ASLEFJOURNAL JULY 2021 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen Free to members Freight on rail after covid-19

ASLEF officers Simon Weller , Nigel Gibson , Andy Hourigan , and Dicky Fisher ; Maggie Simpson of the RFG; plus company The train drivers ’ council reps Seb Brady , James Glew , Barry Hare , Rab Lang , union since 1880 Peter Mason and Paul Zuczkowski on the future for freight railway enginemen’ s tax fr ee saver plans

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@RailwayEnginemens Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authorit y. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authorit y. Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 ASLEF GS Mick Whelan JOURNAL Whatever we do, The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen we shall do it ‘The real test will not be how we dealt with the pandemic – but how we together in unity deal with the aftermath’

E HAVE, since March last year, faced unprecedented times and shown our duty, as key workers, to our communities and nation, and kept the country W running, along with many others, for a greater good. Now you might think that this would be recognized by the government in Westminster but apparently not; it has, instead, become an agenda for cuts and change. Yes, we recognize that the privateers were bailed out, and some were not, depending on which figures you use, and money has been put into the industry, in necessary support, over the course of the pandemic. Rail is a green way of moving goods around the country But the model was collapsing before covid , which exacerbated an obvious need for greater subsidy, in the government’s determination to keep private interests in our News industry. All the things we have identified about the waste, duplication, and failings of the privatized rail network since 1993 are the rationale behind the Williams review to l ASLEF and the Rail Industry Recovery Group 4 and its new enabling framework agreement which the Transport Secretary has now added his name. Much will be defended by ‘the impact of the pandemic ’ but we have already l Railway menu on the Darjeeling Express plus 5 Off the Rails: Alan Jones; magic mushrooms; seen two NRCs awarded, without competition, and no one has been able to explain to Simon Weller; Hornby model railways; and me in sensible terms why we need the private sector to run trains when the revenue John Crace skewers hapless Matty Hancock risk now falls on the public purse. I remain of the long-standing view that transport, as one of the four factors of production, getting goods and services from A to B, l Caitlin Moran on the thrill of taking a train 6 generating business, industry, and tourism, even when run at a paper loss, creates l Ian Thompson’s powerful plea for accessibility 7 genuine money in the economy for the good of all. l Christian Carroll on the shadow of the Orient 8 At a time when the world is endeavouring to save the planet , and create a better future for our children, long-term investment in our railways should be Features automatic as, on this small crowded island, the only way to achieve these aims is the l Conrad Landin: politicians who made public 9 mass transit of freight and people. But this is not, apparently, the view of the ownership of public transport a key message government. We accept that people may work differently, and footfall and capacity won the popular vote at the elections in May have to be regained, but wholesale reductions, allied to recent arbitrary fare increases, l Simon Weller reveals what the Williams-Shapps 10 are not going to make us attractive, or drive the green agenda. Plan really has to say about rail freight in the UK So we face uncertain times , with statements about removing duplication of l Nigel Gibson reports on problems for pensions, 11 services, wages being aligned to market rates, reductions in capacity and services, and Varamis Rail, driver training, and electing reps discussions on headcount. This clearly leaves us with decisions on how we best protect l Maggie Simpson of the Rail Freight Group 12-13 our grade, and our industry, because these are government-led processes and and company council reps James Glew, Barry decisions and, in a post-covid world, no one will care that this is an ideological and Hare, Peter Mason, and Paul Zuczkowski dogmatic attack on trade unions and public transport. There are industry talks to take look at the future for freight post-pandemic place (again depending which figures you look at) on the £2 billion shortfall or l DRS: Andy Hourigan and Seb Brady 14 Williams’ £1.5 billion per year of savings the government says need to be addressed. l Newton: Stuart Scott and Jim Walsh remember 15 It is our belief that sitting with the industry , and the other unions, at this time is the two train drivers who died on 21 July 1991 the best way to protect and determine our own futures through what is known as the Rail Industry Recovery Group. There are two other options: pretend it isn’t happening Regulars and hope it goes away or leave it to the Treasury to demand percentile cuts across the board; neither of which offers any protection so can’t be countenanced. The talks will Branch Lines: Ken Heydon and Pauline Cawood 16 l not be one-way traffic. We have aspirations on reducing the driver’s age, staff travel, l Graham O’Mara reports on the TUC’s LGBT+ 17 protecting pensions, ERJA, and other issues we would hope to achieve. Looking at our online conference plus Classified Advertisements age demographic, and the number of drivers due to retire over the next few years, l Obituaries: Bill Baxendale, Jon Boyle, Jock 18-19 those hoping for severance may well be unlucky. We went through a decade of Brockie, Simon Davies, and Mark Fleming government-led austerity relatively unscathed and we do not forget everything we l Letters and Obituary: Andy Ramsay 20 have we paid for through productivity and flexibility which is ours and no one else’s. l Hussein Ezzedine on the plight of Palestinians 21 Nothing has been agreed other than that we will participate; it would be naive not to and Peter Rigney recalls the Mallow shootings but, whatever we do, we shall do it together in unity and solidarity. l Last Word: Dave Tyson reminds us that our 22 In the interim we are still in the throes of a worldwide pandemic with liberation, pensions aren’t a gift – they’re deferred wages or freedom day, once more delayed, deferred, or just messed up. I do despair of the l On Track: Job cuts and ‘no confidence’ motion 23 rhetoric as I believe it does a disservice to those who lost their lives – many, I believe, forces Trust boss out; Prize Crossword; Legal unnecessarily. Sadly, as I write, cases are rising among younger people and the variants Services; and your Change of Address form are of concern. Vaccination is a success albeit the only one the government has a right to take credit for. We should not rush back to business as usual – safety must be EdIToR Mick Whelan, general secretary l dESIgNER Michael Cronin paramount – but further economic protection must be put in place for those in society PRINTER College Hill Press, London, SW19 4HE l AdvERTISINg ASLEF who need it most. The real test will not be how we, as a nation, dealt with the Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 020 7324 2407 or [email protected] l clASSIFIEd AdS pandemic but how we deal with the aftermath. Please stay safe… [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 Yours fraternally, your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN Mick Whelan, general secretary, ASLEF website: www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: @ASLEFUnion

July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News Tories set to axe services and jobs HE future of levels. other rail unions, Britain’s ‘The government’s and all the other T railways has position is that the stakeholders in the been thrown into current financial rail industry, to jeopardy just weeks commitment is not protect our cutting the number after the unlimited or members – and to of passenger government sustainable. As a protect Britain’s services, rowing announced, on result, industry railway. Because the back on investment Wednesday 19 May, representatives have rail industry is vital and maintenance, with a fanfare of worked with the four to the UK; moving slashing jobs, trumpets, and a lot recognised trades people and goods, attacking workers’ of brass neck, that it unions to agree an passengers and pensions, and was setting up Great enabling framework packages, around tearing up our terms British Railways agreement that sets this country. and conditions, is under the Williams- out common ‘The railway is a ‘the way to keep Shapps Plan for Rail. principles and focus vital artery for the Rishi Sunak happy’. But on Tuesday 15 areas that will shape body of Britain and ASLEF, along with June the Tory our work to create a we are determined the other rail unions government – under sustainable recovery to ensure it has a – the RMT, the TSSA, cutting the UK rail network: Boris Johnson, Prime Minister Boris for our industry. At sustainable future – and Unite – are, at grant Shapps, and Baron Johnson and its core is a transition not just in the next the moment, Transport Secretary to a more secure, few months and engaging with the QUOTE… Grant Shapps – sustainable, future years, but down the RIRG and its EFA. ‘Child marriage is child abuse’ – Sajid announced the start for our industry and decades in this 21st Why? US President Javid Conservative MP for Bromsgrove of a process those who work century.’ Lyndon B Johnson designed to cut £2 within it.’ Rail workers have was once asked why …UNQUOTE billion a year from That statement – played a vital role in he hadn’t sacked FBI the UK rail network. described by the DfT keeping the country director J Edgar An announcement as ‘a little vanilla, moving since March Hoover. ‘Well, it’s TWEETS OF THE MONTH by the Rail Industry deliberately last year, ensuring probably better to Recovery Group said: anodyne’ – hides a that key workers, have him inside the Boris Johnson getting a lesson in ‘Since the start of the determination by and essential goods, tent pissing out, international relations at the G7. US covid-19 pandemic, the government to have got to where than outside the tent and EU leaders demonstrating scant regard the government has force through the they are needed. So pissing in.’ for Johnson and do not trust him to uphold been funding the biggest cuts to it is galling to hear We would rather treaties or international law. Lot of significant gap in rail Britain’s rail network Grant Shapps be sitting at the pushback against the UK. Global Britain just finances created by since the Beeching disingenuously table, talking, and hit the wall. @GrahameLucas the loss of passenger cuts of the 1960s. claim, ‘Rail staff helping plan a way revenue. During this Mick Whelan, played an important forward for Britain’s UK-Australia trade deal, like Brexit time, taxpayer general secretary, part during the rail network, than itself, lots of blah and flag-waving support for rail said: ‘The pandemic and their not having any bluster, with not much detail to back it up, services has government is continued support input. Because it and only Johnson promises to rely increased forcing cuts on our will help us to build gives us a chance to on…which have a habit of being worthless. significantly, while industry in the wake a safer, more protect the jobs, @campbellclaret the industry’s of the pandemic. We reliable, and pensions, and t&cs operating costs are currently efficient railway for of our members. But At one Kent-based company, the have, broadly, stayed engaging with the the future.’ we will walk away – number of seasonal fruit pickers is at pre-pandemic government, the The government – and take appropriate down by over 90%, leading to serious the Treasury, DfT, action – if Johnson concerns over the company’s future. and Number 10 – are and Shapps do a @BestForBritain QUOTE… said to believe that Beeching on us. ‘Test and trace doesn’t work. The Time for all Brexit ‘patriots’ to evidence is there for everyone to see’ – NOW BOSSES TELL BORIS TO DELIVER volunteer their services. James Naismith Professor of Graham Simpson @grahambsi Structural Biology, Oxford University FOR TRANSPORT FOR LONDON Richard Burge, chief executive of the London …UNQUOTE Britain! One sunny day: Wow! This is a Chamber of Commerce and Industry, speaking surprise! Everyone outside! Let’s after the credit rating agency Moody’s barbecue everything! Two sunny days: This downgraded Transport for London, said: ‘This The ASLEF Journal is published every is the life. I love shorts. Let’s sunbathe in the month by: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, is further evidence that the government must park or run through a sprinkler. Three sunny London, EC1M 4NN l Tel: 020 7324 2400 l agree a longer-term settlement with TfL – days: Make it stop. @SoVeryBritish email: [email protected] website: giving certainty about the network’s viability www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: @ASLEFUnion and funding model during an uncertain time.’

4 The ASLEF Journal l July 2021 News

The ‘railway menu’ Railway menu on the at her deli is a tribute to the food offered by off the Rails Darjeeling Express hawkers at station stops on the long SMA KHAN, world, to go out and train journeys her ALAN JONES , industrial correspondent at PA the chef, make a difference to family used to take Media, which many of us still call the Press A restaurateur, people’s lives’. Her across the sub- Association, and which supplies stories, and political activist, restaurant – the basis continent although features, and pictures to every news has revealed the part for her bestselling she serves rather organisation in the country, is the doyen of that the railway – and cookbook as well as different meals at industrial reporters, respected by management, unions, and trade unions – have an episode of the home. politicians of all parties for the accuracy and honesty – and played in her life. Netflix documentary ‘I have one child speed – of his reporting. After reading last month’s Journal , Asma, who runs Chef’s Table – ‘is a war who loves Indian the Welsh wizard confessed: ‘Can’t believe it’s been so long Darjeeling Express in cry for every woman food, and another since that infamous Ratner speech. I was covering the Garrick Street, Covent in my culture who who detests it. They’re Institute of Directors conference that day. His was the final Garden, where the cooked with passion very, very political, speech and apparently he was told to “spice it up”. I got hold all-female kitchen and love but no compassionate, and of an embargoed copy and filed to our news desk. Within an brigade creates glory. We are kind. They don’t have hour of my story dropping, reporters and television crews dishes inspired by storytellers, the very good food taste, arrived at the Royal Albert Hall to watch him give his speech. the street food of custodians of recipes, but they have, at I was convinced he would change it – but he stuck to it, word Calcutta, where she yet we’ve always least, learned the for word, and the rest, as they say, is history! A front page was born and been sidelined.’ politics.’ apology in The Sun a few days later failed to stem the angry brought up, is very reaction and, before long, the company went out of proud of her parents’ business!’ One for the memoirs, Mr Jones… passionate politics. QUOTE… Her father, and ‘No one could find a way around the TRAIN DRIVERS have to be grandfather, worked problem of the Prime Minister, just like a exceptionally careful about what for trade unions in shopping trolley, smashing from one we eat and drink in the hours India ‘and my father side of the aisle to the other’ before going on duty. Of course. was always telling – Dominic Cummings Because safety on the permanent me, this is your …UNQUOTE way is paramount. But the tests chance to change the that TOCs and FOCs have in place pick up some substances and not others. So as one delegate – whose blushes, as an entirely innocent party, we spare – told AAD, ‘You could be off your tits on magic mushrooms and no test will pick it up…’ Not that this is recommended, comrades. For clarity, all drink, drugs, and mushrooms with magical properties, are strictly verboten when working on the iron road.

