l a n r u o
ASLEFThe ASSOCIATED SOCIETY of LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & FIREMEN J OCTOBER 2016 ASLEF in Action At thE tUc
AnDY hoURiGAn on Action for Southern Africa GREGoR GALL writes an open letter to theresa May DAViD hiLLMAn: why we need a Robin hood tax
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Mick chairs the JfC fringe meeting at the TuC Where decisions that affect us are made 4 5 T IS sometimes easy to fall into the trap of the railway bubble, especially with some i of the toxic government-driven organisations we are forced to deal with. news Refreshingly, the TUC reminded us about all the Jeremy Corbyn joins us at Burston and AfR 4 other issues that affect our families and our futures. Naturally, we were involved in debates about How two drivers found love on the iron road 5 strategic investment and railways, the future of freight, supply chains, apprenticeships and the ASLEF’s new competence development plan 6 selling off of railway land. Showing the red card to racists in Scotland 7 Steel workers were present and the continuing 11 uncertainty for their futures, and families, moved Darran Brown and Tom Corbin take Pride 8 delegates; the striking GTR Southern conductors also got a huge response due to malicious treatment by a poor employer. Testimonies from Features teaching unions and those in the NHS make it clear that this government is creating a society for the Gregor Gall’s cheeky open letter to Theresa 10 rich, attacking social mobility and access to May on the eve of the Tory conference healthcare. From every sector the impact and effects of austerity give evidence to the lie of the ASLEF in action at the TUC in Brighton 11 Big Society; it is clear there is a real battle for all our Mick Whelan, Simon Weller, Dave Calfe, 12-13 public services. In Manchester they are talking of Ian Thompson and Paul Cutmore at the TUC sacking 1,250 firefighters so they can alter their contracts and we will support the FBU in the David Hillman on the Robin Hood tax 14 coming battle. 19 Andy Hourigan reports on the EC’s decision 15 We sometimes get questioned as to why we devote so much time and effort to politics. It’s to affiliate to Action for Southern Africa because that’s where the decisions that impact on our industry and our lives are made; trade unions 22 were set up to give workers a voice in that process. Regulars We have seen, recently, the impact in the freight sector of political decisions on coal and steel and Branch News and 100 Years of Union 16-17 the rewriting of agreements in the ITT process to Obituaries 19 sponsor forced change of hard-won agreements. The campaign is over and the Labour Party Letters and Classified Advertisements 20-21 leadership has been decided (again). Now it’s time for the party to come together to challenge a Tory Last Word: Best of the fall books. It takes a 22 government that needs to be confronted, especially red-headed woman to get a dirty job done in relation to the future of the United Kingdom On Track, Prize Crossword, ASLEF’s Legal 23 outside the EU. Services and Change of Address I met with Chris Grayling, the new Transport Secretary, and raised our concerns over the safe Cover photo by Andrew Wiard operation of the railways. It would be misleading to report that he shared our views on current policies which we oppose, and know are driven by the DfT, and told him we shall continue to contest. The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: Simon Weller, ASLEF’s assistant general secretary, ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN Tel: 020 7324 2400 has been re-elected to the TUC general council and deserves to be congratulated. I also send email: [email protected] website: www.aslef.org.uk congratulations to Richard (Dicky) Fisher on his re- election as District Organiser No 6. EDiTor Mick Whelan l DESignEr Michael Cronin l PrinTEr TU Ink, 107 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2AB aDvErTiSing Ten Alps, Portland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5BH. Contact Edwin Rodrigues on Yours fraternally 0207 657 1819 or [email protected] l ClaSSiFiED aDS [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400 Mick Whelan, general secretary The acceptance of an advert does not necessarily imply endorsement of that product or service by ASLEF ChangE oF aDDrESS Please post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN
October 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 3 news For all, not a few ICK WHELAN, in a barnstorming speech at the Burston strike school rally, condemned Theresa May for claiming that the M Conservative Party is a One Nation party and said that’s as bankrupt as David Cameron’s idea of building a Big Society. The GS, who spoke immediately before Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, pointed out that Cameron’s Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition was simply looking for camouflage for their cuts – like libraries – in public services. And May is only governing on behalf of the few, not the many. Mick, EC5 Howard Kaye, DO5 Nigel Gibson, and RMS secretary Les Muir joined hundreds of others in the labour movement in Burston, near Diss, in Norfolk to celebrate the longest strike in British history. It began in 1914 when two teachers, Annie Higdon and her husband Tom, at the village school, were sacked for taking the side of the farm labourers, and their children, and for standing up against the landed gentry and the despotic right-wing rector of the local parish church. Sixty-six of the 72 children at Burston school walked out to join the Mick speaking at Higdons’ strike school, initially in a tent on the village green, which ran Burston (he was until Tom died in 1939. Jeremy’s warm-up man) ‘Tom and Annie, and the parents and the children in this village, and marching with MEP showed the courage and solidarity and concern for ordinary working richard howitt and the people that is still, today, at the heart of the trade union movement,’ aSlEF crew. Photos: said Mick to loud cheers and applause. Peter Everard Smith Passengers are paying more and getting less Labour Party leader taxpayers will wonder Jeremy Corbyn and why they must pay Shadow Secretary of more for an State for Transport increasingly poor Andy McDonald service. When will the joined rail union government and the leaders at London Department for are unstaffed, and rail Bridge to protest at Transport listen to companies cut the Shadow Transport Secretary the steep rise in fares those impacted by guards who ensure andy McDonald, EC1 Marz under the daft decisions and journeys run Colombini, labour leader Conservatives. New what is patently only smoothly and safely. Jeremy Corbyn, gS Mick Whelan research by the TUC good for the vested Enough is enough. It’s and James Croy of the rMT at shows that fares have interests? Are we back time for rail services to london Bridge (above) while increased at double to pricing people off be publicly owned, Merseyrail council were out the speed of wages the railway as a saving money for FiShER kinG early at liverpool lime Street since 2010. Fares have solution to passengers and Dicky Fisher has been re-elected (above left) risen by 25% in the overcrowding and taxpayers alike. unopposed for a second term as last six years, while inability to deliver?’ Instead of increasing District 6 Organiser. ‘I would like to average weekly Frances O’Grady, fares and cutting staff, thank all those who nominated twEEtS oF thE Month earnings have only GS of the TUC, said: we should be me,’ he said. ‘And look forward to grown by 12%. ‘Passengers are paying building an continuing to work hard for all our Loadsamoney boss of Mick Whelan, more and getting accessible, reliable members.’ low pay zero hours general secretary of even less. Fares go up train service that warehouse symbolises a ASLEF, said: while trains remain Britain can be proud kAY’S on boARD capitalism working against everybody else. ‘Passengers and overcrowded, stations of.’ Kay Carberry, assistant general kevin Maguire secretary of the TUC from 2003 to 2016, has joined the board of If we don’t respect Transport for London. London democracy we stand for Mayor Sadiq Khan is keeping a nothing. I’m supporting the pledge to involve trade unions in membership and Jeremy. the supervision of TfL. ian Lavery
REGULAtoR cALLS REViEw Nice line from James The ORR has called for a review of Nesbitt. Describes himself the rail line crossing at Halesworth as the drinking woman’s station, described by Network Rail George Clooney. as ‘the most dangerous crossing in Alastair campbell East Anglia’.
