity for new drivers to Junction station. All past and present drivers welcome. Please meet, share stories (and a beer or contact Kevin Corcoran at [email protected] for two) and keep the solidarity more information. across the generations alive. Our GS presented service badges including a 50 year medallion to  Please send all your branch news, reports, features and retired railwayman Spike Jones photographs to [email protected] and an engraved decanter on behalf of Brighton branch to Paul Edwards. I would like to thank Mick Whelan, Marz Colombini and You can Graham Morris for attending as I know how busy their schedules drive are. Also a huge thank you to Paul for all his hard work in making this my car event happen and the success it Paul Edwards (top) and Spike was. See you next year! Jones (above) pick up their Martin Neumann, an jem hannam , branch secretary awards from Mick Whelan Austrian train driver and trade union rep, and I relieved Brother On the estuary of the Orwell Richard Moye, a Whitemoor driver, at Martin, Barry and Richard On Sunday 7 May Les Peterborough, and to give Martin an to arrange the cab Muir, the RMS worked 6E88 via the insight into freight ride for Martin! national secretary, joint line to Doncaster. working in the UK and Barry hare , gB Alan Taylor and I I would like to thank a special thank you to Railfreight attended Ipswich GBRf for allowing me ASLEF who asked me company council branch to report on what we are doing for ASLEF. It also gave Quarter century us a chance to hear At another well-attended what is going on in Hammersmith & City 267 branch their TOCs. We thank meeting in May, Bro George Mayers them for a warm received his retirement certificate welcome and for from EC8 Terry Wilkinson. agreeing to affiliate Approaching 25 years in ASLEF, Bro to the National Top ten in Ipswich town Mayers signed up for the RMS, along Pensioners’ with Bro Keith Dale who retired Convention, on the pleasure of years’ service badge. recently. George, hope to see you in which we represent presenting Mark peter Smith , RmS August for your 25 year badge… George Mayers gets his cert ASLEF, and Les had Wade with his 45 reporter gary jarman , branch secretary from EC8 Terry Wilkinson water of life Don’t let it Ray Jackson, RMS chair, and three committee members – Alan Taylor, Dave Court and me – went, along with Bristol branch secretary Bernard Kennedy, to the reunion at Didcot Railway Club on 29 April. It was very well attended; Ray Cooper, with cost you others from Hither Green, along with others from as far afield as the Midlands, and Newcastle, made the effort to be there. Ray, on behalf of the organisers, presented the oldest members – the oldest being 96 – with a bottle of fine whisky, your for medicinal purposes, and the RMS added one of the new ASLEF 50 year badges to each. Instead of a fund-raising raffle this year the chair asked for donations – Didcot branch and the RMS stumped up – to ensure we can afford to meet again job! next year. As we all know, these functions cost money to run. peter Smith , RmS reporter Time to cheque the money 