SIMON WELLER was typically dry when interviewed live by Sarah Hewson about the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail on Sky News. Isn’t it all terribly exciting and innovative? Well, no, not really. ‘Innovative at extracting profit from the public purse,’ observed the AGS. ‘It’s just a new way of shifting money from the public purse to the private sector.’ Which Asma: the passion and politics of the kitchen (and the kitchen table) rather blew the froth off the happy-clappy discussion right from the get-go. Simon went on to make a powerful case for some long-term strategic thinking and a commitment to HAPPY DANCE make Britain’s railways ‘properly funded from top to bottom’. Companies are much more BRENDAN HAMMER – his user name, not his touchy-feely now but this card, real name – from Tullamore, Ireland, on the dropped into a package delivered West Ham Till I Die website posts, ‘OT [off during lockdown, may well take topic] the model train maker Hornby has the custard cream. It says – in posted a 28% profit. Does that make them lettering designed to make you the UK’s most successful rail company?’ To which a fellow fan think it has been hand-written, replied, ‘They have a great business model’. Sigh… which it isn’t – ‘when you buy from a small business an actual JOHN CRACE was wonderfully waspish again person does a little happy dance’. in The Guardian about Matt Hancock, the Yes, really… hapless Health Secretary: ‘He is brilliant at remembering his own successes and rather less able when it comes to recalling his failures. If, indeed, there were any. Which he 500 CLUB: Martin Joyce, with number 133, won the June draw, is fairly certain there weren’t.’ scooping the Retired Members’ Section jackpot of £514.

July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News

exciting lumpiness of mountains in the Caitlin – I cannot distance; the sudden whoosh when you come out of a tunnel to find the train now runs alongside the coast and you can watch kids wait to train again paddling and boats out at sea. And, all the time, someone else is driving – all you have to AITLIN Moran, who made her name at do is sit back and let the world entertain you.’ C Melody Maker , presented the C4 Now that should bring the passengers music show Naked City , and wrote the flocking back… best-selling feminist bible How to be a Woman , caitlin Moran: the ‘sheer has revealed in her column in The Times that traininess’ is the thrill what she has missed most during lockdown is the thrill of a railway journey. choosing of a magazine ( Viz , The New Yorker ) QUOTE… ‘My biggest returning joy is getting on a and ‘train snack’ (cheese baguette, crisps), ‘If Labour is to cut through, it must train and going somewhere . For work, for a before strolling down the platform, where a think big. It’s only by setting out a holiday, to see friends or family – the reason half mile-long travelling house is waiting to bold, radical, vision that Labour will and destination don’t matter. It’s the sheer take you to somewhere exciting. speak to people’s experiences’ traininess that’s the thrill. Every part of it such a ‘Oh, sitting at a window seat, watching the – Ed Miliband The Guardian simple, deep pleasure. station disappear, and knowing that, for the …UNQUOTE ‘The excitement of getting to the station a next few hours, you’ll be rocketing through deliberate half-hour early; the leisurely counties and farms, fields, and woods! The

and train companies BRITRAIL PASS ORR investigates how Hitachi to oversee the The government says it will help the UK tourist development of a industry, after 16 months of restrictions on trains ‘fell between the cracks’ safe and suitable plan travel, hospitality, and socialising, by launching to make sure the a new BritRail pass for foreign visitors and The Office of Rail and they publicly came to inspection, repair, right checks are allowing Britons cut-price off-peak travel Road has launched a light. The ORR is also and remedial action’ being carried out to across the UK on some days. Analysts say the ‘serious lessons to be to investigate the can be improved. enable trains to run, best way to increase footfall is to reduce all learned’ review into design, manufacture, Ian Prosser, HM now is the right time fares and ensure services are covid safe. the cracks in the and maintenance of Chief Inspector of to ensure we jacking plate and the problem pieces Railways, ORR, said: understand more and KING’S UNCROSSED mount for the yew and examine how ‘While we continue to the industry can learn Network Rail has completed its ‘once in a damper bracket on ‘responsibility for engage with Hitachi lessons.’ generation’ multi-million pound improvement Hitachi Class 800 and scheme – involving the wholesale The oRR 385 trains which saw replacement of 40-year-old track layouts on wants to them suddenly the 1.5 mile approach to the station – to allow know what removed from service more trains to enter and exit King’s Cross. in May. went so wrong with It wants to know if GOVE RAPPED class 800 the train operating Michael Gove and the Cabinet Office have and class companies – GWR, been criticised by a court over a ‘secretive’ and 385 trains LNER, TPE, and Hull ‘Orwellian’ special unit which ‘blacklists Trains – knew about journalists’ and ‘obstructs the free flow of the problems before Freedom of Information requests’.

Points & Crossings: for clarification and engagement should take ‘And one which I think will place. be widely welcomed by A report from AAd in the Journal (June) under the headline Fate ‘Hugh is right, it is a very members, regardless of which of the Nation ends by saying the motion fell 26-47. I believe this important matter for side of the constitutional to be incorrect and the item in question, agenda item 12, which members in , one debate they find themselves comrade hussein Ezzedine spoke on, in fact carried. This is very which, unless you are here, is on. There’s no chance this important for members living in Scotland, and consultation of probably hard to fully would have been adopted a the membership before the union comes to a policy decision. I comprehend. The adoption of few years ago and, during the trust this error will be corrected in the next Journal . an item which both debate, the GS recognised Hugh S Cumming Edinburgh No 2 recognises the sovereign right mistakes made in the past, of the people of Scotland to and to learn from them. There were two similar specific in stipulating the form determine the form of Though obviously no motions on this issue, item 12 of consultation that should government best suited to our intention to mislead, from Edinburgh No 1, which take place which is, essentially, needs, and makes it ASLEF highlighting that 48 fell, was adopted, and item 48 from why it fell. I spoke in favour, policy to consult and engage without the context of 12 West London Electric, which but it was never going to get widely on the issue, and only being adopted, I agree is likely fell, as we reported; Hussein adopted. The difference is that campaign after an exhaustive to lead to misunderstanding spoke on both. He explains: the item which was passed engagement with the of the position conference ‘The principle is the same, but leaves it open to the EC to members, is a significant took, and, as I say, it’s an West London were more decide how the consultation development. emotive subject.’

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trains. Only with Welsh government funding ASLEF plea for have trains been brought up to PRM standard but some of our trains could not be modified, and hence these units are no longer being rail accessibility used on our network. This poor toilet access has a disproportionate effect on wheelchair users, and on every passenger using our trains, SLEF made the case for real rail because the overwhelming majority of A accessibility at the Trades stations don’t have any toilet facilities. Union Congress, held virtually by ‘Installing more toilets is a priority, but they Zoom, on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 May. must be PRM compliant as well, and are radar Ian Thompson, Treherbert branch, and TfW key toilets which allow disabled passengers company council secretary, sits on the general Ian: ‘Make stations accessible for everyone’ greater security. Without addressing this issue, council of the Wales TUC, which has 48 along with step-free access, we won’t member unions and represents more than It also assists the government to achieve its encourage greater use of green transport by 400,000 workers. zero emissions target sooner by persuading all of society.’ He said: ‘There was a determined more people to use green public transport commitment of investment by the Welsh instead of not-so-green private transport. government, before the tragedy of covid hit ‘Currently, out of 246 stations monitored by us, to make stations accessible for all the the Welsh government, only 19 have the QUOTE… citizens who use our now re-nationalised highest step-free access rating of A, while 41 ‘Andrew Neil’s GB News looks like an Transport for Wales network. Accessibility have the lowest rating of B3, which means a lot edition of Newsnight where the enables greater opportunity for everyone to of stations need to be upgraded to make this researcher forgot to book guests to use this green public transport network for sector of public transport accessible to all and give expert opinion and/or the other work, travel, and leisure, and assists for green public transport use to become side of a debate’ – Sean O’Grady The connectivity around all of Wales. normal instead of private transport. Independent ‘Accessibility helps increase passenger ‘It isn’t only step-free accessibility that …UNQUOTE numbers, desperately needed post-covid, and needs addressing; accessible toilets are boosts local economies around these stations. required, too, on platforms, and stations, and RIPPLE LANE Shapps’ HS2 pledge JOLLY BOYS ASLEF has welcomed said: ‘We know the solution for the our outing to clacton is going an assurance by Grant government is looking United Kingdom. HS2 ahead on Friday 3 September. Shapps, the Secretary to make cuts on its is a major Mick Whelan: ‘It’s about The agenda is the same, starting of State for Transport, commitments, but we infrastructure project investing in the future’ with donkey rides, followed by a that the eastern leg of welcome this pledge which will show the visit to the beach theatre for the HS2 – which industry because we have world that we journey time between Punch & Judy show, and experts feared would always argued that understand the needs London and culminating in a midday trip to be cut – will go ahead. HS2 will only be able of a modern society Birmingham. It’s The Moon & Starfish, a The minister told the to maximise its and are prepared to about investing in our Wetherspoons hostelry, Policy Exchange think benefits if it runs not invest in rail to create railways, the key to a opposite the pier. And from tank: ‘We are going to just from London to a green economy for modern public 14.00 a brisk walk to the old complete HS2 and the Midlands, but on the 21st century.’ transport system, and BRSA next to clacton station to include HS2 on the to the north, and to Mick added: ‘It’s freeing up pathways finish the day and disband. eastern leg to Leeds.’ Scotland, too, as an not about shaving a for freight and other hope to see you on the day. GS Mick Whelan integrated transport few minutes off the passenger services.’ Cliff Blackwell RMS

TONY ALLEN A METICULOUS AND GENEROUS MAN inception of the dFc he took on the role of chair, with Bill Eames as secretary, and We are sad to report that Tony Allen, a Tony was a very active member of the graham Morris the third member. The former member of Southern Region trade union, attending a number of membership on Southern can be forever sectional council B, and one of the AAds representing both Eastbourne and grateful for the way the dFc operation founding members of the south central Brighton districts. he was a studious was set up and still operates today: a dFc, has died. delegate and ensured all the branches he staff side, before any meeting with Tony started in the footplate grade at represented were given a thorough management, minutes of every meeting, Salisbury in the 1960s, before moving to report of proceedings. and a monthly staff side meeting where Tunbridge Wells West, where he served The most noticeable comments made the whole dFc agree the way forward on as branch chair and a member of the ldc by people who knew or worked with him issues before them. until its closure in 1985, when he moved were how meticulous he was before, Tony was a generous activist. he to Seaford, again serving as a member of during, and after meetings. always had time for members and other the ldc, until his election to sectional he served on sectional council and reps, giving freely of both his time and council B in 1990. When Seaford closed the dFc during some of the most advice. our condolences to his wife in 1994 he moved to Brighton where he turbulent times in our history as the Barbara and his two daughters. remained until his retirement, due to ill industry, and our representatives, were Roy Luxford Retired Members’ Section health, in 1996. lined up for privatisation. At the and DO1 Graham Morris