4 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 news
huge part of our We found love lives,’ said Andrew. ‘It’s where we fell in off the rails love, and where we on the iron road spend the majority of our time.’ Alaina tonY chAtER , who has died at the age NDREW and speed rail route.’ added: ‘I love driving, of 86, edited the Morning Star for 21 years A Alaina Laker The couple, who and would from 1974 to 1995, spending much of that made the live at Broadstairs in encourage more time defending the paper’s strict adherence Evening Standard last Kent, and have women to consider to the Moscow line while the Communist month – one of the clocked up 28 years the role. It’s great Party of Great Britain was enthusiastically relatively few times on the iron road, that Andrew and I embracing Antonio Gramsci and in recent history that work for have the same job. It Eurocommunism in its theoretical journal Marxism Today . London’s evening Southeastern on the means we can In 1978 Tony went to the High Court to try and prevent paper has run a line between discuss our day’s Express Newspapers from launching the Daily Star . The positive story about Ramsgate and St work together and judge gave him short shrift, declaring that ‘only a moron in train drivers – when Pancras help each other a hurry’ would confuse the Daily Star , with its topless it celebrated the International. become better Starbirds and tabloid trivia, and the Morning Star , with its couple’s high speed ‘The railway is a drivers.’ left-wing politics and pictures of Marx, Lenin and Che. relationship. ‘Forget Olympic owEn SMith has come in for a lot of flak for champions Jason his new commitment to a publicly-funded Kenny and Laura National Health Service after saying, when he Trott,’ trumpeted the worked for big pharma – the pharmaceutical Standard . ‘Britain’s giant Pfizer – for five years that he was in fastest couple are favour of PFI and ‘more choice’ for patients Andrew and Alaina which is a euphemism for back door privatisation of the Laker, the high speed NHS. Owen’s aides have rather ruefully taken to quoting train drivers who fell Marx – Groucho, not Karl – ‘Those are my principles and, if in love on the you don’t like them, well, I have others.’ railway. The pair have notched up half a RobERt LEA , industrial editor of The Times , alaina and andrew found true love (and a million miles whose business commentaries are bunch of pink roses) on the permanent way between them at thoughtful, well-informed, and well worth (well, the railway line between london and 140mph on Britain’s reading, offers this take on the Southern ramsgate in Kent) only domestic high dispute: ‘The genesis of this summer’s Southern railway fiasco, as admitted by the train operator, has been a threefold cock-up of poor Department for Transport Angry commuter stewardship and Network Rail planning and a shortage of train drivers lured away to better terms and conditions hacks station elsewhere.’ After slamming the ‘scandalously poor leadership of the DfT’ he concludes: ‘There is a breakdown display board in trust between the DfT, Southern’s management, and the A disgruntled passenger hacked unions. True leadership lies in providing viable solutions. into a public display board at The new ministers at transport need to start leading.’ Blackfriars station to vent his (or her) anger in novel fashion. An JESSicA hYnES , who starred as Cheryl in image of the prank, posted on The Royle Family , Siobhan in W1A , Daisy in Reddit, shows the board Spaced , and as Mrs Jackson in the new film of gTr proudly promotes the displaying a Bing search page Swallows and Amazons , was recently asked Thameslink are s*** search page entitled ‘Thameslink are s***.’ who she would most like to invite to a dinner on reddit Some commuters wondered, party. Without hesitating, she quipped: ‘The Conservative online, how someone had replied: ‘Thameslink, apparently. Party. So I could poison the lot of them.’ managed to hack into the board Explains a lot.’ A Thameslink while others were more spokesman said: ‘This display AnDREw PiERcE , writing in the Daily Mail , concerned about the hacker’s board has been hacked by a reports that the Three Brexiteers are spending choice of search engine. person or persons unknown. We more time on a turf war with each other than ‘Seriously,’ wrote Kraven 420, are investigating how it was negotiating Britain’s exit from the European ‘Who uses Bing?’ Another user possible for this to happen.’ Union. ‘David Davis and Liam Fox can’t stand each other,’ he notes, ‘and Boris Johnson doesn’t trust either man.’ conFEREncES & RALLiES The Battle of Cable Street march is at Altab Ali Park, London E1, on MichAEL JoRDAn famously declined to Sunday 9 October. The Scottish Trades union Congress is at the endorse a progressive Democrat over the Macdonald Highlands hotel, Aviemore, from Monday 24 to Wednesday racist segregationist Jesse Helms in a North 26 April 2017. ASLEF’s annual assembly of delegates is at the Marriott Carolina senate election on the superficially Royal Hotel, Bristol, from Monday 22 to Thursday 25 May. attractive but exceedingly short-term basis that ‘Republicans buy sneakers, too.’ 500 cLUb: H Bradley, with number 95, won the September draw, scooping the RMS prize money jackpot of £384.
October 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 5 news
The policy consists of four key stages: investigation; identification; assessment; Horror stories to give Stephen restoration of competence and review. Competence is defined by the RSSB as ‘being King a run for his money adequately knowledgeable and skilled to be able to perform a specific act or task to an Ec3 AnDY hoURiGAn reports on agreed level or standard.’ In the new ASLEF’s new competence development guidelines, it is recognised that a CDP is not always required if there has been an plan best practice document operational event. And there are some which we feel should not mean a driver is SLEF’s competence development automatically placed on an action plan. plan best practice document, which Violations are treated under a very different A has not been reviewed for eight procedure. years, has been refreshed. There have been The CDP process is not a method of two previous versions – and most TOCs and Competence development has caused angst disciplining a driver and should be used to FOCs embraced the framework – but, for the regain a driver’s competence and confidence. first time, it is being shared with specialists Slowly, we started to turn the development If a driver has conformed to the rule book, and and industry leaders who have contributed. of drivers into a more scientific practice which there is no pattern forming, then some of the The evolution of competence development involved actually looking at incident incidents currently regarded as safety of the has caused much angst among drivers. There identification and concentrating on issues by line events should not need monitoring. These is still a bitter taste from the bad old days way of corrective action plans. This proved that include station over runs, accepting a wrong when companies abused a points system to the way some companies automatically route, stopping short of a station, stopping out condemn drivers and, ultimately, manoeuvre disciplined drivers was outdated. Nevertheless, of course, TPWS intervention within tolerance them out of their job. Companies attached it was tough to convince the industry that a levels, failure to call, AWS failure to cancel, and discipline to safety of the line events as a way more focused and investigatory approach to DSD activation. of controlling standards. Drivers were given an incident should invest in the driver, rather A driver’s CDP should be individual, and points for unrelated matters such as not than edge him or her out of the job tailored to the driver’s requirements, not lazily wearing ties, or name badges, or ‘walking prematurely. If there are operational events, constructed as an off the shelf fix. It has to be aggressively’. There were some real horror drivers need a support mechanism to develop relevant, dealing with identified contributing stories which would give Stephen King a run and restore competency in a fair, focused and factors. Monitoring should be reasonable, for his money. consistent way. relevant and agreeable and not automatically involve managers riding out with drivers or OTMR downloads, and should be for no longer than two (instead of the current three) years as Diamond bridge there is no evidence of benefit from that extra year. English heritage is considering a These are just a few of the changes to the bid to put a blue plaque on ASLEF CDP best practice guide. We have waterloo bridge – also known as worked closely with the RSSB, which agrees the ladies’ bridge – with the content, and company council chairs acknowledging that it was rebuilt, and secretaries will be invited to a seminar on during the Second world war, by 12 October so the changes can be women workers. You can watch incorporated in the negotiating machinery. karen Livesey’s 30 minute film The document will also be in our online library. about the project at www.theladiesbridge.co.uk Women at work on Waterloo bridge SoUthERn PASSEnGERS tARGEt DFt kEY RoLE oF RAiL FREiGht Commuters on Southern Railways – the company critics call Southern Failways – have Freight on rail manager Philippa Edmunds has welcomed QUotE… launched a crowdfunding drive to pay for Transport for the north’s intermodal freight strategy which legal action against the Department for confirms the key role of rail freight to the region. She said: ‘a ‘To the wider public Transport for the way it has mishandled the combination of rail freight network upgrades and changing uK – which, sadly, failing franchise. Stephen Trigg, chair of the freight distribution patterns, which favour the north of doesn’t include Reigate & Redhill Rail Users’ Association, said: England, mean that industry should have the confidence to those attending ‘It is important for the government to be invest in new equipment and build a series of multi-modal rail Corbyn rallies in held to account for these problems.’ freight terminals which will link to other regions.’ already safe seats – Labour has simply RAiL LinE REoPEnS become something life’s too short for, a Marz Colombini models Services between Folkestone and Dover Priory, suspended on rolling resignation aSlEF’s Kes tee-shirt – 24 December, have begun again after a nine month £40 million from the top flight with a harvey Smith to project to repair the sea wall. First train to use the repaired line that couldn’t be less the Tories’ anti-Trade was the 05.47 from Folkestone to Dover on 5 September. watchable if it were union act – based on managed by Tony the iconic image from ARE YoU READY, EDDiE? Pulis.’ – M arina the famous Ken loach The Stobart group – which sold its majority stake in the Eddie hyde in t he film. £10 (inc p&p); email Stobart road haulage business to concentrate on infrastructure Guardian [email protected] or – has tabled plans to move the head office of its rail and …UnQUotE visit our online shop at biomass divisions from Carlisle in Cumbria to Widnes in www.aslef.org.uk lancashire.