16 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 100 Years of Union pirates of penzance At our may meeting, penzance branch was pleased to welcome Andy hudd, executive committee mick holder turns back member for District 7, who gave time to july 1917 an update on EC matters, along with a report on District 7, Inflation, profiteers and railway particularly on wales and great nationalisation were some of the western Railway and DB Cargo driver issues. Andy also had the topics in the Journal 100 years ago pleasure of presenting Bro phil jones with his 40 year badge and pRoFITEERINg wINgS ITS wAY Bro Andy Carr with his 10 year On the pressure of working under badge. Andy hudd said, ‘It is wartime conditions, the editor notes: always a pleasure to show ‘Profiteering still wings its evil way ASLEF’s appreciation for long unchecked, and the people generally service and I think this is one of appear to be willing to grumble and let it the best parts of being the EC continue. According to the Board of Trade member. Congratulations to figures, the cost of the chief articles of Andy for 10 years’ service and food on 1 June 1917 had increased by especially phil for 40 years’ 106% in large towns, 98% in small towns service to our union.’ and villages, or 102% for the United mike Butler , branch secretary All smiles in Pennsans Kingdom, over the cost of such food in July 1914. Oh, for a humane and honest government!’ All the best FRIENDS IN hIgh pLACES ‘It is just possible, now that many of the King’s Cross friends of those in high places have made their pile out of the war, that some check will be put on in some very slight degree, to show the working-classes that the lions roar government will not allow them to be exploited. Ha, ha! What mugs we are! The commissions of inquiry into industrial unrest may be the first tentative steps in that direction, or they may, together with the honours showered upon trade union leaders, and the press campaign against the revolutionaries in Russia, be an attempt to stave off the possibility of the workers of this country following the lead of the Russian people. The general secretary and councillor B Wild have given evidence before one of the commissions, on behalf of our Society, emphasising the fact that the low wages and long hours of our employment, The King’s Cross contingent in the Cock Tavern coupled with profiteering, are the main The King’s Cross branch on 8 May at the Cock Tavern was causes of very serious unrest amongst our well attended, especially by GTR drivers. We were pleased members.’ to have District 1 Officer Graham Morris give a report on the state of the nation as far as his patch is concerned, a factual URgENT NATIoNAL NECESSITY update on the Southern controversy, and the burning Preston presentations at St The editor also reports: ‘It may interest our question from King’s Cross drivers was the loony proposal Gerard’s Catholic Club, members to know that at the annual by GTR to open new signing on points at Hornsey, Welwyn Lostock, in May. Dave meeting of the Railway Nationalisation Garden City and Letchworth, and the disruption to those Forshaw received his Society, held in London on 7 June, our who will have to follow the work. Unfortunately, neither retirement certificate after 42 general secretary was elected to the Graham, the LLR or company council reps could give years’ membership and John executive committee of that organisation. concrete information as no diagrams or timetable have Holland picked up his 50 year The general secretary’s views on railway been presented by GTR. They did not have final diagrams medallion. We wish both nationalisation are well known, ie, that it ready for the KX LLR so could not present the coming members all the best in is an urgent national necessity, not in the rosters. Reminds me of what was said about our generals in retirement. interests of railwaymen alone, but for the the First World War – driver lions and GTR donkeys. graham Fazackerley , welfare of the community as a whole.’ pj Smith , King’s Cross branch secretary

July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 17 ASLEF NORTHERN LINE-NORTH BRANCH PRESENT THE 2017 VINER/TURRELL CHARITY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 12TH JULY 2017 1PM ± 5PM 6 A SIDE (SQUAD OF 10) £50.00 PER TEAM AT WHITTINGTON PARK, HOLLOWAY ROAD, LONDON N19 4RS FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL: [email protected]

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Badminton Cricket Darts Hockey Running Triathlon (Sprint) Singles, Doubles, Sixes Singles, Doubles, 5s 5km, 10km, 500m Swim Mixed Doubles Mixed Doubles Half Marathon (Olympic Pool), Cycling Netball 20km Bike Ride, Basketball Sportive Football Table Tennis Rounders 5km Run 3 on 3 Short: 65km, 5-a-side, 6-a-side will be held on Tennis Standard: 100km, (over 35s) Rugby Chess Singles, Doubles, Epic: 160km Sevens Mixed Doubles Saturday 8 July 2017