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Below: The Yellow Terror Shadow of the Orient in all his glory (1899 political CHRISTIAN CARROLL , Waterloo Nine Elms, who cartoon), Sax moved a motion at conference against the rise of Rohmer’s pulp Sinophobia – the way Donald Trump calls covid-19 fiction ‘the Chinese virus’, Prince Philip disparagingly supervillain dr Fu Manchu referred to people with ‘slitty eyes’, and online trolls (1913), and abuse Chinese restaurant staff – says it’s high time we Marvel comics’ consigned the Yellow Peril to the dustbin of history Yellow claw (1956) ACK in May delegates at remains in place today. Enduring AAD unanimously examples include the evil misleading narratives in the B adopted an emergency supervillains Dr Fu Manchu and media and public discourse; item submitted by Waterloo Nine Ming the Merciless, and the calling out racism towards British Elms which raised concerns about generic term Yellow Peril which is East Asian people and – and spoke out against – the still used as a rail industry international students with formal disturbing rise in Sinophobia colloquialism in relation to complaints; and promoting which can be defined as the fear, briefings for signalling and p-way positive stories of British East dislike, or hatred of – and/or alterations. Asian contributions to British hostility towards – China, its While some may see this as an society. people, and culture. It tends to innocent hangover from an ASLEF is committed nationally target Chinese communities in the increasingly distant, and fading, to supporting CARG and its work. Western world and manifests itself imperialist age, current statistics Branches and district councils can in various forms including the paint a picture of a far more also register as supporters. For more information visit perception of a danger – to disturbing reality. Whether calling, but includes cases of www.carg.info/ or look CARG up Western civilisation – from the spoken in ignorance, jest, or in damage to homes and business on Facebook and Twitter. influence of the East, and an hate, the British Chinese, East, and premises, being coughed and spat imagined threat to living Southeast Asian community has at, and acts of extreme physical standards in the West by migrants long experienced an undercurrent violence. Victims are not confined from East Asia. of racism, but recent events have to adults, with teenagers and very QUOTE… Sinophobia is not new. In the magnified it beyond words. Since young children suffering attacks. ‘Matt Hancock is trying to 19th century, during the Opium the outbreak of the global covid- It is against this harrowing rewrite history about PPE Wars, anti-Chinese propaganda 19 pandemic, reports of racially backdrop that the Covid-19 Anti- shortages’ – Dr Rosena was commonplace in Britain. It led motivated hate crimes against Racism Group was set up. CARG’s Allin-Khan Labour MP to negative stereotyping in people of Chinese or East Asian aims include challenging for Tooting newspapers, magazines, books, origin have increased significantly. misinformed articles, …UNQUOTE and wider society, much of which This is not confined to name inflammatory words, and Johnson and Shapps pick a fight with LU Levelling up ASLEF reacted angrily conditions of those transport will be vital GS Mick Whelan responded to to conditions imposed they called heroes just to London’s economic the DfT’s announcements – by the Conservative months ago. recovery. In deciding reannouncements, actually, government when, on ‘LU staff showed to pick a fight with the of decisions already taken Tuesday 1 June, it enormous courage, workers who deliver it, and initially announced many belatedly announced determination, and the government has months ago – of rail upgrades a new funding resilience in keeping made a serious for Leeds, , and Mick: ‘Where package for Transport services running mistake. The York. He said: ‘Whilst we is the long- for London to run until during the pandemic. consequences will be welcome all rail investment, term plan?’ 11 December. DO8 They will demonstrate protracted and bitter how much of this is overdue, or long- Finn Brennan: Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s those qualities again industrial disputes at a promised investment, and where is the ‘hypocritical cant’ organiser on the fighting to protect time when the focus real long-term plan needed to put rail at Underground, said: so that essential their conditions at should have been on the centre of decarbonisation? And what ‘Bitter and protracted services could work. rebuilding confidence about the rest of the region to form a true industrial disputes are continue to operate in ‘High quality, in using public transport levelling-up agenda to drive an inevitable our capital city. We reliable public transport.’ economic recovery?’ consequence of the knew that the words government’s decision of praise from FIRST ARE AWARDED FIRST NRC RETIRED MEMBERS’ SECTION to target London government ministers The first of the new national rail contracts to The coronavirus crisis means that head office is Underground workers. were nothing but be awarded by the government after unable to send out letters reminding RMS ‘Throughout the hypocritical cant. Their publication of the Williams-Shapps Plan for members, who pay annually by cheque, that pandemic, workers on real attitude has been Rail have gone to FirstGroup. The DfT said two- your membership is up for renewal. So if you TfL turned up for duty shown by this year NRCs for South Western Railway and know your renewal is due, please post a every day. They risked decision to attack the TransPennine Express will run from 30 May this cheque, made payable to ASLEF, to head office their own safety, and pensions, job security, year, when the current emergency recovery in St John Street. An annual subscription is just that of their families, and working measures agreements ran out, until May 2023. £15. Thank you!

8 The ASLEF Journal l July 2021 live Rail Everyone’s a winner baby, that’s the truth

CONRAD LANDIN was a news reporter, industrial correspondent, and then The public ownership of public transport Scotland editor of the Morning platforms of Andy Burnham and Mark Star . He is now co-editor of the New drakeford proved popular with voters announcements was only matched by an Internationalist magazine and has also unfortunate tendency for inexactitude’. One written for the Camden New Journal , In Wales, the Labour government was not such grand announcement was the The Guardian , The Independent , the just making promises – it was being judged on Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro – or CAM, London Review of Books , and Rail its record. Since 2018, the Wales and Borders geddit? – a £2 billion glorified busway magazine. Here he looks at how franchise was run by KeolisAmey, an unholy featuring ‘driverless pods’. His Labour successor politicians who placed public alliance of the French state, Madrid stock has scrapped the scheme, and says he has held ownership of public transport – buses, traders, and Quebec civil servants (through meetings with Burnham to discuss a their pension fund). franchising model for buses. trams, and trains – at the heart of their But, when passenger numbers fell off a cliff When it comes to buses, Scotland has been manifestos won handsomely in May thanks to covid, services were transferred to a ahead of the curve. Thanks to the efforts of new state-owned operator. trade unions, transport campaigners, and HE elections in May were cause for Writing in the Journal in March, ASLEF’s Scottish Labour, the last parliament legislated much head-scratching – and blame- executive committee vice-president (and EC to remove the Thatcher-era ban on councils T gaming – among leading figures in member for District 7) Andy Hudd welcomed running their own bus services – north of the the Labour Party. As head honchos came to this move to ‘bring the railway ever closer to border, that is. (Edinburgh’s publicly-owned terms with the by-election loss in Hartlepool, public ownership’, but recognised there is still Lothian Buses has ‘grandfather rights’ because the picture across the English local and work to be done. ‘We believe this will bring it stayed in public ownership while other mayoral elections was bleak, too. about sustained investment and an holistic authorities were busy privatising their local Labour lost 327 council seats and eight approach to planning that will help deliver a bus networks.) councils – the seats in question were last vertically-integrated railway run for the people Scotland, of course, saw a rough night for contested in 2016 and 2017. Liam Byrne, who of Wales – not foreign corporations – but this Labour, with the party’s support declining boasted he would ‘easily beat’ West Midlands relies on proper investment from the UK once again, as has been the case in every metro mayor Andy Street, ended up losing by government.’ Now Labour has a working Holyrood election since 1999. almost 50,000 votes. majority in its own right in the Senedd – the But, when it comes to the rails, the SNP was But there were some crumbs of comfort, previous Labour administration relied on making its own hay from the popularity of with Labour scoring increased majorities for support from the one Liberal Democrat MS accountable public transport. On top of Greater Manchester metro mayor Andy and a former Plaid Cymru independent – promises to expand free bus travel Burnham and his Merseyside counterpart hopes have been raised that Andy’s vision can (championed by Labour and the Greens in the Steve Rotheram. be realised sooner rather than later. last parliament) Transport Secretary Michael Labour won the Cambridgeshire and West Matheson announced he would axe the of England metro mayor positions from the ‘A force for good in Britain’ Abellio ScotRail franchise (that’s the Dutch Conservatives, and First Minister Mark state this time) from March next year. Drakeford romped home in Wales with an In March Andy Burnham announced plans to The SNP has previously opposed increased majority in the Senedd. take Greater Manchester’s bus services back parliamentary motions – placed by Labour and under public control. Under this plan, buses backed by ASLEF – calling for the same thing. ‘Bung up a Union flag’ would still be operated by private franchisees – But Abellio’s failures have given Matheson, but, like in London, the mayor would exercise widely considered to be on the neoliberal Interviewed after the election, Labour deputy control over fares, ticketing, and routes. wing of the SNP’s exceedingly broad political leader Angela Rayner said: ‘What I heard on A similar scheme has been proposed by church, a sticky wicket. And with the the doorstep is they didn’t know what Keir metro mayor Steve Rotheram. After Westminster-commissioned Williams review Starmer stood for.’ In Hartlepool, one organiser he was re-elected, significantly outperforming into franchising much delayed, what told The Guardian that party HQ was ‘obsessed’ his party in concurrent elections in the region, nationalist government could resist the with acquiring a Union flag for campaign Steve said: ‘In the Liverpool city region I’ve opportunity to get its own blueprint out first? headquarters. ‘There was no fleshing out what been able to demonstrate socialism in the flag means, or what policies have changed, practice. People shouldn’t be afraid of because we’re now patriotic. It was just, “Bung socialism. Socialism is a force for good in our ‘Better signals’ up a Union flag”.’ country.’ Much as we may dream, most voters don’t go But, more thoughtfully, where Labour won, The best surprise for Labour in the May to the polls thinking only of public transport. there was a common theme: the candidates elections was Nik Johnson unseating the Tory But support for accountability and public and local campaigns put forward a bold policy incumbent, James Palmer, as metro mayor of ownership does not come out of nowhere – it prospectus. Most of all they said, loud and Cambridgeshire and . Private goes hand in hand with a bold, reforming clear, that Britain’s public transport system was Eye ’s Rotten Boroughs column, in which agenda which catches the eye and convinces not fit for purpose, and advocated state Palmer has been something of a fixture, the public that this party is on their side. intervention to address three decades of failed serenaded his exit with the observation that Perhaps the answer isn’t a bigger flag – but privatisation projects. his ‘propensity for making grand better signals.

July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 9 Freight They need to know rail freight is vital to the British economy

SIMON WELLER , ASLEF’s assistant general secretary, and lead officer for DB Cargo, opens our five page special report on the state Focs v Tocs – of freight with a wry rail freight examination of the much-delayed containers and aggregates Williams rail review, hastily rebranded don’t get to vote by an opportunistic Secretary of State at the polls, as the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail passengers do

HE biggest shake-up since privatisation is coming to the T railways in the form of the Williams- Shapps rail review. Giving birth to Great British Railways – which sounds like something you allied drop in fare revenues. flexibility, with relentless begging texts, and would find on BBC2 on a Tuesday evening. This collapse of passenger numbers, and the misuse of rosters and diagramming? What strikes you when you read all 116 subsequent reduction in timetables, is not At the same time as frenzied efforts to pages of the review is how little it offers the good for the train operating companies but provide drivers for existing services, and bring freight sector. It manages to mention freight has an unintended benefit for the rail in new work, we hear the CEO, Andrea Rossi, on nearly every page, in the repeated mantra freight operators. say there are no resourcing problems! We ‘passengers and freight customers’, but behind That reduction in passenger timetables has know that future work will not be secure if the that repetition there is nothing solid to help made room for additional freight paths – a company cannot provide the drivers, and our sector. timely help as freight traffic begins to pick up drivers, that is, with the correct route A key quote on page 18 reveals how the following the downturn a few years ago. knowledge. mention of freight is just lip service – an Regarding the uncertainty that faces the Whilst they claim everything in the garden addition that is, basically, the product of a passenger work it looks, for a change, that the is rosy, we can see the lack of staffing resources word processor’s search and replace: freight sector has an element of security. now is going to be saving up problems for ‘Passengers and freight customers told Keith In the context of new opportunities for later – and they will be problems of the Williams loud and clear: enough is enough. freight, an increase in revenues for all the company’s own making. They felt that day in, day out, trains were late, operators, and improved incomes, why do we We are acutely aware of the shortages and overcrowded, and journeys were stressful.’ see the once-mighty DB Cargo still proposing are constantly reminding them that the driver Oh, yes, how many times have we heard DB an increase in drivers’ pension contributions at resources need to be put in place – and that Cargo and HeavyHaul complaining just how the same time as the pension fund deficit needs to start now. We will keep you informed stressful a journey is? I can hear that policy reduces? As well as demanding greater of developments. wonk at the Department for Transport saying to the writer, ‘Oh, just stick the word “freight” in every so often – that’ll shut them up.’ No great surprise there, then, as the political machine is not that interested in the We’re running fully loaded freight sector – containers and aggregates do RAB LANG , Motherwell branch, who was co-opted onto the DRS not vote, passengers do, and the political company council, reports on a busy and ‘challenging’ year focus will always be on the electorate. But that misses an essential truth that rail T BECAME apparent in December 2020 that Bro K Bell, DRS company council freight is indispensable to the UK economy rep for Scotland, would have to take time off work due to illness. When Kevin and, if we are to have any hope of reducing I asked if I would co-opt into his position whilst he was off I was extremely carbon emissions, then rail freight has to be honoured and, after talking it over with the rest of CC, and Andy Hourigan, I had no part of it. hesitation in accepting. Since the beginning of 2021 it has been both busy and Whilst we have been carrying on during extremely difficult. I am still the local rep for Motherwell and the day to day business of the pandemic providing key worker services, a freight train depot hasn’t changed; if anything, it has been busier. Intermodal and keeping the nation’s freight moving, we services, the bulk of our work at Motherwell, have seen trains running most days fully have seen the deserted stations and empty loaded. Rostering issues saw us getting further away from a four day working week passenger trains with our own eyes. The but, after talks, we managed to avert some of the extra days being added. Williams-Shapps review provides part of the My role as CC for Scotland has also been extremely busy. DRS has been merged with government’s response to this seismic shift in INS, and Andy and the CC have had numerous Teams meeting about the new NTS. We the railway’s fortunes. have forged good relations with the other trade unions as things progress. The CC has Despite that – and for freight there is also been involved with management discussing the 2021/22 pay talks; these are something to be hopeful about – the ongoing and, as yet, we have nothing concrete to report. pandemic has fundamentally affected the The last few months have been extremely challenging, but enjoyable, and, passenger railway’s funding model. We have thankfully, I can seek advice from Bros Andy Hourigan, Warren Brannin, and Seb Brady. witnessed the demise of the commuter, and Finally, I want to wish Bro K Bell a speedy recovery. the crumbling of long-distance travel, with its