6 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 news Red card for racists ALAn REiD reports on an initiative to make football grounds more friendly whatever the colour of your skin
HOW Racism the Red Card Scotland is holding a fortnight of action from 7 S to 21 October which sees football clubs throughout the country delivering a strong message to supporters to kick racism out of the game. ASLEF has been very supportive of the alan reid (far right) shows aSlEF’s support for the campaign to kick racism out of football campaign, hosting events, and sending a donation from AAD in Edinburgh, as well as attitudes. branch donations. We have again sent a Nicole Hay, SRtRC’s campaign manager, QUotE… generous donation to help fund the fortnight pictured above accepting our cheque, was ‘Strike action is looming at Royal Mail of action; it will help SRtRC print the red cards, delighted that ASLEF has again stepped up to and the Post Office – and quite visit schools to educate schoolkids, and the plate to support the hard work they do. rightly, too, because the proposed organise events where former footballers and She said: ‘The backing we get from ASLEF cuts in pensions are equivalent to SRtRC staff explain about eradicating bigoted never ceases to amaze us.’ someone losing £200,000 or £300,000 over the course of their MoVinG MAintEnAncE in-hoUSE retirement.’ – P atrick collinson, Tougher laser laws are wiLL SAVE £80M SAYS MAYoR money editor, the Guardian needed says CAA in a move to save Transport for london tens …UnQUotE of millions of pounds, the Tfl board is Andrew Haines, chief executive of the Civil bringing maintenance work on the Jubilee, Aviation Authority, and former First Group northern and Piccadilly lines back in- PASSEnGERS LAUGh At ‘PonD LiFE’ MD, has called for anyone carrying a house. The announcement is part of Sadiq JibE AFtER RockS thRown At tRAin powerful laser pointer to be arrested. Laser Khan’s drive to cut waste, improve Passengers on a packed South West Trains attacks on aircraft, and trains, have soared in efficiency, and pay for a fares freeze for the service between Bournemouth and Waterloo recent years. ‘There is no legitimate reason next four years. heard an announcement explaining that the for an individual to have one of these in The Mayor of london said he was proud reason they were delayed near Southampton public,’ he said. ‘Why does Joe Bloggs need a to be bringing underground maintenance was because ‘individuals’ had thrown rocks at laser that can pop a balloon at 50 miles and work back into the public sector. the train and smashed a window. They cause permanent damage?’ For the past 13 years amey has been laughed when the train began moving again, contracted to manage maintenance work and he explained: ‘We are running 10 minutes across the three lines – a legacy of the late, ladies and gentlemen. This is all down to, Tea and coffee tastes Public Private Partnership between Tube if you will forgive the profanity, a couple of better in a red and white lines and lu – but that will be terminated d***heads throwing rocks at the train just aSlEF mug! Price £3.50 at the end of next year, the earliest point before Southampton airport.’ And passengers (inc p&p); email the contract allows. cheered at Winchester when the announcer – [email protected] or visit our online The move is expected to save at least it is not clear whether it was the driver or a shop at www.aslef.org.uk £80 million over the next decade in guard – called the perpetrators ‘pond life with expensive management fees. the intellectual capacity of a flip-flop’.
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October 2016 l The ASLEF Jour n al 7 news Pride in ASLEF DARRAn bRown takes pride with ASLEF in Donny… ONCASTER Pride on D Saturday 20 August was QUotE… Donny’s 10th and a Pride ‘It is the folly of too many to unlike any I’ve been on, from mistake the echo of a London Sydney to London, Manchester aSlEF members and friends in action at Doncaster Pride coffee-house for the voice of the and Brighton. They were no kingdom.’ – Jonathan Swift barriers, no big police presence – the fruit and veg stalls, right along and supported ASLEF, some …UnQUotE just two police officers and four though the main shopping street. of whom travelled many, many CPSOs – no stewards, no floats. It was fantastic! Shoppers stopped miles. Thank you Alison Miller, The parade started promptly and watched, some videoing, Nicky Sapey, Julie Clegg, Romolo and show support for a local at 1.15, only 15 minutes late, and some waving, most just looking at Lanzi, Shaun Upton-Lambert and Pride event; also for Tosh’s open, that’s still on time by Pride this wonderful spectacular all those other drivers and friends continued and committed standards. So with our banners passing by. who turned up. A special thank support for the LGBT community, held high, ASLEF holding pride of Then the rain came – and did it you to Tosh McDonald for giving which includes a good few ASLEF place at the very front of the rain – within minutes we were us the opportunity to go along members. union section, followed by the soaked to the skin but it did hold NUM, Unison and Unite, off we off until the very end of the set. march. We packed up our banners Now picture this. A busy and flags and trotted off to one of market day in a northern Doncaster’s finest drinking working-class town and – wallop establishments for some much- – around 200 brightly dressed needed refreshment and the people waving rainbow flags, usual mix of the day’s events, some in full drag, and a number politics, and who’s drinking what. of trade unionists marching, So I’d like to say a huge thank down past the fish market, past you to those members who came
…and toM coRbin takes pride with ASLEF in Sarum Salisbury held its very first Pride event on Saturday 30 July. It was extremely well supported with several hundred turning out to say it doesn’t matter who you are, we should all be accepted as we are. There was a strong local trade union presence and also support from The march moves off from the Playhouse with D1 WrC rep angie numerous businesses and organisations such as the church community, o’Sullivan and her husband Dave carrying the Salisbury banner police, fire brigade and, most notably, Salisbury’s Serve On who work in the local community and, when the need arises, national and international disaster relief. The march meandered around the streets of JC the choice to Salisbury, culminating in a party that stretched across several of the city’s pubs which had, fortunately, predicted the big turnout and laid on get the job done extra provisions. Mick Whelan joined the general London could have secretaries of the major trade All night long had an all-night Tube unions in signing an open letter service much sooner.’ backing Jeremy Corbyn as The Night Tube was London deserves a Finn added: ‘The leader of the Labour Party: ‘We have all known Jeremy for many finally launched in world-class public stance ASLEF took last Mick is backing Jeremy Corbyn London on Friday 19 transport system and year means that more years. He has supported us, August by Sadiq Khan, if the previous mayor than 200 new jobs for stood on our picket lines, three decades Jeremy’s track the Mayor of London. had been less drivers were created celebrated our successes, and record and socialist credentials Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s confrontational, and with trade union rates campaigned alongside us for make him the choice for leader organiser on the prepared to listen to of pay and working trade union rights. Jeremy’s of the Labour Party. We need a Underground, said: ‘It staff and trade unions, conditions, as well as pledge is to rebuild and Labour government committed is good news. A world- instead of playing agreed improvements transform Britain so no one and to workers’ rights, social justice, class capital city like political games, to the work/life no community is left behind. His government investment in our balance for existing commitment to introducing manufacturing sector, and staff that are now sectoral collective bargaining, public sector, and good quality Our hip, hot and happening black starting to be and mandatory collective jobs. Jeremy campaigns for all of baseball cap will keep the sun out delivered. It’s a bargaining for companies with these and is the person to lead of your eyes. £5 (inc p&p); email demonstration of over 250 employees, would the Labour Party into [email protected] or visit our what a determined, transform and rebalance government to make them a online shop at www.aslef.org.uk professional, trade industrial relations fit for the reality. Jeremy is the only choice union can achieve.’ 21st century. For more than to get the job done.’ 8 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 A
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www.thompsons.law.co.uk/aslef Stn ng r Commentary
Theresa May’s 10 point plan for Britain