18 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 Obituaries

STEVE BULL The Measure of a Man: a tribute to Steve TUg oF ThE RAILwAY If your measure of a man is by how high he stands, Steve Bull, a great friend and counted in feet, or in hands like a horse, you could be pardoned servant of ASLEF, passed away on for thinking that Bully didn’t make the cut. But you’d be wrong, 8 October 2016 at Saint because that man had a backbone strong as running rail steel. Christopher’s hospice, surrounded Maybe you feel that a muscled chest, or bulging arms or by his family, after a mercifully all the rest, is what impresses you? Well, that’s fine I guess! short battle with lung cancer. But Bully, in a test of wills, had a strength of character that He began his railway career, could pull a thousand slew, up and down three hills. which spanned more than 40 If courage is your benchmark, a list maybe of daring dos. years, as a second man at You talk the talk but, really, could you fill old Stevie’s shoes? Norwood. There was a brief Bully had an inner power, he had nerve, he walked the walk, sojourn when Steve worked at his what we call bottle. I would liken his passion, and brother’s garage, but the tug of the fire in his heart, to a Diesel 66 in full throttle. the railway was too strong and he soon returned. He became a I have known many men who thought that they were great, driver instructor and, when the some have fallen by the wayside, some I tried hard not to hate. position became available, The last time I saw Bully, I looked into his eyes, and said ‘Take care’. Norwood man. ’Nuff said Norwood health & safety rep, at Kissed his aching head, and stroked his hair, one point the most highly would be reasoned, backed by in the knowledge that a real man would soon be dead. qualified local staff h&s rep, to the knowledge and, no matter what mick green immense benefit of all our you wanted to hear, it would be members. the right one! Steve had a great love of Steve leaves a loving wife, SID BEE oN ThE oChE family; his own, his colleagues, three lovely children, and a long Sid Bee was born in 1940 and in 1956 very nearly followed his dad and and his railway family. No matter lasting legacy at Norwood depot. brother down the coal pits at Worksop but decided to become an what happened at the end of a He will be remembered by all who engine cleaner at Worksop railway depot. He moved on to Shirebrook debate he’d always ask how you knew him for a long, long time. and then Stratford in 1965 where he eventually moved to the and your family were. The union room at Norwood has supervisory grade. Sid was a very good darts player, playing against top His patience knew no bounds, been renamed the Steve Bull so players of the day such as Eric Bristow in competitions with his great and this showed as he nurtured his name lives on at the depot he friend John Sutton, also a Stratford man. As a foreman he organised the each of ‘his’ trainees along. He cherished. Rest in peace Steve. A annual trip to Aintree to watch the Grand National, which was followed their progress long after Norwood man, enough said. thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part. Sid, you will be missed by all they had left his care. Whenever Daniel Bound , Norwood who knew you. you needed an opinion, Steve’s junction Dave pizzie

TREVoR BALL hARRY DUFFIELD whAT A pLUm DUFF FRATERNITY William Harold Duffield – Harry or Plum Duff to his friends on the Trevor Ball, who has died at railway – has died aged 86. He began the age of 89, joined the his rail career as a cleaner with the Great Western Railway at LMSR at 9C Macclesfield in 1945 at Shrewsbury as an engine 15. Unitisation resulted in Macc’s cleaner in 1943 at 15. He early closure so, in 1961, he moved moved to Tyseley Birmingham to get 11 miles north to 9B Stockport Trevor Ball 1928-2017 (Edgeley). promotion to fireman, When Edgeley lost steam in 1968 worked at Bordesley goods LDC. He was presented with Harry chose to cross the border into Harry Duffield 1929-2016 yard as number 9 pilot, a an EC medallion for services Derbyshire to 9L Buxton, 1,000 feet delight in taking the children to busy yard where he worked to ASLEF which he wore above sea level. Then he had one last railway museums, including the NRM six days a week and two out with pride. In 1974 he had throw of the dice on the railway in York. He used his traction of three Sundays, and then to retire from the footplate snakes and ladders board and moved knowledge not only to impress the went back to Shrewsbury as on ill health grounds, saying, back into Cheshire at Altrincham. kids, but also museum staff. a fireman, with promotion ‘I worked with the finest Here he drove 304 EMUs on the Having retired, he was able to visit to driver in 1960. From bunch of men you would Crewe to Alderley Edge route, with a the Pack Horse Bowling & Social Club Shrewsbury he worked ever wish to meet. What a scheduled retirement date of 1994. more often and his two pints at 22.00 trains to Cardiff, Bristol, fraternity!’ His soul mate Zap! Along came the trams, with most nights got him a second Newton Abbot, Birkenhead, passed away in 2007, after Metrolink pinching Harry’s MSJA nickname – 10 o’clock happy! Liverpool, Blackpool, 57 years of marriage, leaving commuter line out of Manchester. So His last booking off was witnessed Manchester and central a daughter and he decided to call it a day, in 1991, at by family, friends, and former Wales, and said, ‘I enjoyed granddaughter. In tribute to 62. Ironically, Buxton carried on. workmates, departing this station to every day of it.’ With the her dad, Debora wore his Harry got married in 1957, and the strains of Nessun Dorma . Another coming of diesels he took medallion at his funeral. went up the links, father, grandfather, good mate lost. up the position of instructor, May he RIP. greatgrandfather. He took great mel Thorley , Longsight was active in his ASLEF peter Smith and Debora branch, and served on the Fox