10 The ASLEF Journal l July 2021 Freight Freight moves into the 21st century to train new drivers NIGEL GIBSON , District 5 Organiser, and lead officer for Freightliner Heavy Haul, Freightliner Intermodal, and GB , reflects on problems for pensions, a new entrant in the sector, driver training, electing reps – and looks forward to meeting you in person at your branch now we don’t have to do everything by Zoom

E ARE now seeing a fundamental that has been lacking in the majority of the difference in the way in which freight sector. There are also ancillary benefits W pensions are being affected in the which can, of course, help support our privately-owned freight sector. The latest members as they work through their career as scheme to suffer is at Freightliner, which is a train driver. moving to a covenant three, meaning its investment strategy must change, and creating Representation a significant deficit which must be made good. ASLEF is reliant on its members on many Given that the scheme is a 60:40 shared cost levels, and I am not talking about the finances. arrangement, it was necessary to make We have a structure through the branches, and Investing in freight: the new state-of-the-art changes to the benefits and contribution rates, within our collective bargaining arrangements, gBRf training facility at Peterborough but we were able to reach agreement that the which relies on members putting themselves employer would pay £1.5 million into the forward and taking on representational roles. accept that tapping away on a keyboard is scheme for each of the next three years. Whilst There appears to be a continued decline in the easy, while working with challenging all this was extremely unpalatable, the number of those prepared to come forward employers is not so easy and, as members, we alternative, of closing the scheme to new and we have a number of vacancies in the need to support the reps we elect in a entrants, whilst making changes to terms & freight sector which have remained unfilled for constructive way. conditions to pay for those remaining in the months. I recognise that, on occasions, these scheme, was far less favourable. It’s clear that roles may look unattractive; I recognise these Finally… the freight sector is suffering from being in the roles can amount to a lot of grief for little The freight sector has pulled itself back to pre- private sector and the question now is for how return; and I recognise that these roles do not, pandemic levels and, throughout the last year, long can defined benefit schemes survive. in the traditional sense, cover a specific local we have worked hard to try and ensure there is geographical area but take on wider a consistent approach to the measures in place Varamis Rail responsibilities – but without these positions to protect the interests of all our members. In A new start-up company, Varamis Rail, has being filled our representational structure is the weeks and months ahead, we will be been in touch and is looking to use modified made far more difficult and the employers’ having further negotiations around how and Class 321 units, initially between Scotland and work far easier and far less transparent. what measures we take forward. We recognise Birmingham International, with the hope of Part of the problem, perhaps, is the that government restrictions are gradually bringing new work to our industry, creating a perception that, as a rep, you will be expected being lifted and we will have to work with greener and more efficient ‘hub and spoke’ to be on the phone and respond to social employers, and ASLEF’s executive committee, parcels service. We are pleased that Varamis media messages and comments 24/7 but, in to look at what changes need to be made, has looked to engage with ASLEF and we look reality, that is not what our members should going forward, but no decision will be taken forward to working with Phil Read, the expect from you. I believe social media has lightly. And as restrictions lift we will be glad to managing director, and a former train driver, made our reps’ jobs much more difficult – but move away from Zoom meetings with along with his team, as the organisation only if you choose to engage in a way that management and look forward to getting develops. makes you an easy target. Our members need round to see members again in the not too to consider the welfare of those they elect and distant future. Modernising driver training It is good to see the industry moving into the Stowmarket. As a council we have been busy modern world of driver training, and driver Challenging time introducing a new h&s policy for our reps to support, with real investment. Having seen the have clear guidelines for reporting and state-of-the-art facilities at Peterborough, SEB BRADY , DRS company maintaining visits, which has been praised. where GB Railfreight has put together a council, reflects on a busy but We continually review our covid working purpose-built facility for driver training, which enjoyable few months in post agreements to make sure the risk of anyone includes two full cab simulators and three fully catching this virus is minimal. DRS has functional classrooms on site, I think it shows a WAS elected to the DRS company merged with INS and PNTL to form NTS. The marked commitment to long-term recruitment council south position at the end of CC with our lead officer have been involved and a move away from the historic reliance on I 2020. It has been a very enjoyable, in the merger, and changes, and been poaching from other operators. Whilst and busy, few months with the ever- assured that jobs are not at risk. I’ve loved acknowledging the key to quality training will changing situation of the ongoing becoming part of the company council team be the person who facilitates and instructs, pandemic. I have been the local rep at Crewe and look forward to the future with my these facilities will provide the basis for our for a few years and grateful for the support colleagues Warren and Robert – with special new members to benefit from the technology of members at Crewe, Rugby, London, and thanks to Andy for his mentoring.

July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 11 Agenda Rail freight – opportunity knocks

Over the last 16 months, since the coronavirus struck, and we first went into lockdown, it was our rail freight industry which moved goods and supplies around the country. Now, as we dare to look beyond the pandemic, MAGGIE SIMPSON , director general of the Rail Freight Group, argues that the industry is in a strong position to There is, they say, light at the end of the t navigate the choppy waters ahead rail freight, including setting a target for growth, last year, despite the many challenges of the and giving the new organisation a legal duty to pandemic, and service levels are now above UBLICATION of the Williams-Shapps promote freight. There will also be a new central where they were last year, in most areas. Plan for Rail in mid-May marked the freight co-ordination team charged with Construction traffic is operating at record P start of a process to change both the overseeing developments across the network. levels, including to help build HS2, as well as structure and operation of our industry. A new However, there are other aspects of the plan other infrastructure, and new homes. organisation, Great British Railways, will which are likely to be more controversial, Intermodal traffic has also increased with new combine Network Rail and the passenger including changes to the process for getting services, including the 37th daily service from operators and be responsible for the planning track access, and for freight charges. There is Felixstowe, and there are new trains of domestic and operation of the railways across the country. certainly a lot of detail to be developed waste starting shortly. For many colleagues this is an unsettling time as between now and next year when legislation is Freight operators have also been working the structure of the railways, as well as individual expected to be brought before Parliament. hard with Network Rail to make trains longer. A jobs and responsibilities, will inevitably be For the most part, though, the freight sector good number of intermodal trains now run at different. Yet, whatever your view of the can continue to operate much as today, and the 775m – the distance from Euston to King’s Cross proposals, change is coming, and the rail freight most important matter at hand is to deliver down the Euston Road! Recent trials have seen a sector will have to navigate them to get a good growth, and help our customers reduce the jumbo length aggregates train operating on the outcome for its customers and staff. carbon in their supply chains. We have seen overnight, hauling 44 The plan has some good commitments for increased ambition for more rail freight in the wagons and over 4,000t. There have been no

as training takes time. However, regardless of how you may view the Strength of character situation, recruitment can only be A clear taken as a positive so soon after a BARRY HA JAMES GLEW , DB Cargo company council secretary, praises global pandemic, especially when you take a close look at how other company c the professionalism of freight drivers who worked through industries have suffered, and pay, a redu the pressure of increased workloads and the stress of the continue to do so. week, furlo virus to keep supplies moving around the country We held a meeting over several arrangeme points of order and how certain S WE near the end – we absolutely no resourcing issues and items are interpreted on rostering HE company hope – of the pandemic it there is no reliance on favours and diagramming. The meeting was council A has to be noted the whatsoever. Each union distributed positive, with lots cleared up to our T worked hard importance of the work carried out the letter and the reply so every satisfaction. Minutes and to negotiate 100% pay over the last 16 months by you. The member could see the concerns clarifications will be published in for all frontline staff at a strength of character shown under raised and the response given. due course. time when we were the pressure of the workload, and You may have noticed the recent We also hope to complete our seeing thousands of the stress brought on by a global mass recruitment drive that is joint industrial relations training people losing their pandemic, is testament to the underway. Whilst we will always for local reps and managers – jobs. I’m pleased to say, professionalism of the driving welcome opportunities for new halted in early 2020 due to the overall, members did grade. And we hope this will be people to come into the grade, pandemic – in July and August. appreciate our efforts rewarded in the soon to come pay especially if the recruitment is Finally, I want to pay tribute to and I’m delighted we talks for 2021, which opened on diverse, and offers a chance for Nick Whitehead, who retires in managed no Tuesday 29 June. youngsters to come into the September. He has been a fine redundancies because, Recently, ASLEF, and the other industry, it does seem at direct District 4 Organiser and was lead at one point, over 200 three trade unions that represent odds with the no-resourcing issue officer for DBC’s predecessors, EWS frontline staff were on DB Cargo staff, wrote a joint open response just mentioned! As and DB Schenker, and has served furlough. letter to the CEO, raising concerns workload levels increase above pre- the freight industry well. We wish When the company over an increase in incidents pandemic levels route learning Nick all the best for his retirement council and district leading to disciplinary action, an appears to be slowing and, as work and I’m sure he will enjoy spending organiser entered pay over-reliance on overtime, and a levels continue to grow, this will some well-deserved quality time talks, it was clear that favours culture. The response only slow further as the training of with wife Mandy and the rest of the company wasn’t stated that the company has new recruits is not an overnight fix their family. offering anything

12 The ASLEF Journal l July 2021 Freight How the world has changed!

PETER MASON , Freightliner Intermodal business council secretary, reports on driver establishment numbers, and increased workloads, and makes a plea for people to step up and take on a rep’s role