on the eve of the conservative Party conference in birmingham Theresa May, pictured GREGoR GALL writes an (above) in Downing Street open letter to the new in July and (right) at the Prime Minister, and tory leader, Tory Party conference last year is set to put her tanks theresa May on labour’s lawn in Dear theresa Britain’s second city how to take your views forward. I offer them S YOU are now the ‘mother’ of the because your speech that day was supposed nation, a great responsibility falls to be only the first of many you were to make A upon you to look after the families this summer and, therefore, you did not have contained within it. This is a role that you the opportunity to flesh out your ideas. clearly indicated you wished to play because, But I also offer them because any ideas and on the morning of Monday 11 July, when you views need to be developed and made launched your bid to become leader of the operational – and as soon as possible if they Conservative Party and, thus, Prime Minister, are not to disappear into the ether of you set out what seems, on the face of it, really ‘motherhood and apple pie’. So let’s start with quite a radical agenda. some basics. salary and benefits of the lowest paid member By the afternoon you were PM in waiting The Trade Union Act only became law on in their organisation. after your only challenger, Andrea Leadsom, 1 4 May 2016 and many of its provisions Allow workers by law to have their pulled out. And, by Wednesday evening, you’d have yet to be introduced. It curtails the power 8 unions engage in sectoral collective been installed as Prime Minister and First Lord of workers and makes a mockery of bargaining so that the terms and condition of of the Treasury of the United Kingdom. It is democracy. So don’t sign off the workers of one company are not in inconceivable that the views you expressed commencement orders and repeal the Act in competition with those in another in a race to on Monday could have changed by full. the bottom. Wednesday. Fees for workers making employment Make good on your proposal to have So now, with the end of your critical first 2 tribunal applications were introduced by 9 employees represented on company 100 days in office approaching, let me remind your predecessor. They have resulted in a boards by implementing the Bullock you of what you said and what is now massive decline in applications. Abolish them. committee’s recommendation in 1977 that expected. As my area of expertise is industrial Make the pitiful national minimum wage workers have equal representation to relations, I shall confine myself to areas of 3 into a genuine living wage to show how management on these boards. work and employment. you differ from David Cameron. And provide Provide employment rights from day You said you want a society, a country, a the resources for full and effective 10 one so employers have no material democracy and an economy that ‘works for enforcement. advantage in sacking newbies and then taking everyone’. You said that many suffer from Give resources back to the Health & more on in an endless cycle of exploitation. economic insecurity, and from lack of control 4 Safety Executive so that workplaces are If you want any more ideas, you could do over their lives. You highlighted the fact that visited by inspectors more than once every no better than look at the Institute of corporations are not accountable to their seven years. Workers should expect to return Employment Rights’s recently launched stakeholders, do not pay anything like their home from work alive and well. Manifesto for Labour Law . fair share in taxes, and pay their executives Stop the likes of Uber from classifying Returning to the apple pie metaphor, the exorbitant salaries. 5 workers as self-employed in order to proof of the pudding is in the eating, so let’s As you said, ‘If we are going to have an avoiding pay tax and national insurance by see you crack on and deliver on your promises. economy that works for everyone, we are ending bogus self-employment. If you don’t, you’ll end up like your predecessor going to need to give people more control of Ban zero hour contracts and give workers – spouting platitudes and doing nothing other their lives. And that means cutting out all the 6 a minimum number of hours they can than letting the rich and powerful become political platitudes about stakeholder societies expect to work so they can earn a decent even richer and more powerful. and doing something radical.’ You added that living. there is ‘a duty to put something back… a Introduce a maximum wage so no Yours sincerely debt to your fellow citizens… a responsibility 7 executive earns more than 10 times the Gregor Gall to pay your taxes.’ Indeed, you said, ‘Under my leadership, the Conservative Party will put itself – completely, gregor gall is Professor of industrial relations at the university of Bradford, absolutely, unequivocally – at the service of visiting lecturer in international labour and Trade union Studies at ruskin ordinary, working people. It is why we will College, oxford, and a visiting lecturer at the university of hertfordshire. his make Britain a country that works for research on the use of injunctions by employers in industrial disputes is everyone.’ published in the British Journal of Industrial Relations – a copy of which can be You’ve created great expectations with obtained by emailing [email protected] these words. So here are my suggestions for 10 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 TuC ASLEF in action
SLEF sent five delegates – Mick Whelan, general secretary; Simon A Weller, assistant general secretary; Dave Calfe, EC vice-president; Paul Cutmore of Chingford; and Ian Thompson of Treherbert – to the 148th Trades Union Congress in Brighton rocks for Marz, Brighton from Sunday 11 to Wednesday 14 Simon, Mick, howard, September. Executive committee president nigel, Dicky, Paul and ian Tosh McDonald, EC members Marz Colombini and Howard Kaye, district organisers Finn Congress photos by Brennan, Dicky Fisher, Nigel Gibson and andrew Wiard Graham Morris, and Southern company council reps Kevin Eade and Paul Donnelly, all a new economy; transport; health; education; attended as visitors. fair pay and a living wage; housing; backing Jeremy The slogan for congress – Jobs, Rights, employment and trade union rights; human Tosh McDonald, in a barnstorming speech at a Investment – was embraced by delegates rights; health and safety; equalities and Labour Representation Committee fringe at organising to build a Britain of which we can diversity. the Friends’ Meeting House on Monday night, be proud. ‘We want great jobs for everyone,’ As well as the motions on the conference explained why ASLEF backs Jeremy Corbyn. said TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady. floor, and a plethora of fringe meetings every ‘When Ed Miliband resigned the EC looked ‘And we’ll get them by building a stronger, lunchtime and evening, congress offered an at the candidates, and this was before Jeremy fairer economy.’ opportunity for ASLEF reps to meet and greet said he would stand, and there was no one we Delegates from 52 unions, representing 6 activists from other unions who face similar could back. They were like the seven dwarfs, million members, gathered on the south coast challenges in different fields. ‘We’re all doing people committed to the discredited policies for this annual parliament of the union the same job – representing members – while which saw our party lose 5 million votes from movement. There were lively debates on good trying to make this country a better place in 1997 to 2010. Then Jeremy said he’d stand and services and decent welfare; jobs, growth and which to work and live,’ said Mick Whelan. we had a candidate we could endorse enthusiastically. Because he’s a man of Does privatisation deliver? Er, no! principle who believes in the policies in which The we believe, a man who has enthused a new ASLEF Does rail privatisation deliver the generation, a man who they say is unelectable train best deal for passengers and but who keeps winning elections. We backed crew was taxpayers? That was the question Jeremy in 2015 and we’re backing him again in cheered posed at – and the title of – an 2016.’ Other speakers included John to spot a Action for Rail fringe meeting, McDonnell, the Shadow Chancellor; Matt familiar chaired by Sharon Sukhram, on Wrack, general secretary of the FBU; Manuel face on Monday night. Perhaps not Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA; and the main door of the surprisingly, the answer was no. Ronnie Draper, general secretary of the Bakers, Paul, lianna, Sharon, anthony, Brighton Centre ‘We cannot afford not to bring Food & Allied Workers Union. andy and alan during congress. Bill the railways back into public Baxter, of Southport, ownership,’ said Andy McDonald, Other speakers on the platform has been a TUC Shadow Secretary of State for included Paul Nowak, deputy steward since 2007 Transport. ‘The tired old curled up general secretary of the TUC; and, more British Rail sandwich stories just Lianna Etkind of the Campaign for importantly, an don’t cut it any more. We should be Better Transport; Anthony Smith, ASLEF stalwart since focusing on success stories, such as chief executive of the passenger he joined the railway. the East Coast public ownership watchdog Transport Focus; and model, and replicating it.’ Alan Benson of Transport for All. You say you want a revolution Tosh makes friends at the lrC Mick Whelan made a passionate speech in defence of the achievements of the socialist revolution in Cuba – the work of Fidel and Raúl Castro – and of the Bolívarian revolution in Venezuela – of Hugo Chávez – at a solidarity meeting for those two countries in the conference centre on Mick with the mic in Brighton Simon Weller spoke at a Trade unions Monday night. Other speakers on the against the Eu fringe meeting in the platform included Teresita Vicente, the Venezuelan ambassador; and Steve Turner, old Ship hotel on Tuesday lunchtime. Cuban ambassador; Rocío Maneiro, the assistant general secretary of Unite.