July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 19 Letters we welcome letters, either by email to [email protected] or by Royal mail to ASLEF journal at At the going down of the sun 77 St john Street, London, EC1m 4NN . The writer of our star letter wins a rich range of ASLEF regalia. we will remember them

It was 20 years ago today Having read the June party political edition of the Journal , I feel compelled to respond. Like so many people I, too, would love to see the nation’s railway back in public ownership, and fully despise the day our There is music in the midst of desolation and a glory that shines upon our tears – TN industry and its staff were dispatched into the Jackson’s grave at Sanders Keep uncharted territory where we find ourselves today. So incensed was I about the wholesale In the January issue of the ASLEF post. With two comrades he followed betrayal of privatisation, I jumped at the Journal there was a very interesting his officer across the canal, rushed the chance to vote Labour in 1997, because in article on Lance Corporal Thomas post, capturing two machine-guns, and their manifesto was a commitment to Norman Jackson of the 1st Battalion, so enabled the companies to advance. renationalise the railway. We all remember Coldstream Guards, who won a Later in the morning, L/Cpl Jackson Labour’s landslide victory! posthumous Victoria Cross for was the first to jump into a German This was only 20 years ago, and yet it is very attacking a German machine-gun trench which his platoon had to clear surprising to me that hardly anyone has made position and capturing 14 prisoners. and, after doing further excellent work, mention, in this election campaign, of Labour’s He was born in Swinton, south was unfortunately killed.’ failure to deliver on their pledge when they Yorkshire, in 1897 and was a He was buried in Sanders Keep had the chance. What angered me more than railwayman – an engine cleaner at military cemetery, Graincourt-les- anything was when, a year into Labour’s Great Central’s Mexborough loco – Havrincourt, his headstone inscribed tenure, one of their MPs had the nerve to deny before joining the colours in December with the VC. they had promised to renationalise the railway. 1916. My wife and I frequently visit the I haven’t voted Labour since. On the morning of 27 September Somme area and are often asked to Even if Labour could bring it about they 1918 his company’s assault on a find graves and, although extremely would have to borrow vastly more money now heavily-defended section of the sad, find it very rewarding. On our visit to renationalise the railway than 20 years ago. Hindenburg line was held up by this year we went to Sanders Keep and They must have hoped the electorate’s withering machine-gun fire. According visited the grave of L/Cpl Jackson. memories were not just poor, but non- to the citation, ‘L/Cpl Jackson was the Enclosed are a few photos we thought existent. first to volunteer to follow Capt CH might be of interest in a future edition ASLEF maintains that only by electing a Frisby across the Canal du Nord in his of the Journal . Labour government on 8 June can the railway rush against an enemy machine-gun philip ward , retired Cambridge driver return to public hands. This seems to ignore the past. These eight weeks have simply given Jeremy Corbyn time to produce headline grabbing nougats which, I’m afraid, he could won’t cost a penny, Andy. The plan is not to not a part). I remain vehemently opposed to never be trusted to bring within reach. He and buy back the franchises overnight, but to railway privatisation albeit for reasons that are Diane Abbott have famously failed, on air, to bring each franchise back into public probably not exactly the same as those that quote the basic figures of their pie in the sky ownership over time as each franchise the trade unions cite. The bid was unsuccessful policies. But, faced with certain electoral expires.’ and, post-privatisation, the new owners, Prism, defeat, makes promises he is unlikely to ever immediately sought to increase services, be tested on. Why should we trust them now? meaning that even with the new conditions an I haven’t met anyone yet, even at work, who So much for market dogma additional 25 drivers were required almost has said they will happily be voting Labour on I concur fully with the sentiments expressed in immediately after letting nearly 50 go through 8 June. If this letter is printed, by the time it is Paul Begley’s letter ( Journal , June). I have to voluntary redundancy. This still looks – and read it will be some weeks after the big day, express an interest in that at the time I was indeed was – ridiculous. Drivers were but I do not agree that just because I am a train crew manager for the TOC concerned, extremely co-operative but as an operator member of a trade union I should feel West Anglia Great Northern. Without boring there was a long-term cost as the increment pressurised into blindly voting for Labour, everyone by revisiting history, an attempt was for working rest days increased permanently every time. Blind voting is irresponsible voting. made at a management buyout at the time of whilst extra drivers were recruited and trained. Loyalty to a cause will not find favour with privatisation and the driver restructuring Similar scenarios no doubt played out across anyone when the house of cards collapses. In initiative that I was involved in sought change the country. the words of another even more controversial of variable shift length to enable the number In many ways commuter TOCs, especially, politician, ‘No, no, no!’ of diagrams to be performed by fewer drivers. have never recovered from this period. There Andy Deamer , guildford Electric Sample diagrams were produced to remains little or no control by the industry support the rationale but there was undue over increased services, the poaching of Mick Whelan says: ‘Labour’s pledge to bring pressure to make the savings to support the drivers from other TOCs, etc. The shortage of the railway back into public ownership management buyout process (of which I was drivers on Southern is the most high profile