OW the world has changed since my last unnel at last for freight on rail in Britain report, with every one of us affected by H this pandemic. Ever-changing guidelines significant issues with the train, showing that More trains has led to the business council being in constant freight can increase its weight and length communication with the company. This time last without any performance issues. than drivers year we held weekly meetings, with driver welfare All this positive news shows that rail freight our top priority, as well as the supply of cleaning can – and is – playing a vital role in helping the PAUL ZUCZKOWSKI, materials. Along with all other freight operators, economy recover and decarbonise. New Freightliner Heavy Haul we reached an agreement on two in the cab research from the Rail Delivery Group values rail business council which enabled the company to continue with freight’s contribution to the environment and secretary, talks pay, essential driver training. The government has set economy at more than £2.5bn each year, with out a roadmap for us all to return to some kind of TUPE, training, and the potential for this to increase significantly if normal and, when we do, we will be talking to rail freight can make more use of electric trains potash, and pays tribute to Daz management regarding how we maintain a high in future. Those benefits are spread right across level of safety for all our drivers. It has been hard the country, too, mirroring supply chains that T’S good news that, in the since the first lockdown was enforced but every distribute goods to consumers and support main, work levels on the driver has worked tirelessly to deliver a vital exports. Rail freight’s strong performance, and I heavy haul side of service and you should be proud of the job you the value it creates, has been recognised by Freightliner have returned to pre- have done. Keith Williams, and stands the sector in good pandemic levels. however, the Whilst covid has taken up much of our time, we stead to navigate the challenges ahead. shortage of productive drivers, have been in discussions over other matters, with particularly in the south, currently a new driver training package being developed, means there are often more trains with our full involvement, and hopefully bringing AAD by delegates – than drivers! hopefully, this will ease a better package for all future drivers. We have company councils as the training process gets back up also been involved in updating the CDP policy, choice should work towards a to speed and more drivers complete with changes being brought about by our 32-hour week – the their training and become concerns with how previous managers put their RE , GB Railfreight reduction was taken to productive. Talking of training, a new own play on words. Once the content has being council, reports on the executive modular package for trainee drivers agreed, the new format will be fed out to all our uction in the working committee and was will shortly be rolled out across both reps, and management, with those new to the ough, and leave seen as favourable. sides of the company, a long overdue rolls having first call. Next on our list is MFA, ents Company council has review, although Freightliner still something that has been on the agenda since been criticized by lags behind the other major players Jesus was a lad, and maybe we might find a substantial. There was members who haven’t in the freight sector by not having its solution soon! an offer of 1.2% and seen a pay increase for own simulator. Workload seems to have returned to pre- that was not going to the second year The pay talks season started early pandemic levels, given we lost some of the be increased. After running; this is on heavy haul, with a pay increase, Maersk traffic, driver establishment numbers have some batting back and disappointing, because no strings attached, being agreed for not dropped, with assurances that our Doncaster forth the company we can only work with drivers at Westbury on ex-dBc t&cs depot, in particular, will not see a decline in offered a reduction – what’s on offer and who came over under TUPE when the numbers. A train crew depot opened in January at albeit a small reduction place it in front of the Mendip contract began. Pay talks for Trafford Park, with numbers to rise over the – in the working week, EC for it to make a all drivers should start at the end of coming year to a full complement of 13. Pay talks but was not prepared decision. the summer ahead of the January will be on the agenda soon and we will be dealing to offer a percentage We have been 2022 pay anniversary. TUPE reared with an entirely new management team; as usual, and a reduction. working on ways to its head again, this time in the north- we will be looking to protect what we have. The choice was increase leave east, where the potash contract from We have seen the appointment of numerous clear – it was one or arrangements for our Boulby to Tees dock changed hands new reps across all our depots and we want to the other. members, and this is to dBc at fairly short notice. This saw wish them all the best in a challenging position in A reduction in the looking positive. The ‘in scope’ drivers transfer across with unprecedented times. Whilst it is good to see new working week offered a offer of placing leave in the work at the start of May. We wish people in these positions, we still lack people in slightly higher links has been rejected them all well. Finally, I’d like to pay certain areas, and have a shortage of health & percentage than the by the company thanks to my predecessor as hh safety reps. If you would like to become a rep, 1.2% and as a council, I’m pleased to business council secretary, daz please contact any of us on the business council reduction in the say, as it’s clear Smith, for all his hard work and for help, advice, and support. And, hopefully, working week is in the members aren’t in dedication during his time on the instead of Zoom calls, we can meet in person in ASLEF charter voted at favour. business council. time for our all-reps meeting in October.

July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 13 Freight

resource – the drivers – would be forthcoming. So we were shocked when, on the eve of the A big thank you first day of the – already stalled – pay negotiations, the company said the to our local reps government had insisted that DRS could not offer a pay rise to any employee this year. So whilst management walked away with hefty ANDY HOURIGAN , District 3 bonuses, train crew have been snubbed with a Organiser, and lead officer, And all we got was a bleeding badge! 0% pay offer – oh, and a little badge reminding Direct Rail Services, was wearers we have been ‘keeping the lights on shocked when the company handed out arrangement where train crew would use and the shelves stacked’. Which is nice. hefty bonuses to management but radios instead of having multiple persons in a During the pandemic, DRS merged with INS, refused workers a pay rise cab which would not have compromised train the nuclear shipping arm, and will be under the crew. At the 11th hour a manager unilaterally Nuclear Transport Solutions umbrella. Currently OVID Britain has proved challenging withdrew from the radios agreement which we are still in consultation with this group. for DRS, train crew, and ASLEF reps. threw the whole RHTT contract into jeopardy. Positives achieved over the last few years C Working with the company has been There had been 40,000+ covid deaths but include negotiating a third company council frustrating. The last 16 months has revealed management insisted there should be position, a health & safety rep at every location, what DRS is really like as the company tried a multiple people in a cab as the contract was an h&s handbook, a menopause policy, a bit of ‘pandemic profiteering’ to take our hard vital. One manager even insisted that using continuous driving agreement, and an ASLEF fought terms & conditions. radios was riskier than getting covid! Sat safely best practice CDP policy. The team will soon be Like most of the industry, DRS office staff at home, in front of a webcam, another negotiating a CDP update, a mental health worked from home, and there was a manager downplayed covid deaths and said as policy, and other ASLEF best practice ideas. It is negotiated arrangement that drivers who his wife was working whilst wearing a mask he also our intention to offer rep training – not were not required would be on standby so couldn’t see why there shouldn’t be lots of over Zoom! – this year. that mess rooms would not become people in a cab, wearing masks, or driving with During the pandemic, company council dangerously saturated with train crew. the windows open, even in winter. These secretary Kevin Bell got covid and became very Although this was negotiated, on many dangerously stupid ideas were challenged poorly; he is still away from work, recovering, occasions DRS did not consult with ASLEF reps and, eventually, it was agreed that the initial and we all wish him a speedy recovery. who, more often than not, struggled to get the radio idea would be adopted. Later, they There have been two new additions; Seb company around the virtual table. For admitted that the arrangement to use radios Brady is the elected representative for the example, DRS imposed a document which, had been a great success… south, and Rab Lang has been co-opted for the amongst other dangerous ideas, stated that DRS regularly announced that they were Scottish constituency. drivers must wear a face mask whilst driving. ‘keeping the lights on and the shelves stacked’ Finally, I want to thank all the local level reps This was immediately challenged by ASLEF so when the ASLEF negotiating team put in a and health & safety reps for supporting us over reps and the company was strongly advised pay submission for 2021, we believed the last few tough years. I believe we have a that this was not acceptable and not within recognition due to the company’s most vital great ASLEF team within DRS. the working arrangements. During the first months of the pandemic, there were major concerns that the health & safety of train crew was being compromised. Eventually DRS did get around the virtual table and enter into Every inch of the network regular dialogue and our negotiators plotted a dIcKY FIShER , district 6 undoubtedly bring new challenges to much safer working relationship. organiser, and lead officer for our negotiating team, when we The company attempted to profit from the colas, reports on the decision discuss any transfers of work between pandemic as some Scottish depots came by Network Rail to break up the colas and new operators. under attack when the contract for the Fife infrastructure monitoring contract, company council rep colin circle work was lost. Initially, the company and celebrates two no-strings pay rises campbell and I will be making it very wanted ASLEF to give up hard fought t&cs in clear that any transfers of drivers to exchange for the future of some of the depots. hEN the railways were new employers will need to take place In a very heated virtual meeting ASLEF reps privatised in the 1990s, Serco through the Transfer of Undertaking rejected this insulting opportunism and W bought Railtest from British (Protection of Employment) negotiated a much more pragmatic outcome Rail and was given the infrastructure Regulations 2006. The unique nature to the loss of the Fife circle work. Thankfully, monitoring contract for Railtrack of IM work, which is undertaken by sterling work by DRS local reps allowed work (now Network Rail). Since then, the IM fewer than 50 drivers, and has to to be moved around to ensure the survival of contract has changed hands twice, cover every inch of the railway these threatened depots. These reps first from Serco to dB in 2010 and network, means it can only function recognised the predicament and supported then from dB to colas in 2015. The IM effectively with the co-operation and their colleagues and I want to personally say a contract is, again, up for grabs. But, goodwill of the workforce, something big thank you to them for their comradeship unlike in 2010 and 2015, when there we will also be making clear to any and hard work. was a straight TUPE transfer from one new operators of IM trains. There were many challenges during covid. employer to another, this time, on a more positive note, it is worth One was to get the contracted rail head Network Rail has decided to split one pointing out that, despite the treatment trains running without contract into four parts: (i) high speed difficulties of the covid pandemic, compromising the driver’s health. Although recording; (ii) medium speed; (iii) slow ASlEF negotiators have agreed 3% the real bread and butter are nuclear trains, speed; (iv) maintenance. (2020) and 2% (2021) no strings pay which is government owned, DRS has a This approach by Network Rail to increases with colas and an portfolio of external work and RHTT is a further, and unnecessarily, apprenticeship agreement for new Network Rail contract which offers a vital fragmentise our industry will drivers is in place. service. We initially negotiated a safe

14 The ASLEF Journal l July 2021 headstock Such a positive role model

On 21 July we mark the 30th anniversary of the Newton rail tragedy when two drivers – ASLEF members Reginald McEwan and David Scott – and two passengers lost their lives. David’s brother STUART SCOTT , a member of Motherwell 137 branch, david and Karen on their wedding day remembers a very dark day on the permanent way time of the accident. As the eldest of four – two sisters and me – David was someone we EDNESDAY 21 July marks the 30th greatly admired, such a positive role model, anniversary of the Newton rail inspiring me to follow in his footsteps to W disaster in which four people lost become a train driver. their lives. Both train drivers, Reginald I never knew Reginald – Reg to family and McEwan, 61, and David Scott, 27, as well as friends – but I did have the pleasure of two passengers, Kenneth Meechan, 20, and meeting his wife and family at their home in Tracy Donnachie, 18, were killed. . They described him as a loving The accident is particularly poignant to me, husband, father, and grandfather. With an as David was my brother. The events which impressive 43 years’ service under his belt, he unfolded early the next morning are still vivid was looking forward to retirement and in my mind, when we were first notified about spending more time pottering about in his the accident at around 06.00hrs. The depot well-stocked garden. manager from Yoker turned up at my parents’ Investigations determined that the home to advise us that they thought David accident was caused by driver error as well as had been killed, but that he still hadn’t been insufficient track layout, but with the david at crianlarich as a young second man located amongst the wreckage. It’s believed continuous efforts of ASLEF and the that, after applying the emergency brake, he Street in 1988. He was finally appointed as a introduction of a train protection warning attempted to escape through the passenger driver at Yoker where he became a valued system (TPWS), drivers’ reminder appliance saloon, but with a combined impact speed of member of train crew. Known for his (DRA), etc, railway safety has advanced around 60mph there was little or no chance of charismatic nature, and quick wit, as well as his tremendously over the past 30 years. This survival for those involved. artistic talent, he would have brightened up provides every member of staff, as well as the David entered service with in anyone’s day. many passengers who travel on the rail 1982 as a traction trainee at Eastfield depot, Happily married to Karen for four years, he network, with some reassurance that we can graduated to drivers’ assistant the same year, had recently become a doting father to return home safely to our loved ones at the and became a relief driver at Glasgow Queen Stewart, who was only eight months old at the end of the day.

with being a friend of david, and great sadness at losing a It shouldn’t take a disaster friend and colleague. Although I didn’t know Reg McEwan personally I’m told by to change the way we work glasgow central drivers that he was a gentleman in every sense of the word. losing friends and JIM WALSH , ScotRail company council chair, marks telescoped over one colleagues in such a sad way the 30th anniversary of the Newton rail crash with another. The leading coach of never leaves you. It also needs a moving tribute to the two drivers who died the 314 was completely saying that this accident destroyed. changed the way Network Rail T IS with great sadness, ‘down’ platform at Newton. david Scott, who started on looked at single lead junctions and also a certain Meanwhile 2J66, the 20:55 the railway as a traction trainee and how they treated this I pride, that I write Balloch-Motherwell service, a at Eastfield depot, Springburn, appalling cost-saving method about a disaster that took place class 314 unit driven by david and moved to Yoker depot in of running trains. hopefully, it on 21 July 1991, when two Scott, was crossing from the 1988, became a colleague of will never happen again, in commuter trains crashed just fast West coast main line tracks mine, and eventually a friend. these circumstances, but it west of Newton railway through a single-lead he was a popular man with a should never be forgotten. And station at cambuslang near junction to enter the ‘up’ great talent for drawing it shouldn’t take a disaster to glasgow. The junction had been platform. The two trains caricatures of his fellow drivers, change our working conditions, remodelled just a month before collided head-on at the and an ability to pick your best which is why I’m a proud and the crash. At 21.55, 2P55, the junction, killing both drivers, and worst features, causing long-serving member of a trade 21:55 Newton-glasgow central and two passengers, and great amusement and laughter. union like ASlEF because, with cathcart circle service, a British injuring 22. The class 303 These drawings were posted in train drivers running a union, Rail class 303 unit driven by overrode the buffer unit of the a cabinet at Yoker and are still we will always have train drivers Reginald McEwan, left the class 314 and the trains there to this day. Pride came representing our needs.