October 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 11 agenda Southern, Doo and the Df it’s all about money and pr
ONGRESS reaffirmed its driver for 20 years, 15 of them at brothers and sisters on Southern.’ c commitment to public Brighton, my home depot and my Simon also laid into the ownership of the rail home town, and I stand in Conservative government for its industry in a wide-ranging solidarity with my workmates at failure to help ease – and, over coal, transport debate on Wednesday Brighton and at Southern. Let’s be to directly cause – the problems in morning. Simon Weller led the way absolutely clear, this is not a spat the freight sector. – followed by the RMT and the over pay, or t&cs, this is about ‘We are witnessing the slow TSSA – in a three-pronged attack trying to destroy decent jobs. After death of freight on rail, with on the government, the the McNulty report it was clear they operators cherry picking the work – Department for Transport, and the wanted driver only operation, to fight amongst yourselves to get the privatised train operating get rid of the traditional guard’s most profitable work. The decline companies, talking about the role, with safety responsibilities. of coal and steel traffic is so severe failures of Southern Railways, the This is all about money and profit that the very future of the industry problems with freight, and how the and the on board supervisor is not Simon addresses congress is at risk. Freight is the only part of DfT has come up short. guaranteed to be on the train. decent jobs yet this government is the railway which is fully privatised, Speaking from the podium, this ‘My daughter is 25 and her trying to destroy them. The DfT is and receives no government is how he introduced himself: generation is scrabbling to find funding this, and the DfT is taking support, and once capacity ‘Simon Weller, assistant general work on zero hours contracts. On us on. Time, comrades, we put our declines it cannot quickly be secretary of ASLEF, and a train Southern we still have proper, hands in our pockets and assist our reversed. So you think management knows best? hARD woRk StARtS now Mick whelan chaired a packed Look at Mike Ashley and Philip Green Justice for colombia fringe meeting at tuesday lunchtime. Paul Cutmore called for a modern industrial strategy – with a ‘it’s right to celebrate the peace place for workers in the boardroom as well as at the sharp process,’ said Mick. ‘but the hard end – for Britain in the 21st century. work of implementation begins He said: ‘Congress, everyone in this hall knows that now and colombia is still the management doesn’t know best. It’s never been clearer. Just most dangerous place in the look at Mike Ashley or Philip Green! More worker involvement world to be a trade union Mariela, Simon, Mick an in business and industry is long overdue. In fact, it’s essential activist.’ Dubbins of Unite; and if we are to dig ourselves out of the hole we are in. Speakers included Mariela cavalier, chief executiv ‘We urgently need to build a more sustainable economy kohon, director of Jfc; Simon thompsons solicitors. and industrial base. We need to move away from financial services, a housing bubble, and credit-fuelled spending. We Paul speaking from the need a plan to rebuild industry. We lead the world in high- podium on Monday Don’t sell public land tech sectors like pharmaceuticals and aerospace but we need to reignite our manufacturing base and widen the supply chain. A 21st century to private developers economy needs an industrial strategy rooted in the knowledge and experience of workers and their representatives. Dave Calfe, speaking the very rich. ‘The industrial strategy which led to the historic nationalisations of 1945 was from the podium on ‘Many workers, from delivered through democratic workplace structures where workers were involved in Monday morning, all sectors, cannot making decisions and shared their deep insight and understanding of their industries. In made a passionate case afford to live in their for congress to adopt own community, 1977 the Bullock report recommended that companies with more than 2,000 ‘it’s wrong f employees should have a representative of labour for each director who represented motion 63 which calls where they work or on the government to grew up. Which means bodies to se capital. It was a good idea which was, unfortunately, shelved by the Callaghan land to priv government. build affordable homes they live far away from and opposes the sale of their workplace and developers ‘ASLEF believes it is time to revisit these ideas and create a new model of industrial delegates co-operation. The Prime Minister’s pledge to get more employees on boards is welcome. public land for extended family; have But the devil will be in the detail and the Tories have never shown any interest in social speculators to build longer days at work; important p partnership. Genuine workplace democracy must give labour an equal footing with houses only a few can and less time with their issues our co capital and ensure that worker representatives have real influence.’ afford. ASLEF has seen families. This faces. It’s a c plans to ‘offload’ land undermines the fabric isn’t about h owned by public of our communities. We about our co QUotE … bodies – including live in uncertain times – and the peo ‘I wouldn’t trust Southern to run a bath, let alone one of Britain’s busiest Transport for London but one thing is certain. live there. commuter routes.’ – Steve Sweeney , People’s Assembly organiser and Network Rail – to Getting a grip on ‘Railway …UnQUotE build homes Britain’s housing crisis is be retained inaccessible to all but one of the most future rail an
12 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 TuC fT – off message thE tUc met this year in Brighton, a place which famously, according to the journalist and author Keith Waterhouse, ‘looks as though it is a town helping the rofit police with their inquiries.’ ian addresses congress SAMUEL RoGERS , a minor poet, popular in his lifetime, ‘A sharp decline in rail freight tiME FoR biS to innoVAtE but best known now for his account of his friendships capacity would be disastrous for AnD SAVE oUR StEEL with William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, Sir Walter Scott, the future of the British economy Edmund Burke and Charles James Fox, wrote across the supply chain. Rail is vital Ian Thompson comes from Treherbert at the head of the memorably after one trip to the south coast in 1829: to a balanced freight sector and ‘Brighton is still very gay and full of balls.’ essential to the maintenance, Rhondda Fawr valley; he knows all health and safety of the entire rail about coal, steel, rail and their interconnectivity. Speaking on AGS SiMon wELLER is known for his collection of network. vintage motorbikes and classic cars. Old vehicles do, ‘We want public ownership of Monday afternoon, on an industrial strategy for steel, he reminded though, over heat and break down. So delegates the rail freight industry, to better waiting for Simon at lunchtime on Sunday weren’t facilitate sustainable and long-term delegates that British Steel was nationalised in 1967, privatised in surprised to receive this rueful text explaining the delay growth in the sector, and to secure in his arrival: ‘Comedy camper has disgraced itself…’ future rail freight capacity, just as 1988, and decimated by the ‘American butcher’ of British industry Nigel Gibson dryly observed: ‘At least it will provide we want public ownership of the additional accommodation should we need it.’ rest of the railway industry. who, prior to this hatchet job, was involved at British Leyland and, Because firms, as well as thE ASLEF crew stayed at the Old Ship on the seafront, passengers, and workers, are afterwards, at the NCB. ‘Our first concern, following the where our annual assembly of delegates was held in suffering from the short-termism of 2014. AAD met in the ballroom where the Italian Britain’s privatised railway.’ collapse of the UK steel industry, must be for those who have lost their composer and violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini played jobs, and are in fear of losing their in 1831. Five years later Paganini opened a casino in Paris, the failure of which ruined him financially. Ironic, QUotE … jobs, for the communities that will be devastated by plant closures, in the then, that after Andrew Lloyd Webber lost a wager with ‘Theresa May his brother Julian over the result of a Leyton Orient game, he settled doesn’t want to way that mining communities were devastated by pit closures. All the debt by writing Variations on a Theme by Paganini for the cellist, lead a one who played on the chart-topping original album with guitarist Gary nation party but because of inferior cheap Chinese imports. Moore, keyboard players Don Airey and Rod Argent, bass guitarist a one party John Mole, drummer Jon Hiseman and flautist Barbara Thompson. nation.’ – ‘But why should it happen? Angela Rayner , Congress, we must deplore the neglect by this government that has ASLEF delegates were media magnets in Brighton. Shadow Mick Whelan wrote a full page feature about Brexit in nd Steve Education led to this crisis. It is vital that we maintain the campaign to Save our the Morning Star on Tuesday. Simon Weller was Steve Secretary Steel, and increase the pressure on interviewed about GTR, Southern and the company ve of …UnQUotE government to level the playing field profiting from failure on The World at One on Radio 4.