20 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 Classified Advertisements

SOUTH WESTERN Suburban 707 limited edition JC’s Gandhian values 35x30mm enamel badge £5 + The media image of Jeremy Corbyn as a friend of £1 p&p from Martin Thompson (Wimbledon Park) terrorists is not just biased but profoundly email [email protected] wrong. Jeremy was awarded the Gandhi Foundation International Peace Award in 2013 DERBY branch 125 year for his ‘consistent efforts over a 30 year large commemorative badge Parliamentary career to uphold the Gandhian £8 + £1 p&p from Eamonn values of social justice and non-violence’. Tague (07500 099190) or phil Stodart , RmS, penzance Jeremy with the peace prize [email protected]

GLASGOW branch 125 case. So much for free market dogma! The all Schenker/EWS. What he conveniently forgets year celebration badge. £4 line vacancy list with its in-built controls had, in to mention is the fact that his outfit, West including p&p. Contact my view, many virtues. All this played a part in Coast, elected to dispense with the traction ASLEF’s Glasgow branch my voluntary decision to leave the inspector on the footplate as soon as they secretary John McCue at [email protected] management game behind and relocate to a began operating, it not being a rule book more subdued location and life. I am now a requirement. Perhaps if they, too, had stuck OAKS MEMORIAL signalman on the S&C and have never for one with the BR method they would not have had commemorative badge honouring minute considered a return to a manager role. some of the incidents that have so far led to 361 miners killed in an explosion It is always good to see Paul and many others two bans? at the Oaks colliery near at the Hatfield reunion each August. He is one Tim Stedman , Barking Barnsley on 12 December 1866. of many who, whilst not vociferous in £3 from [email protected] demeanour, talks a lot of sense. Ultimately, it is Brigadiers, Blackadder and the passenger and taxpayer who suffer as a DAVE EAST has some badges to result of this dogma. train company managment sell to raise money for preservation john walton , Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria I would like to take issue with one of the short and repaint of Phase One 4 CIG pieces in the Off the Rails column ( Journal , 1753 named Chris Green in No colour bar at the Cross June). Although I agree that the management August. £5 + £1 p&p. Please send cheques payable of rail companies do hide behind front line to Network South East Railway Society to NSERS, I am amazed at the statement from Neil staff, rarely appearing at the coalface, I do not 41 Highfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 6DD. Howard ( Journal , April). If, as he says, ‘BR agree that they are ‘like generals in the Great operated a colour bar on main line footplate CLASS 15 locomotive (D8233) War’ who made sure they stayed ‘a long way work until 1966’ can he explain how at top enamel badge on sale to raise funds from the front line’. shed (34A King’s Cross) we had several for restoration of the sole surviving Try telling that to the families and coloured firemen on the main line. To places Class 15 loco by the Class 15 descendants of the 78 British and