July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch lines

instrumental in the formation and Upcoming Events Top man success of the Victoria social club, n TOTON: FRIDAY 29 OCTOBER and very proud of In anticipation of the lifting of all covid-19 restrictions, the 2021 ATTERSEA depots merged on how it developed Toton old boys’ reunion will be held at the Soldiers & Sailors B branch is the introduction of over the years. He Club, 421 Tamworth Road, Long Eaton, NG10 3JS , from 19.00. very sad to the new Gatwick was an auditor until All welcome! email [email protected] send report the passing of Railair services. his illness, serving in your branch news, reports, articles, features, presentations, and retired Victoria driver Ken was a that role for 20 years, photographs to [email protected] Ken Heydon on 19 wonderful friend and and playing a key April at the age of 81. colleague, always on part in organising l Please send your branch news, reports, articles, features, Ken was born on 15 hand to offer help the driver reunions presentations, and photographs to [email protected] October 1939 and and advice, and every April and   began his railway nothing was ever too October, the annual career at 15 as a much trouble for dinner dance, and                  cleaner at Salisbury him. He had a lovely the children’s      b y Mick Moloney     RAIL WORDS EA R C H         on 11 January 1955. sense of humour and Christmas party the HOW TO He progressed was very good social club put on. SOLVE: Word $ %&' $()( $* + &),-$. . through the ranks company. He was a Ken was a searches are . /0)+. %$12 2+3&*'& before transferring to loyal ASLEF man and devoted husband, solved by ))$13)1$4 %2(& + 5 6*7) Feltham as a driver served as an LSR rep father and finding the 2 -&)(&. (&&11$*(5, on 2 October 1967. until his retirement in grandfather. He was words hidden 5(8, +&,1($,)$2$9& When Feltham closed October 2004. He married to Rita for 63 somewhere in )+(0*()$0+2*1)$$) in January 1969 he was a real branch years, his son David is the grid. They $ 5&.7+$($92))0 moved to Stewarts stalwart at Battersea, a driver at Redhill, might be found written across, Lane until its closure served as branch and his grandson 6.*(29&),'&(1-&+ down, or &$) + .%2- +16$( + )*&.) in 1974 when he secretary from 1994 Richard is a driver at diagonally, and %2%%)2% +,-2(1$2(&* went to Victoria to 1996, and covered . He also leaves they may read mixed traction depot. several other roles a daughter Valerie, backwards or ( )$.)$,.&*,&&,.,1% In November 1983 within the branch and another son forwards. Circle '$922)&69&2%((-&6 Ken was part of the over the years, and Desmond. When each word as (,)11294)(96&$2( depot merger which still attended branch people talk about a you find it, cross &%,% .$4(2(. % + 1+ +& off the list, and saw the mixed after his retirement. gentlemen, well, Ken 0 $ ( . %  * + . ('& . &2% you can’t go traction and electric He was very really was a true  + $ $1%$3& 1)$.(% wrong. Happy gentleman. He was hunting! +12)8*2)(9 +1$+ %$$.2 loyal, helpful, kind; Arrow  / + $&'()&. *'&()$,%$ an absolute top man. Brake 0.7$02(4.'$(+-+($4&8 Everyone who had Bristol 42$,2-$$16.$1$2,%7 the good fortune to Canopy Greenford Solution to Wordsearch in June issue: know Ken knows we Cleaner H2 ome        have lost one of the Colour light Island Line      very best. Our Conductor Line          Control Room London Kings     thoughts are with            Deltic Cross     Rita and her family at   Distant Luggage     this very sad time.    Electrification Morden                Fast line Penzance      Pas Luongo       Battersea 019 Firebox Return    Flagman Southern      branch secretary        Gantry Region    with special thanks Gatwick Temple Meads            to David Heydon Golden Tender      and Graham Hoy Govia Thurso        Thameslink Wick   Ken heydon: mainstay of Battersea branch for your assistance Our woman from Yorkshire I am writing, on behalf of leeds women’s committee. She was a regular attendee branch, to wish Sister Pauline Pauline loved driving trains, at AAd, no stranger at head cawood all the best on her and I am sure she won’t mind office when company council retirement from Northern me saying that she was very rep, and known by comrades up Trains. Pauline has been a proud to be a driver. It was and down the country for being staunch ASlEF member since remarkable to see her at work in forthright, and not afraid to our woman Pauline ruffled a few joining the grade in 1998, her role as llc rep, holding the speak out; indeed, one ex-gS feathers, but was a great rep holding many positions, latterly room with her professionalism branded her ‘That woman from as branch secretary, and llc and knowledge, a great asset as Yorkshire’, to which he was told, for a long, happy and well- rep, and has sat on several a rep to all drivers and, equally, in no uncertain terms, that deserved retirement. committees; she was one of the a thorn in the side of many a Pauline was ‘ Our woman from Adam Sykes first reps to join the ASlEF manager! Yorkshire’. Best wishes, Pauline, Leeds 116 branch secretary

16 The ASLEF Journal l July 2021 Firebox classified Ads

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

KEYWORKER badge to recognise the hard work of all railway and other keyworkers this year. £5 plus £1 p&p from Fiona Lumsden (MTR Elizabeth line and Paddington branch). Please email [email protected] DARLINGTON 125th anniversary badge 1895-2020. All badges individually numbered. £6.50 inc p&p. Please contact branch secretary It’s a protest, John Clark by email at [email protected] NORWOOD depot special pin badges including Cowden 25th anniversary. not a parade £3 each or £5 the pair (inc p&p). darran driving his keys against intolerance; Proceeds to Norwood Drivers’ Social and our delegates (plus lee and craig from Club. Email Stuart Boxall at GRAHAM O’MARA , of head office) at the lgBT+ virtual conference [email protected] Bletchley branch, reports on THE KING’S CROSS STORY the TUC’s Lesbian, Gay, and support all LGBT+ people. by Peter Darley (The History Bisexual, Trans + online Darran talked on a subject close to my Press, £20) as featured on the conference held on Thursday heart, as the partner I live with is non-binary, centre pages of the January 25 and Friday 26 February and any support we can give to the trans part Journal . Buy it direct from the of the LGBT+ community is important. He Camden Railway Heritage Trust at a discounted INCE being accepted for who I am, at made good points about how we can support price of £15 inc p&p; email [email protected] or my workplace, I feel secure, and safe, the non-binary community, and highlighted phone 020 7586 6632 for details. ‘All income from sales goes to the trust,’ says Peter. S and wanted to represent ASLEF at TUC training modules as a source of last year’s conference. Having the support of information for ASLEF reps to use to gain PORTSMOUTH and I SLE the Bletchley branch, I was nominated to knowledge vital in a modern railway. OF WIGHT branch 164 has attend. Well, we all know what happened last Among the questions asked were do we, as struck a new badge for year, and still is happening now; it was a community, do enough to celebrate the fact active and retired members. Set of two £12 plus £1.20 postage; email postponed until this year and then as an that the Stonewall riots more than 50 years [email protected] online event. ago were organised by women (and trans ASLEF was asked to talk on two topics up women at that) of colour? Whilst pointing out HANDMADE miniature driver’s keys to wear as a charm or round for discussion. One, given by James that it was a protest, not a parade. Something the neck. Solid silver and solid 9ct Sutherland, Newton Heath, was about the the Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill gold weighing approximately 7 grams. Just over effects of the covid-19 pandemic on members 2021 would love to do away with. Should we, 2cm in length and just under 2cm width. Gold of the LGBT+ community. The other by Darran as a country, stop the cosy arrangements, at £300, silver £100 + £7 p&p recorded delivery. Brown, Preston, was about non-binary things like Remembrance Sunday, when Contact Brad McCarthy on 07929 350146. representation and support in the workplace. countries with less than stellar LGBT+ support AIRDRIE has produced a badge to Lee James, ASLEF’s equalities adviser, David have representation? And will the TUC commemorate its reopening as a Jones, of branch, James, Darran, and I condemn the actions of Graham Linehan (and separate branch. £6.50 inc p&p. Please all forwarded questions to the chair of others like him) through any union of which contact branch chair Ivan Wilson each session, to make sure the TUC is fully he might be a member? (07949 862393) for details. aware of the issues we thought about as the After conference finished ASLEF, with the CASH paid for original pre 90s talks were given. UCU, CWU, and GMB, hosted a fringe event on railway photographic slides or James talked at length about the mental sex workers’ rights and LGBT+ equality. While it negatives. Please contact GBRf health and safety of LGBT+ people when the seems odd, to some, that we support this, it is Tonbridge driver (and railwayana collector) John support structures they should have might not important. Sex work is not a crime, but the Waddington at [email protected] be accessible (such as having to stay in unsafe government keeps trying to change how it is PERTH branch badge to environments). One of the points he made was run and this leads to violence. Sex workers commemorate 110 years (1908- that the LGBT+ community had, as recently cannot ask for help from authority as they will 2018). £6 plus £1 p&p. Cheques portrayed in Russell T Davies’ HBO Max drama most likely be harassed if they do. payable to Perth branch ASLEF No It’s a Sin , a lot of experience in dealing with All in all, a very informative conference, and 134 General. Please contact branch secretary Grant Murchie for details on 07412 pandemics. The mental health impacts, it shows what can be done when needs must. I 453454 or [email protected] isolation, the false information given to hope the next one will be in person but it people, and so on. We must, as a trade union, would be good if future conferences were also To advertise please phone 020 7324 2400 and as humans, do as much as we can to help shown online. or send an email to [email protected]

July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 17 obituaries

SIMON DAVIES WHAT HAPPENS IN AACHEN SHOULD STAY IN AACHEN

IMON Davies had emergency surgery in November 2018 following the S discovery of a brain tumour. He recovered and, in his own unique manner, continued with his life, vowing it would not affect him, and he did indeed continue and defied everybody with his steadfast mentality. Unfortunately, in late 2020 the tumour His loyalty to ASLEF was unswerving, too; retuned and, sadly, he succumbed to it and he was an activist, and fully supportive of our passed away on Tuesday 11 May at the young union. Simon was ever present at ASLEF events age of 47. such as TUC marches, workers’ memorial day, Following in the footsteps of his father Ron, and always showed his respect for peers and Simon joined the railway in 1998 as a train mentors by attending retirement events. His manager at Preston, moving into the driving counsel meant the world to me, and many grade on the West Coast main line at others. Whenever I hear a song by the icon that Manchester in 2000. He immediately became is David Bowie I fondly remember the shining ‘one of the troops’ and forged many lasting light that is Simon because his musical tastes friendships. Prior to joining the permanent Shades of Simon: ‘one of the troops’ further forged our bond. way he did lots of different jobs and could, Simon leaves behind his wife Joanna and legend. His sense of humour was legendary literally, turn his hand to anything; converting three children – Pip, Quinn and Fraser – who and his company brought laughter. Simon was and restoring motor cars and motorcycles, are a testament to his outgoing nature, as they once carrying out his safety brief when a driver renovating houses, he even had a stint at can be found on horseback, playing rugby, manager asked the group, ‘What would you do breeding alpacas! felling trees, and seldom sat on a computer if you had a fire on your train?’ Simon I had the pleasure of spending so much game. Simon’s funeral on Monday 24 May was responded, with razor sharp wit, ‘I’d go faster, time with Simon, and have so many wonderful a humanist service and it was touching to see like the Memphis Belle , to put it out’. The group memories, and forever embedded in my mind the District 3 banner held aloft by Brothers broke into laughter, but the manager was not is an ICE train to Aachen whilst doing a stint of Richardson and Stocks. In a fitting testament amused. Good old Simon! Eurorailing. What happens in Aachen should to a true character, at the social gathering He was a good judge of character and stay in Aachen, though the caper has reduced afterwards, in a venue close to the old unswervingly loyal to friends. If Simon did not people to tears of laughter, as we were like a Woodhead railway, tales were exchanged, like you, and his judgement was always on the comedy duo travelling on the trains around laughter ensued, and Simon was given a fitting mark, he let you know but, if you were a friend, Europe, basically drinking, visiting record send-off. RIP my friend and comrade. he could be counted on and his friendship was shops, and laughing from morning to night. Alan Moss Avanti West Coast company a treasured commodity. In 2011 the BBC put out a request across council representitive the industry, looking for a train driver to take part in a TV programme called Toughest Place to Be a... The word went round and, from BILL BAXENDALE ONE OF A KIND AND SORELY MISSED hundreds of applicants from TOCs and FOCs I was saddened to hear that retired member Bro Bill Baxendale passed around the country, Simon was chosen to go recently. Bill, or ‘Baxy’, as he was known, was the focal point for ASLEF at to Peru to drive trains in the most perilous Springs Branch depot, being a long-serving Wigan branch secretary, and conditions. Simon was, without a doubt, the totally committed to ASLEF and its policies. Bill served as chair of the LDC right person to undertake the task of driving for many years, before rising to sectional council, and was also huge freight trains in the Andes, as he was not instrumental in setting up the Wigan area welfare fund, organising events Baxy: main man fazed at all and our comrades in Peru from 1978 until he retired in 1992. When Bill retired, instead of relaxing, at Springs Branch welcomed him and friendships were forged. like most people, he set up and ran the Retired Members’ Section Wigan Simon was a regular on our drivers’ Jolly branch, organising Christmas evenings, and regular coach trips for the retired members to Boys’ historical trips around Europe, his keep them active and informed about pensions. Baxy was one of a kind, always putting roommate our good friend and comrade Big others before himself, and left big shoes to fill when he retired. He will be sorely missed by all Col; they were a double act and who knew him, and our thoughts go to his family and friends. their escapades were the stuff of railway Graham Fazackerley ex-Springs Branch