to allow UK steel to compete fairly And delegates lobbied Alan Jones of the Press and provide its superior product Association; Mark Ellis and Kevin Maguire of the Daily Mirror ; Raj Syal capacity. Failure to do competitively. of The Guardian ; Ben Chacko, Ros Sitwell and Conrad Landin of the so will jeopardise the ‘The Department for Business, Morning Star ; John Moylan and Iain Watson of the BBC and Jon Craig development of our Innovation & Skills has said that the 2 of Sky News over a coffee or two in the conference centre. infrastructure and add million tons of steel required for HS2 to overcrowding and are not guaranteed to be British, but wiLLiAM MAkEPEAcE thAckERAY, in his classic 19th congestion on Britain’s the steel required for this £55 billion century novel Vanity Fair , has several characters escape transport network in project will not come from abroad if from London for the Ship Inn at Brighton – actually the the decades ahead. the most competitive bid is British. I Ship Tavern when Thackeray was writing in 1847 – and ‘Congress, there is say let this department actually now the Old Ship. Why? Because, as the redoubtable an urgent need to for public innovate and make sure our steel is Becky Sharp tells her husband, Captain Rawdon address the UK’s ell public the most competitive; we already Crawley, ‘A comfortable inn in Brighton is better than a housing crisis – vate know it’s the best. spunging-house in Chancery Lane.’ particularly to assist key s,’ Dave tells ‘The damage goes far beyond the workers who are steel industry. It affects my industry LoUDESt noise of the week came from the assorted Trots lined up unable to afford to live outside the conference centre each morning chanting ‘TUC get off political with a decline in rail infrastructure in the communities your knees’ as delegates arrived. ountry work and a lack of freight operators’ they serve. If public risis which work. Network Rail buys land is to be sold then homes – it’s approximately 120,000 tonnes of it must be used ommunities steel per annum for rails directly from SiMon RE-ELEctED to GEnERAL coUnciL specifically for the ople who the steel plant in Scunthorpe. It is Simon weller was re-elected to the general council of the tUc construction of deplorable that our trains are owned on tuesday afternoon. he polled 271,000 votes and topped genuinely affordable land should and run by foreign governments, but the poll in his section. on wednesday morning Simon was and key worker to provide let’s ensure they still run on British- also re-elected to the tUc’s executive committee. housing.’ nd transport made rails.’
October 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 13 Manifesto Time for a tax for the people not on the people
Like the original Robin hood, he’s even wearing Lincoln green. DAViD hiLLMAn , director of the Robin hood tax campaign, explains why it’s time, again, to take from the rich and give to the poor robin hood, HE Robin Hood Tax campaign, robin hood, comprising trade unions like ASLEF, riding through the t charities, and green groups, works for glen. robin hood, a tax on banks that would raise billions of robin hood, with pounds to tackle poverty and climate change, his band of men. here and abroad. With no sign of Austerity he took from the Britain abating, and the recent European rich and gave to Union referendum highlighting deep divisions the poor, robin in our standard of living across the country, hood, robin hood surely the time has come for a tiny tax that would benefit the many, not the few? More than a million people who support the Robin Hood Tax agree with this simple, yet highly effective, idea whose benefits are huge. Such a tax, set at a fraction of 1% on deals by tax authorities in identifying those who had finance firms, not ordinary people, could raise earned a lot more than they had declared on tens of billions globally – and at least £8 billion their tax returns. The same could be true of an here at home in the UK. FTT here in the UK aimed at high finance. So how politically possible is a Robin Hood hELP thE MoSt VULnERAbLE Tax? There are encouraging signs. In Europe we This is substantial and much-needed revenue. are excitingly close with Germany, France, Italy £8 billion could prevent cuts to the vulnerable, and extending it to products such as bonds and Spain, along with six other countries, set the NHS, and could also create jobs if invested and derivatives that ordinary people do not to finalise an historic FTT deal in October. to stimulate the economy. The statistics are buy and sell. The result would generate billions There has also been important progress in the compelling: it would take less than one week more from a sector that can clearly afford it United States with the FTT named as official of funds from a Robin Hood Tax in the UK to given the fat salaries they cheerfully, and Democratic Party policy for the first time. This pay for the salaries of 2,000 new police regularly, pay themselves. was due to the valiant campaigning efforts of constables, 2,000 newly-qualified nurses and Senator Bernie Sanders who proposed a Wall 2,000 teachers. Just one day of revenue from a FiGhtinG tAX AVoiDAncE Street Speculation Tax to pay the college fees UK RHT would pay for more than 2 million Beyond the immediate, and obvious, revenue of less well-off students. additional hours of home care to help the benefits, an FTT could play an important role most vulnerable people in our society. in the fight against tax avoidance. The recent tAX FoR thE 21St cEntURY Moreover, the FTT is simply good release of the Panama Papers revealed a vast The FTT is a tax for the 21st century. It economics as it discourages the worst forms of seam of hidden information about the secret possesses elements that make it immune to casino trading, which helped cause the global world of people and companies. Voices from the avoidance problems that plague other financial collapse in the first place. all corners of the political spectrum are, finally, taxes and, by improving transparency, would The battle over whether to impose a Robin calling out for action to clamp down on tax be a new and effective weapon in the fight Hood Tax – also known as a Financial dodgers – people and companies that use our against tax dodging. If we want a tax fit for the Transactions Tax – on the banks to fix the resources, and infrastructure, but want to digital age which could raise billions to help problems stemming from a financial crisis they avoid paying their share. tackle the stark economic and social caused has often become heated. The banking Greater taxation of financial transactions inequalities we now face then one thing is sector, of course, rails against it, calling it has the important fringe benefit of giving clear – the Robin Hood Tax is an idea whose radical and unworkable. The opposite is true. greater oversight to tax authorities. They time has most come. They conveniently forget to tell us that the UK would gain a vital new source of information already has an FTT on shares, which brings in on the size and direction of financial flows. For For more information, or to get involved £3 billion each year. Our campaign is calling for example, in Brazil information provided by in the robin hood Tax campaign, please an improvement on what we currently have their domestic FTT proved extremely useful to visit www.robinhoodtax.org uk
14 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 Platform
Are you so blind that you cannot see? Are you so deaf that you cannot hear his plea?