Dominion such as Leeds, Hull, York and Newcastle and on Preservation Society. £5 + £1 p&p officers of the rank of Brigadier General or from Ipswich driver Clive Whiting. Payment can steam, of course. above who perished whilst serving (on the be sent via PayPal to [email protected] Some of these had started at the Cross in front line) in the Great War. (friends & family to avoid fees). the early ’50s, went through all the links as Not to mention the 146 who were firemen, and some went on to be drivers. captured, wounded, or gassed in the line of BESPOKE CUSHIONS Hand Hornsey (34B) also had their share; their main duty. I’d advise the article’s author to take made 40cm square cushions of line work was to Peterborough. Some of these history lessons from contemporary sources railway engines and carriages. came to KX when their depot closed and took and not watch re-runs of Blackadder Goes £50. Call Abi on 07954 659849 or email me at up their link seniority positions. [email protected] Forth on Dave! I understand some depots did try to restrict Iain macfarlane , Inverness them to non-line of promotion as they did with THREE BRIDGES branch strike Poles and Italians who stayed in Britain after badge 2016/17. £5 inc p&p (proceeds to the war, but this was overruled either by wanted – push-pull train charity) from Paul Eden (branch management or staff at union meetings. operation anecdotes secretary) email [email protected]). Sadly, Neil’s appeal might have come a bit late as most of those so employed will have Before the collective memory disappears for good, I am trying to compile notes on the PROFESSIONAL ENGRAVING at retired by now. sensible prices. I can engrave anything David Rollins , Retired members’ Section, operation of two types of train: (i) push-pull, pull-push, autotrains and rail motor trains and you wish, such as the ASLEF logo on ex-34A, Brisbane, Australia the pint tankard. Contact Paul Potts by (ii) other passenger trains that reversed over email at [email protected] shorter or longer distances, such as The lack of the third man Dorchester South (up direction), Inverness, In response to Arno Brooks’ latest letter Scarborough, Whitby, Guisborough, and BLAND ENCOUNTER by Donald (Journal , May) yes, we can do better. In it, he Buildwas, and empty trains such as at Euston, Wightman is a comedy novel about clearly describes the methods of operating Maiden Newton, and Yelverton. risqué encounters on the railways. A donation from the sale of each book steam on the main line as developed under BR I’m really looking for anecdotal comments will be made to the Royal British from those who actually operated such trains, in the 1970s, ie the provision of a traction Legion and Help for Heroes. Paperback inspector on the footplate. as it seems the regulations were not always £7.99 ebook £3.95 from www.amazon.co.uk This is the method used throughout by the followed to the letter. No disciplinaries seem only company to have operated steam on the likely at this stage! If you can help, please To advertise please phone 020 7324 2400 main line continuously and successfully since contact me at [email protected] or send an email to [email protected] the demise of BR, namely DB Cargo/DB Eric Stuart , RmS