JOCK BROCKIE ONE OF THE GREAT GUYS ANDREW RAMSAY It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of RMS COMMITMENT TO THE CAUSE member Brother Jock (John) Brockie after 66 years membership in ASLEF which is another landmark for the auld retired members Andy Ramsay died on Thursday 20 May suddenly, but peacefully, in of Edinburgh No 2 branch. Jock was a gentleman who attended Dundee. After a career spanning almost 50 years on the railway, Andy the Auld Man’s Do (the retired drivers’ night) regularly and always was a much-lauded member of the union. His sense of fairness, his told a few stories and a few jokes. But never a bad word was said humility, and his principles did much to improve the conditions of by Jock (unless under his breath) towards his fellow workers from members over many years. His time at Stratford branch, where he was days gone by. He will be sadly missed by all. branch secretary for over 25 years, and his time on sectional council, Thanks for being one of the great guys from whom we learnt further extended his commitment to the cause. Andy retired in 1996 so very much early on in our railway careers, and another and returned to Scotland in 2005. He was also a much loved husband, gentleman who will never be forgotten. RIP Jock. father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Our lives were the richer for Rab Wicksted Edinburgh No 2 branch secretary and all the having him in it, and he will be sorely missed. members who knew you in Edinburgh No 2 Monica Morley daughter

18 The ASLEF Journal l July 2021 obituaries

MARK FLEMING FANTASTIC ABILITY FOR WORKING TRAINS SMOOTHLY T IS my sad duty to report the death not a big fan of crowds and, sometimes, of former Saltley driver Mark Fleming, people in general! Although one person he I or Spit, as he was known by almost was always more than happy to meet and everyone, who passed away peacefully on share a pint with was his great friend, the late Saturday 10 April 2021 aged 59 at the Douglas Ron ‘the Bus’ Morgan . Macmillan Hospice in Stoke after losing his Although there were a covid-limited battle against cancer. number of mourners at Spit’s funeral it is Born in South Wales, Mark had a very planned to have a day celebrating his life difficult childhood and was happy to become which will most likely take place behind a Class part of the railway family as soon as he could. 40 loco and will certainly involve a pint or two. He began his career in August 1977 as a junior Cheers Spit! Rest in Peace, mate. railman at Cardiff before making the move Jason Hickling Saltley branch reporter north to Carlisle in June 1980 as a guard working various trains in the area, but never happier than when working across the Settle and Carlisle route behind one of his beloved Class 40 locos. Mark moved south to Derby in 1985 as a guard before a move to Saltley in 1989 for promotion to the driving grade, a time he described as one of the happiest in his career. One of the highlights was when he worked 1Z47 the Crewe to Llandridnod Wells charter with one of his beloved Class 40s – 40145 – on 3 March 2007. I well remember Spit digging out some of his BR blue uniform to fully look the part with the blue liveried loco! During the later part of his time at Saltley he took on the position of minder driver. It is fair to say that, at times, it could be difficult to engage with Mark but, above all else, he was a first class railwayman and many of his trainees will testify to this. He was always happy to pass Spit with on his railway knowledge and had a fantastic the late ability for working trains in a smooth and Ron the Bus controlled way. I can recall Spit telling me of and on his some raucous rides he had in brake vans when beloved working MGR coal trains along the Denby British Rail colliery branch line north of Derby and I 40145 at suspect these trips gave Mark an appreciation New Street for the man on the back! Along with railways Mark’s other passion in life was chasing and photographing his beloved West Midlands buses. He followed his beloved Fleetline and Metrobuses all around the Midlands and to other areas of the country when they were sold on ; not an easy hobby when, as Mark would happily admit, he was

JON BOYLE GREAT MUSIC LOVER It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of retired Gatwick Express driver Jon Boyle, on Tuesday 18 May, who, unfortunately, only got to spend a few short years in retirement with his wife Margaret and family. Jon joined British Rail on 15 July 1991 after being made redundant from De La Rue printers, starting his basic training at Waterloo Southside training school. He became a train man D at London Bridge before moving to Victoria Central for his driving position. Jon was then moved to the new Gatwick Express franchise, under PTR&R, in March 1994. Jon was very passionate about Gatwick Express where he became a driving instructor/trainer, helping to launch the careers of many new recruits. During his retirement celebration, held by Battersea branch, Jon was delighted to see so many faces of those he had helped and trained. He was a great lover of music, often whistling his way through an entire song, and having a morning chat over coffee. Often the call went round, ‘Where’s Jon?’ only to find him curled up on the tatty old depot sofa. He will be greatly missed by friends and colleagues who hope to be able soon to raise a glass to Jon despite these testing times. Nick Warner Gatwick Express LSR secretary

July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 19 letters

of the Zionist Federation of great Britain, would have to be called to let the people expressed a wish for a Jewish state. Prior to decide their future. Join the conversation! Send 1917 Palestine was under the control of the Ghulam Khan Birmingham New Street your letters by email to ottoman Empire, allies of germany and [email protected] or by Austria in the great War of 1914-18. Palestine, and Transjordan, became a ASLEF is a special union Royal Mail to the ASLEF British mandate under the league of After 28 years on the footplate I have now Journal at 77 St John Street, Nations in 1920. Israel was born in 1948. been medically retired from SWR. I’m happy Clerkenwell, during the Six day War of 1967, fought with the closure and want to put on record my against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, Israel thanks to all the Waterloo LDC for their London, captured parts of the gaza Strip, parts of invaluable help in keeping me going over the EC1M 4NN the West Bank, and Western galilee. past few years. In particular, I’d like to mention countless United Nations resolutions have Mark Prenter, for information on the pension been passed but Israel refuses to give back scheme, and my old mucker Dave ‘Banjo’ these territories. In the original Palestine Johnson, for his support, even prior to his Are Palestinians freedom mandate Jerusalem is part of Palestine West appointment as a rep. Special mention to Bank but, after the 1967 war, Israel claimed Martin Dye, who could not have maximized fighters – or terrorists? holy city. my leaving package any further, what a top Before anyone attacks us for being anti- The recent conflict in May resulted in the fella! And, of course, h&s rep Tim Castro for Semites, let’s look at the definition of anti- Palestinians winning the media war. going above and beyond. Semitism. Simply put, this is hatred Peaceful demonstrations were staged right The railway truly is a special industry, towards Jews. So why is it when an across the globe. Thank god for social Waterloo is a special depot, and ASLEF is a individual or a state criticises Israel, in media and independent news outlets. The special union with unrivalled camaraderie. I support of Palestinians, refugees in their sad fact is the loss of lives on both sides. am truly blessed to have made so many own country, that Zionists are quick to label So how can we resolve this? The two lifelong pals. Too many to mention but you them with this? state solution? Two independent nations, know who you are and I look forward to I am a Muslim and my co-author John has living side by side, but not viable unless seeing you all in the future. Bye for now, and Jewish heritage. It is important to note this Israel hands back the occupied territories. thanks again. dispute has nothing to do with religion – it At present Israel occupies 78% of the land it Russell Liddell Waterloo Nine Elms is territorial. Together we hope to bring a captured in 1967. balanced report and, perhaps, a way out of Miko Peled, a former IdF officer, who lost BRITISH RAIL TRAIN CREW this terrible conflict that has lasted for far his 13-year-old daughter in a suicide MANUALS 33056 SERIES too long. bomber attack in 1997, proposes, a one WANTED for my personal In 1917 the Foreign Secretary, Arthur state solution, a bi-national state anchored collection. Good price paid Balfour, a former conservative Prime in common humanity, with Jews and for all wanted manuals. Minister, published the Balfour declaration Palestinians living together in one state as email Tony Middleton, which supported a homeland for the Jewish equals. Perhaps we could call it Palestine- GBRf driver, at [email protected] people in Palestine. lord Rothschild, leader Israel or the holy land. A referendum

ANDY RAMSAY SAD PASSING OF OUR FRIEND, OUR MATE AND A SPECIAL MAN T IS with sadness that I report the passing of Andy Ramsay. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Shelly and daughters Elaine and Monica. Andy, a Scotsman born and I bred, became branch secretary of the biggest footplate depot in England. Those who knew and worked with him recognised that Andy was a special man. He was employed as a cleaner at Dundee in 1951, and became a fireman at Haymarket in 1956. He later spent a short period at King’s Cross and eventually arrived at Stratford, in East London, a long way from Arbroath, in the late 1960s. Andy, on arrival at Stratford, quickly made his mark in the ASLEF branch room. He was soon involved with the social committee, then elected to the Local Departmental Committee, and finally branch secretary, following Len Mills into the job. During his railway career, with its ups and downs, and perhaps more downs than ups, life was not easy. There was the national strike in 1955 – a two week fight by the Society to protect differentials. Then the Beeching cuts in the 1960s – cutting Britain’s railways by almost half. The Transport Act of 1965 reduced rail freight and the loss of common carriers status. There was and electrification. The 1965 manning agreement. Job cuts in the 1970s. And the flexible rostering so-called agreement in 1982 (312 hours in an eight week cycle to enable the Andy: the lighted flame industry to run without overtime). So much for management speak! Throughout this difficult period Andy was always active, playing a role in protecting our members’ interests. He used his knowledge, which he freely gave to others, be they cleaner, fireman, driver’s assistant, driver, or, indeed, manager. Many benefited from his knowledge and many have cause to be grateful for Andy’s sound advice, help, and representation. He was our friend, our mate, who shared our problems. He was a loyal man; loyal to his workmates, loyal to his union, ASLEF; and, above all, loyal to his family and his friends. Sadly, sometimes we are not always able to express our appreciation until it’s too late. Andy, many thanks for your friendship and loyalty. You will be sorely missed. Lew Adams GS 1993-1998 with former DO7 Brian Corbett and Cliff Holloway ex-Euston