AnDREw hoURiGAn , Ec member for District 3, reports on Action for Southern Africa, successor to the Anti- Apartheid Movement, which works for peace, democracy and development in southern democratic norms, and many laws Africa undermine basic freedoms, especially those of women. HEN Nelson Mandela The country’s largest walked out of Victor opposition party, the People’s w Verster prison in 1990 African Gold Miners and trade unions, want. United Democratic Movement, is and then, four years later, led the Democracy for Swaziland. In Two months later, the High banned. Trade unions and CSOs African National Congress to addition, the organisation works Court in South Africa certified a seeking to promote human rights victory in South Africa’s first on a broad range of other issues class action against 30 mining are systematically oppressed. As a democratic, multi-racial, general (especially trade, HIV/AIDS and companies (including Anglo- result of mismanagement and election it wasn’t the end, or even LGBT rights), often as an active American and AngloGold) on corruption the economy is in a the beginning of the end, of the member of civil society coalitions, behalf of 30,000 ex-miners. If the dire state, with 63% of the struggle. But it was the end of the and is also active in Angola and class action succeeds it will population living below the beginning. Zimbabwe. effectively lead to an industry- poverty line, and wealth That struggle goes on today, wide compensation scheme for concentrated in the hands of the and every day, which is why JUSticE FoR MinERS those with silicosis and TB. ACTSA royal family and a tiny elite close ASLEF recently affiliated to Action Tens of thousands of mainly ex- called on the companies not to to the king. for Southern Africa, the successor gold miners across southern appeal against the ruling, and to organisation to the Anti- Africa have silicosis, an incurable, negotiate with representatives of MEAninGFUL DiALoGUE Apartheid Movement, which debilitating disease, caused by miners and ex-miners. Regrettably, In June ACTSA published two campaigns for justice, rights and exposure to silica dust, which the mining companies did not briefing papers: Swaziland’s development in the region. makes the sufferer more likely to heed ACTSA’s call, but the High Downward Spiral: The International contract tuberculosis. It is Court refused the companies Community Must Act Now and FREE oF PoVERtY preventable, by putting health leave to appeal‚ prompting them Women’s Rights in Swaziland . These ‘Action for Southern Africa was and safety measures in place, but to petition the Supreme Court. led to meetings with the Foreign & established in 1994,’ says senior the owners and managers of ACTSA will continue shaming the Commonwealth Office, the campaigns officer Sunit Bagree. apartheid South Africa’s gold companies for their behaviour and Commonwealth Secretariat, and ‘We support the people of mines treated black miners as campaign for decent health care MEPs. Real and lasting change will southern Africa in their efforts to cheap and expendable labour, to provision and compensation. only come about through the achieve a region free of poverty, be exploited then discarded when actions of its people and their based on human rights and ill. This injustice is compounded RiGhtS AnD DEMocRAcY representative organisations. equality for all. As a democratic, by the scandalous refusal of the ACTSA campaigns for human ACTSA has called on the king to member-led, campaigning, non- mining companies to accept rights and democracy, and against enter into meaningful dialogue governmental organisation, responsibility and provide decent poverty and inequality, in with his political opponents and ACTSA encourages individuals health care and compensation. Swaziland. King Mswati III, Africa’s all sections of civil society. and civil society organisations in In March a settlement was last absolute monarch, has been The men and women calling the UK and beyond to stand in announced on behalf of 4,365 on the throne since 1986. His and organising for human rights solidarity with those struggling claimants against two mining extensive powers include the to be upheld, and democratic for rights and justice in southern companies, Anglo-American ability to appoint the prime norms adhered to, in Swaziland Africa.’ South Africa and AngloGold minister and members of the want and need international They work hard to eradicate Ashanti. The companies will put judiciary, and two-thirds of the solidarity. ACTSA relies on its poverty, push for sustainable 500 million rand (£27m) in a trust upper house, as well as the right members and supporters. It does development, and promote fund. Former miners who have a to veto legislation. The current not get any support from the UK democracy on the continent. They medical, and have silicosis at or constitution fails to respect government. want to improve women’s rights above a certain level, and are able in the region, particularly in to demonstrate they worked for If you would like to become an individual member of ACTSA Zimbabwe and Swaziland. And either company for at least two you can join online at www.actsa.org/page-1026- they still campaign for those who years, will receive compensation. Join_actsa.html or by calling 020 7186 0750. If your branch suffer from the poverty and While welcome, this is a closed would like to affiliate it can do so at www.actsa.org/page-1436- injustice caused by apartheid. settlement, and not the Affiliate_to_ACTSA.html or call 020 7186 0750. For further ACTSA currently has two major comprehensive industry-wide information please visit www.actsa.org campaigns: Justice for Southern arrangement that ACTSA, and the
October 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch news
Standing up for fairness upcoming e vents WELL- ATTENDED A August RAinhAM – thURSDAY 6 octobER meeting welcomed Southeastern retired and working members’ reunion from Les Muir, Alan Taylor, 11.0 at Rainham Social Club, 86 Station Road, Rainham. Tony West and Ernie Whitfield from the PEtERboRoUGh – FRiDAY 7 octobER RMS committee, as Booz’n’Chat meeting at the Parkway club, Maskew Avenue, well as retired Exeter Peterborough. £5 in advance, £6 on the door. Call Malcolm drivers, and former Bell on 07884 43242 or [email protected] Sitting (left to right) Steve Wade (10 years), reps, Richard Westlake andy Snowdon (45), Ernie Whitfield (rMS) and Rodney French. MARYLEbonE – FRiDAY 28 octobER and ricky West (branch sec). The RMS talked about Annual reunion from 16.30 till late at the Allsop Arms, their important role in years of membership are all a way of Gloucester Place, London, NW1, round the corner from ASLEF, a growth in of our union. When contributing. Marylebone station. ‘This year is extra special,’ says Patrick membership, which you leave the driving RMS members Houghton, ‘with retirement drinks and festivities celebrating should be grade, it doesn’t mean reflected on how the long service. Anyone associated with the branch – past or encouraged, enabling you have to leave railway culture, and the present – is welcome. It promises to be a good night and engagement, even in ASLEF; turning up at job, have changed we’ve tipped off the pub so they’re fully stocked up on real retirement, as part of a branches, or district from when they were ales!’ proactive union; and meetings, attending drivers, and how ASLEF, how retiring drivers demonstrations whatever your political Please send your all branch news, reports, features and are automatically against, say, NHS cuts, point of view, will photographs to [email protected] enrolled, with the first campaigning for always stand up for year free (it’s just £15 improvements in fairness; not only for explained that the perfectly with the unfortunate position, after that). They workers’ rights, train drivers, but for all awards of SWT and words, ‘If it wasn’t for needing the support receive the Journal lobbying your MP or people, at home and GWR franchises in the old drivers, standing of fellow workers or and carry on with their writing to the Journal , abroad. That is why the next couple of years up to bosses, striving ASLEF reps, but if the Journal has articles will be crucial in how for better t&cs, and foundations have about Justice for the region develops, struggling for been laid, then that Colombia and the fight and the pivotal part improvements in support can be relied for freedom in Spain; to ASLEF can play in the working conditions on. make us aware how development of and pay, today’s Long service workers across the railways in the south- drivers would be a lot badges were handed world fought west. He also worse off.’ That is why out by Tony West, with governments and announced that, after it is important to keep special mention to employers, and are still 35 years serving the battling, and never Andy Snowdon, who fighting today. That is public in Exeter and give in. Not just for achieved his 45 years. why ASLEF affiliates to Devon, as a Labour yourself or for the Well done, Andy, these campaigns and councillor, he is colleagues you work here’s to (hopefully) Bro S hornblow presented a 25 year badge to groups. stepping down next with, but for members achieving your part- Bro B Simmons (left) and a 50 year medallion Richard, a Devon year to enjoy in the future. As train time link; you deserve to Bro D Crouch (right) at a well-attended county councillor on retirement. drivers, we never it! Bishop’s Stortford branch meeting. the Devon & Exeter rail Branch chair Jon know when we may Ryan howe , Richard Roscoe , branch secretary project working party, Morton summed it up end up in an Exeter
Do you have a young family? Can you help Mencap?