July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 21 Last Word

It’s easy as 1-2-3 do-re-mi, A-B-C

gREgoR gALL , professor of Industrial Relations at the University of Bradford, looks at the opportunities afforded by protests organised by the Association of British Passengers Commuters against the Conservative protest about the government and Southern Rail hapless management at OULD it now be as simple as ABC? Southern Fail and That is a question for ASLEF and the the failure of Chris C other rail unions in the light of the Grayling to get a founding, by disaffected Southern Rail grip passengers, of the Association of British Commuters. For years, campaigns to properly fund and regulate the rail industry, with the ultimate aim of a return to public ownership, ABC has 4,000 Twitter followers and some – best achieved through the ‘guard guarantee’; have lacked the ability to act effectively in 1,500 friends on Facebook showing it has a the immediate removal of the Southern concert with the travelling public. bigger reach than these numbers alone contract from GTR; and ‘passenger Because, until now, the travelling public has suggest. Indeed, it crowd-funded £25,000 to representation in any solution’. been unorganised and atomised. Passengers launch a judicial review of decisions made by So the ABC represents a positive grumble – often using expletives – when the DfT and the government over Govia and development in terms of passengers getting trains break down, signals fail and leaf mulch Southern. themselves organised. But, before anyone gets too much. But then they get off the train, Out of all this, the ABC has established itself concludes that this is manna from heaven for get on with their lives, and put it all behind as a non-profit company to represent the the rail unions, a few issues must be pondered. them until the next time. And so on, and so interests of the travelling public. So it (i) Given that it has taken one of the longest on. campaigns for a safe, affordable, accessible and most intractable industrial disputes on But one group of passengers has decided and reliable transport system – not only in the Britain’s railways to bring ABC into existence, to buck this trend. Arising out of the still south of England, but right across Britain; (ii) one has to ask – somewhat gingerly – if that is continuing disaster that is Southern Rail, run provides an online community for discussion what it will take to get the travelling public by Govia Thameslink Railway, a passenger by members, volunteers and partner organised in other parts of the country in order lobby group called the Association of British campaigns; (iii) seeks to build greater public to make the ABC a genuinely national Commuters was formed in September 2016 understanding of the issues surrounding the organisation. One hopes not. after months of delays, cancellations, and Southern Rail crisis, as well as transport issues overcrowded conditions, with short-staffing around the country; and (iv) wants to elevate and strikes compounding these problems. FLASh IN ThE pAN the voice of the commuter to be heard in Next, it’s possible the ABC will prove to be a Parliament and the national press, while DIRECT ACTIoN ‘flash in the pan’ and peter out of existence if, exerting pressure on key organisations in the as and when the Southern franchise is sorted The old bureaucratic ways by which the rail rail industry. out. Once the anger is gone, the momentum users’ consultative committees and rail and mobilisation will go too. passengers’ councils used to operate were mANNA FRom hEAVEN And, finally, while the rail unions could thrown out of the window in favour of direct After the announcement of the snap general make common cause with the ABC over action. For the last year, rail users and local election, the ABC said ‘there [wa]s no better increasing rail fares, understaffing, and safety campaigners came together to organise time for… restat[ing] the demands we’ve been issues, etcetera, there will also be times when protests, initially at Brighton and London making throughout the Southern Rail crisis. the likes of ASLEF will be in danger of falling Victoria stations. We will be addressing all former and out with the ABC. Most obviously, over With the success of these protests, the prospective MPs with these demands and industrial action in support of a pay claim. #SouthernFail campaign was born. Then, in requesting their full response – so we can tell So, while alliances with passengers should December, the ABC organised a large you which candidates have the best positions be sought, it’s worthwhile not seeing the ABC demonstration at Victoria, calling for the on Southern Rail’. as a magic panacea. The return to public resignation of Transport Secretary Chris And it called for an independent public ownership by a Labour government must Grayling. They marched to the Department for inquiry into the relationship between Govia remain the key priority. And that opportunity Transport where they called on the Thameslink Railway and the DfT; the return of may come sooner than we think given the government to intervene in the dispute, and guaranteed assistance for disabled passengers Labour advance – and Tory meltdown – on 8 for an independent inquiry into the shambles on services currently branded as Southern Rail June! at Southern. Stephen Joseph, executive director of the Campaign for Better Transport, believes the  Gregor Gall is Professor of Industrial Relations at the University of Bradford, ABC represents ‘a new type of passenger lobby Visiting Lecturer in International Labour and Trade Union Studies at Ruskin College, group organised by young professionals who Oxford, and a visiting lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire. are adept at using social media’. Currently, the