20 The ASLEF Journal l July 2021 Platform No peace without justice

HUSSEIN would require both sides to have EZZEDINE , the capability to wage a full-scale branch war. When one side in this conflict secretary has one of the most advanced militaries in the world – indeed, is and also a nuclear power – while the other the branch has a few home made rockets, equality rep small arms, and stones to throw, of Edinburgh No 1, made a shame on anyone who frames this passionate speech to AAD crisis as some kind of equally about the plight of the matched conflict between Palestinian people. This is warring nations. what he said… Mariam Barghouti: ‘Palestinians are destined to be a demographic threat’ ‘There is an occupier, and an ’M FED up talking about occupied’ For over 70 years Palestinians to comply with international law is emergencies in have been resisting the brutal having an impact. Strategic action I Palestine, after an The narrative must change, and realities of this colonial project will make a difference – pressure emergency lasting more than 70 w‘e should avoid the intentionally and what has become the world’s on governments, institutions, years. But, when the state of Israel misleading narrative which is – at longest military occupation of universities, pension funds, and has escalated its violence, best – of ‘an insoluble and modern times. It matters not companies that are complicit. BDS Palestinians are calling on us to complex conflict’, with both sides whether that resistance is is not dogma, but a strategy for protest, to demonstrate our responsible. peaceful or violent. They are effective solidarity – in a country solidarity, and to take action. As It isn’t. It is, actually, very gunned down while protesting; as small, and trade-dependent, as they continue to resist the simple. There is an occupier, and bombed periodically; and denied Israel it could work. ongoing programme of ethnic an occupied. There are the ethnic basic human rights, including cleansing. cleaners, and the ethnically freedom of movement, and ‘A people that cannot return’ We must, of course, answer cleansed. freedom from want or fear. this call as generation after There is discrimination, and People are asking what we can ‘When we take the diplomatic generation endures more the victims of that discrimination. do – well, we can donate to road, our people are dragged in a suffering. Because, unfortunately, Let us be clear – Zionism is racism. Medical Aid for Palestinians to ‘debate over our humanity,’ said for decades much of the UK trade We talk a lot about equality, but help with the immediate crisis, the Palestinian writer Mariam union movement was complicit – there can be no equality in a state but, beyond that, the answer is Barghouti. ‘When we resist with supportive of Zionism – and there which, by its very nature, places boycott, divestment, and arms, we are terrorists, and killed. are still elements of that today, one people above another. sanctions. Appeals for Israel to live When we resist through non- but we can be proud in ASLEF to For more than 70 years, Israel up to its obligations under violence, we are targeted and be unequivocal in our support for has denied Palestinians their international law, and to our vilified. When we protest with our the victims of settler-colonialism, fundamental rights and has government to condemn Israel, tongues, we are put in prison. ethnic cleansing, discrimination, refused to comply with are fine but, after 73 years, have When we rise up in protest we are and apartheid. international law. This is only proved to be ineffective. sniped down and killed. When we We need to change the possible because of international We must uphold the simple are simply born Palestinian, we narrative. You don’t get to drop an support from a handful of principle that Palestinians are are destined to be a demographic entire colony on top of an governments, including our own, entitled to the same rights as the threat, a people that cannot inhabited land, grind the and facilitated by complicit rest of humanity. Israel is return home and, with all of this, inhabitants into the dirt for corporations and other occupying – and colonising – what option are we left with? A decades, and then claim self- institutions. Israel’s occupation of land, discriminating against silent death? Because god forbid defence every time they retaliate! Palestinian territories is illegal Palestinian citizens of Israel, and oppressors get uncomfortable.’ The UN has stated that the under international law so, by denying Palestinian refugees the We must ensure those violence is moving towards full- definition, Palestinian resistance right to return to their homes. The oppressors have no opportunity scale war. It isn’t. Full-scale war to that occupation is legitimate. BDS campaign to pressure Israel to get comfortable.

There was rivalry between ASLEF and Reprisal attack on railwaymen the NUR and, in an intelligence report to Michael Collins, the unions were described Further to the piece about the Mallow shootings in County Cork in 1921 as being ‘at loggerheads and always trying to get one up on each other’. by Robert O’Connell, chair, Northern Line North, in the ASLEF Journal ‘Regardless of the rivalry, ASLEF and (December) rail historian PETER RIGNEY , a former industrial officer of the the NUR kept the Mallow shootings and Irish Congress of Trade Unions, wrote in the Irish Examiner : the behaviour of the police in the national news cycle but the military inquiry HE Locomotive Journal reported was established and guarantees given as unsurprisingly exonerated the police. T ‘Mallow Outrage – five members to the safety of Irish railwaymen. John ‘But the British policy of reprisals was shot, three killed’ and described Bromley, general secretary, had visited coming under increasingly sharp criticism how the executive of the union was Cork in December 1920 and in the Journal and the Mallow shootings in County Cork threatening a general railway strike described ‘drunkenness among recent were a prime example of the British throughout Great Britain unless an inquiry Royal Irish Constabulary recruits’. scoring an ‘own goal’.

July 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 21 last Word Pensions aren’t a gift – they’re deferred wages

DAVE TYSON joined the railway industry in 1980, became a local rep at Norwich in 1987, and, later, president of ASLEF’s executive committee. He has been a trustee director of the Railways Pension Scheme since 2001 and, at AAD in May, gave his final report to conference. Here some employers are deluded if they believe that member contribution rates of 30% are he reflects on what has been achieved affordable, as this equates to something just to report on the carbon footprint of those in the last challenging year – and on the under £800 per four weeks for a member on a assets, no mean task given that the value of problems we face in the future salary of £34,000, so there needs to be more the RPS stands at £33 billion and we have discussion. some 15,000 different assets! However, we E LIVE in unusual times. I recently It also seems clear that some employers, have a sustainable ownership team who are read a biography of President who do not have the benefit of government highly motivated, engaged, and, in my view, W Franklin D Roosevelt and the dark support, are using the current covid situation ahead of the field on this. days of the mid-1930s bear a resemblance to to force changes on their workforce, none The single biggest threat that faces not only the situation in which we find ourselves today. more so than one scheme, where the section our pension scheme, but our planet, and FDR pumped billions of dollars into the US has been unilaterally closed, not only to new humanity itself, is climate change. The economy in his New Deal and got the nation entrants, but also to future accrual, forcing evidence is overwhelming; the actions of man back to work through investment in members to take up the less beneficial defined and his love for fossil fuels is causing huge infrastructure projects, which also brought in contributions offering or no pension at all. This damage to the fabric of our planet. Pollution, employment rights, the minimum wage, and is an issue being addressed by ASLEF and the intense farming, and human activity are pensions. The policy was designed to stimulate trustees alike. causing damage that, if action is not taken the economy, thus ensuring recovery. Much of now, will lead to catastrophic changes to the this applies today though, funnily enough, earth’s climate. Roosevelt was branded ‘a communist’ by his QUOTE… What can a pension scheme do to help enemies and our government seems more ‘‘You’re mugging old ladies every bit as move towards a carbon neutral economy? interested in dismantling employment rights! much if you pinch their pension fund’ – Well, we can do a great deal, and have been Today, governments around the world will Ben Elton Meltdown acting for some time now. We have purchased have to step up to the mark to bring about a …UNQUOTE a wind farm in Scotland and, more recently, a recovery which, like FDR, will mean investing biomass power plant in . Our in infrastructure, much of which will be in the property portfolio now has strict criteria on the fight against climate change, with further There are many other issues the trustees manner in which buildings are constructed; investment and development of the green are having to adjust to or tackle, including new the Gretna Shopping Village in Scotland has economy, and big investors such as pension legislation that has given the Pensions won awards for its eco polices and we are schemes will play their part, too. Regulator more powers which, I believe, is in partnering with Cambridge city council to re- The value of the Railways Pension Scheme response to the actions of the likes of Sir Philip develop the Beehive Shopping Centre. is almost back to pre-pandemic levels and, in Green, who sold BHS for £1 knowing full well We can and will play our part, and seek to the past year, the investment transformation that the pension fund was in deficit. TPR was engage with the companies we invest in to programme has saved the scheme a heavily criticised for its lack of action – and make sure that they act in a sustainable and whopping £250 million. teeth – in the matter. socially responsible manner. We will seek to But the industry is in a state of flux and, on New legislation has created ‘master trusts’ – make sure that they move to carbon neutral as the back of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, it which the RPS is deemed to be, due to its DC soon as possible and, where we encounter is widely expected that the government will and AVC offerings – which brings more resistance, work with other asset owners to bring forward changes in areas such as bureaucracy, ‘one to one’ monitoring, and form a collaborative approach to employment benefits, in which pensions are alterations to trustees’ tenure. implementing change. The final option will be included, and a recent job advertised by the Further legislation was given royal assent to divest from companies that refuse to alter; DfT was seeking a suitable candidate to lead a this year on the principles of long-term this is the last option as divestment is costly. team ‘on the implementation of benefits and funding and determining the manner in which It is not just about what the trustees think, pensions reform’ in the railways industry, the tri-annual valuations can be conducted. it is also about engaging with members on salary was in excess of £80,000 part-time, so it’s Initially the proposals failed to account for what you think is a sustainable investment. a case of ‘watch this space’. schemes that were still open to new And we always have to apply our We are still facing the prospect of employees, so your trustees lobbied the ‘fiduciary’ responsibilities; that is, we have to increasing contributions on some schemes, government on amendments, which proved act in the interests of all our 350,000 members along with benefit changes, and there are also to be successful. and employers. I wish you all the very best for issues with member and employer The current Work & Pensions Minister has the future and may your struggles, through affordability being the major challenge. These also brought forward legislation that requires this most challenging of times, bring forward issues are ongoing but it appears to me that pension schemes with over £5 billion of assets every success.

22 The ASLEF Journal l July 2021 Across down Prize crossword 1 University grounds 1 Soft flooring on Track and buildings 2 Plan of a play Prize crossword 183 by Tom Williams 4 Implore 3 Railtrack support 7 Having widely 4 Sow with seeds different opinions 5 Epoch Job cuts force (5,5) 6 Little poem to be 8 Bog moss sung Trust boss out 9 Grey-brown striped 7 Indian temple cat 10 Fizzy like 11 Experienced actor champagne 13 Multicoloured 12 Countryside strolls arch 14 Australian 15 Broken piece of marsupial pottery 15 Break off a 17 Oval-stoned fruit relationship 18 Full range of 16 Sum to be words employed deducted No Kwik Fix for Tim Parker who is no 20 Automated 17 Stiffly formal longer lord of the National Trust manor machine-man 19 Taxi 21 Mountain top IM Parker was forced to step Solution to Prize crossword 182 down as chair of the National Across: 3 Cupid 6 Tornado 7 Plasma 8 Check 9 T Trust after a revolt by Elephant 12 Flint 14 Carer 15 Ligature 18 Ladle Name...... members about the job cuts he has 19 Source 20 Shallot 21 Yolks presided over at the 126-year-old down: 1 Freezing 2 Jacket 3 Copper 4 charity. In the Journal (May) we revealed Address...... Peach 5 Demon 6 Tactful 10 Airedale how Peter Vermeulen, the Trust’s chief 11 Torrent 13 Duress 14 Cellar 16 financial officer, talked, in a tone-deaf Ivory 17 April ...... interview published in the National Trust Magazine , of ‘testing our economic Congratulations to heather Morton of ...... resilience’ and ‘reducing costs to cope Moseley , Birmingham , who was last with lower levels of trading’. The sort of month’s winner. The winner of this ...... accountant’s gobbledegook – straight month’s Prize Crossword will receive Marks & out of The Office or W1A – you would Spencer vouchers to the value of £25. expect from a man who plied his trade ...... at PwC, Merrill Lynch, and Deutsche l You can see more of Tom Williams’s Bank, but not the sort of thing that crosswords, word games and puzzles at Postcode...... National Trust members wanted to hear, wordgames.co.uk even from a number cruncher. ‘We’ll save £100 million by changing the way If you successfully complete this month’s Prize Crossword please send the solution by post to the we operate,’ he boasted, ‘and reducing Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN (or take a photo on your our payroll and budgets.’ mobile phone of the grid and send the image to [email protected]) by Friday 16 July Parker backed the Vermeulen plan and sacked 1,300 members of staff, a brutal decision that led to a dramatic loss of morale among people still on the payroll, as well as putting vital ASLEF’s legal services conservation projects on hold. Mike Clancy, general secretary of the have you been sacked, or are in trouble at work, and cannot get hold of Prospect union, described the your branch secretary, local representative or district organiser in an redundancies as ‘devastating for those emergency? call our industrial relations department on 020 7324 2400 losing the jobs they love’ but the Trust (9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday or 9am to 4pm on Friday) or leave a cheerfully described them as ‘a message on the answer service, or email [email protected] with a subject reasonable way to move forward’. Parker, a former Treasury economist heading of ‘For the attention of the who has also been chief executive of industrial relations dept’. Clarks shoes, Kwik-Fit, and the AA, has now paid the price for these poor decisions. He announced his decision to walk the plank a day after a motion to changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form this year’s AGM said members had no confidence in his leadership and Name...... demanded his resignation. A Restore Trust campaign also attacked the Address...... charity’s ‘one-sided’ view of history ...... following a controversial slavery report, but the redundancies and cuts forced Postcode ...... Telephone...... him out. Parker admitted: ‘The past 15 months, since the first covid-19 Branch...... Membership No...... lockdown, have been exceptionally challenging.’ Please return coupon to: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN Keith Richmond

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

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

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

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