22 The ASLEF Journal l July 2017 On Track Prize Crossword

Prize Crossword 135 by Tom Williams Across Down 1 Tangled in a mass 1 Bricklayer’s wELL I’m BURgERED 4 Happen again adhesive cDONALD’s, the fast food firm, 7 Tart fruit 2 Pony’s moderate hates the term McJob. It likes 8 Tightly drawn gait m the ubiquity of the Big Mac, 9 Fictional story 3 Remote and the company has taken out a 11 Glowing with 4 Small bird trademark on the name of its most health 5 Motor vehicle celebrated burger (and on its famous 13 Any of three 6 Kingly Golden Arches logo, too). It likes the idea children from one 7 Retriever or of customers having McFun eating pregnancy pointer (3, 3) mechanically retrieved meat from a 15 Rigorously strict 10 Radio sound dead cow but it irks McDonald’s that 17 Prayer ending control McJob – meaning low paid dead end 18 One of several 12 One who work – has come to be synonymous with shops under same commits treason the firm. management (5, 5) 14 Ball game The term was coined by Amitai 20 Rain mingled 15 Running contests Etziono, an American sociologist, and with snow 16 Sugary fried cake communitarian, in an article in the Solution to Crossword 134 21 Nonconformists 17 Breed of horse Washington Post in 1986. ‘The fast food Across: 3 Bunch 6 Heroine 7 Angers 8 Under 19 Chopper factories: McJobs are bad for kids’ 9 Overtime 12 Inter 14 April 15 Geranium examined the plight of thousands of 18 Altar 19 Rudder 20 Chortle 21 Large teenagers flipping burgers in Down : 1 Predator 2 Mirror 3 Beaker 4 Night Name...... McDonald’s – the antithesis, he 5 Harem 6 Housing 10 Irritate 11 Enlarge suggested, of the American dream. 13 Fierce 14 Amazon 16 Equal 17 Adder Address...... And it really got traction five years Congratulations to Robin later when Douglas Coupland, in his ...... novel Generation X , described a McJob Rowlands , of Rhiwderin , Newport , Gwent , who was last as ‘a low pay, low prestige, low dignity, ...... low benefit, no future job in the service month’s winner. The winner of this sector. Frequently considered a month’s Prize Crossword will ...... satisfying career choice by people who receive Marks & Spencer vouchers have never held one.’ to the value of £25 ...... The term – a useful short form for so  You can see more of Tom Williams’s many zero hour contract jobs in the gig crosswords, word games and puzzles at Postcode...... economy – captured the public wordgames.co.uk imagination to such an extent that the Oxford English Dictionary defines McJobs Thanks for all your responses to the 134th prize crossword in the June edition of the ASLEF – 30 years later – as ‘an unstimulating, Journal . If you successfully complete this month’s crossword please send the solution to the low paid, job with few prospects’, where Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN by 14 July ‘job insecurity is a common feature’. Adding ‘from McDonald’s, with allusion to the company’s practice of using Mc in its proprietary product names’. ASLEF’s legal services Bosses love McJobs. Because bosses, over thousands of years of human If you are being harassed at work, bullied or discriminated against, and history, have tried to pay their workers if your local, branch or district rep is unavailable, call the industrial as little as they can get away with, relations department at union headquarters (020 7324 2400) or email keeping most of the money back for [email protected]. If you are arrested or interviewed by police and need themselves. That’s how capitalism works. legal assistance – day or night – call the members’ emergency hotline on They would rather pretend a worker is 0800 587 7530. ASLEF also provides first class legal advice free for self-employed than put you on the members and dependents. payroll and pay you properly. They want to be able to hire and fire at will. That’s why they bang on about workers – who mostly prefer to be paid properly, with good terms & conditions, sick pay, holiday pay, and a pension – enjoying Changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form the ‘flexibility’ of a zero hours contract McJob. Name...... Paul Pomroy, chief executive of Address...... McDonald’s UK, airily dismisses the idea that zero hours contracts are just a way ...... for companies to keep people in insecure, low paid work. Ten years ago Postcode ...... Telephone...... McDonald’s campaigned to have McJob Branch...... Membership No...... removed from the dictionary. The company is still trying. ‘I would love it to Please return coupon to: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN go,’ says the CEO. Of course he would.

July 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 23 HEALTH SAFETY R P POSSESSION M MANAGEMENT L H S SE E I O A A N COMPETENCE E L A N S

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