Mencap is doing some research into how way we deliver our projects and services. help promote projects and services to the better to engage with fathers when We want to engage with all carers better, families that most need it. delivering projects and services. Namita including fathers, because men do not Namita adds: ‘Mencap is the leading Srivastava, the charity’s campaigns and traditionally access Mencap projects and voice of learning disability. Everything we policy officer, says: ‘We’re looking for services as much as women. do is about valuing and supporting people volunteers to participate in a 20-30 minute ‘We want to conduct short telephone with a learning disability, their families and telephone interview about fathers’ interviews with fathers so we can carers. We work in partnership with people experience of accessing services, not just in understand their needs better. All with a learning disability, and all our learning disability, but in health, social care interviews will be confidential and services support people to live life as they and education. I will be asking what anonymised in our final report. And I can choose.’ experience fathers have of accessing promise that your participation will not If you are prepared to participate, or services for their children, about the affect any services that you currently make would like further information, please barriers they face, and any problems or use of.’ contact Namita Srivastava on 0207 696 issues in meeting fathers’ needs. The research will be used, she says, to 5502 or by emailing namita.srivastava@ ‘We are always looking to improve the develop policy in the organisation and to mencap.org.uk
16 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 100 Years of union
Mick holder turns back time to october 1916 unionised workplaces are safer Working conditions in the shed, workplaces – nigel, Paul and alan at hazards 2016 food prices, and suicides were all topics in the Journal 100 years ago sector, exacerbated by open access Battling bosses who operators utilising exploitative zero hours conDitionS bEGGAR bELiEF contracts. The Edinburgh branch secretary reports: Another workshop I attended was jeopardise safety in ‘Our vice-chairman had the painful duty resisting resilience and wellbeing; this is of handing the incapacitation grant of happening in the rail industry as we speak pursuit of profit £20 to Bro Dolbear, who lost his eye and it’s important that safety reps monitor through a splinter of steel entering it. ALAn MoSS of Longsight branch its use and ensure it is being used to benefit Painful duty for, after all, what can reports on this year’s hazards our members and not as a tool to deem compensate for the loss of an eye or a conference at keele University employees not fit for their roles. It is tied in limb? Bro Dolbear thanked members for with employers’ occupational health and is this, and the further £10 2s 7d WAS fortunate enough to attend a real cause for concern. There are some subscribed by his mates to provide him the 2016 Hazards conference at pro-active beneficial schemes, such as with an artificial eye. The conditions we i Keele University as an ASLEF assistance and counselling following are working under at present beggar delegate with my comrades Nigel fatalities, assistance with rehabilitation description. In the shed to which I Thompson from Wolverhampton branch following accidents at work, and some belong we are doing anything and and Paul Blackham from Knottingley. We immeasurable work around mental health, everything. Fitting, filling coal, and were joined by more than 350 health & but wellbeing schemes should be fully labouring generally, with a day’s driving safety reps, all wanting to be enthused with explored by reps before members are thrown in now and again and, to add a weekend of education, networking and involved. insult to injury, men are imported from campaigning. other stations to work our trains. We held The conference opened with the plenary SEXUAL hARASSMEnt an open meeting for the purpose of where we were welcomed by my friend and In addition to the workshops we all having this grievance remedied, and comrade Hilda Palmer who talked about attended a campaign meeting to highlight over 400 men employed at the shed the challenges we face with the Trade current campaigns and issues. I attended a turned out.’ Union Act and employers who disregard Unite workshop on the draconian safety, and the lives of their workers, in the conditions endured by workers at Sports wE MUSt kEEP AGitAtinG pursuit of profit. We had a minute’s silence Direct in Shirebrook. The union is doing J Drummond, organising secretary, to remember all those whose lives have sterling work highlighting the issues faced writes: ‘The men on our lines are taking been lost through the negligence of by workers at this workhouse – such as an active interest in food prices, and employers, not just in the UK, but sexual harassment, daily body searches (in bitter complaints are heard on all sides re worldwide. your time, not theirs), bullying and the difficulty to live and the hardships intimidation, being paid less than the people have to bear. There is no doubt SAFEtY AFtER bREXit minimum wage, and, of course, zero hours many things could be done to bring We then heard from Hugh Robertson of the contracts – all to line the pockets of Mike down the price of foodstuffs and make TUC about protecting workers’ rights Ashley and his greedy, bloated, odious life reasonable. Our course is clear: we following Brexit and ensuring we still work shareholders. The Unite campaign is slowly must keep agitating to bring down the with our fellow safety reps in Europe, and working and their high profile activities will price of commodities.’ worldwide, to ensure that best practice is give these workers the dignity and shared. conditions they deserve. What also annoys whiLE oF UnSoUnD MinD The following day was the part of the me is that the factory in Shirebrook is built Organising secretary W Warwick reports weekend that enthrals me the most, the on the site of a former colliery, a place from an inquest: ‘A passenger who stood workshops. My comrades who host these where trade unions stood proud and on the platform at the time stated that give up their time to impart their workers had fair pay and fair conditions. the deceased deliberately walked across knowledge to those who attend. There is a The weekend and its activities seemed the platform and stepped onto the rails plethora of workshops to choose from; I to be over far too quickly, with new and laid down as the train ran in; it was always choose workshops about current contacts made, ideas shared, and successes impossible for our member to avoid issues and issues I envisage could impact exchanged; it was left to the reps to ensure running over him, but a solicitor, on on our industry. The first was prioritising the knowledge they gained is taken back to behalf of the relatives, took up a lot of action; during the workshop it quickly the workplace and used to benefit our time in trying to twist it into a case of the became obvious that the issues high on members and ensure their safety in the deceased falling accidentally on to the everyone’s agenda were stress in the workplace at all times. line. In the end the jury returned a workplace and zero hour contracts, both I’d like to thank my branch, and the verdict of suicide while of unsound factors in our industry with fatalities, and executive committee, for supporting my mind.’ fears around redundancy in the freight attendance.
October 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 17 DARE DEViL AUtUMn toUR DAtES 24 September The Place, Bedford (01234 354321; www.theplacebedford.org.uk) RiDES to 26 September-1 October harrogate Theatre (01423 502116; [email protected]) 4 October loganlea Miners’ Welfare (01501 763354) JARAMA 5 October north Edinburgh arts (0131 315 2151) 6-7 October lowry, Salford (0843 208 6000) 8 October Waterside Theatre, aylesbury (0844 871 7607) 11 October guildhall, Derby (01332 255800; [email protected]) A new play by 12-15 October oldham Coliseum (0161 624 2829; www.coliseum.org.uk) 18 October Quorn grange hotel, Quorn, leicestershire (01509 412167) Neil Gore 19 October Peterborough Trades Council (venue tbc) 20 October Chilwell arts Centre, Beeston (07861 308044) 21 October lansdown hall, Stroud (01453 760900) ‘To you we speak, you numberless Englishmen, 22 October The Seagull, lowestoft (01502 589726; www.theseagull.co.uk) To remind you of the greatness still among you 24-29 October The Bussey Building, Peckham (07949 635910) Created by these men who go from our towns 30 October Marx Memorial library, london (0207 253 1485) To fight for peace, for liberty, and for you.’ 1 November hertford Theatre (01992 531500; www.hertfordtheatre.com) 2 November Wedgwood rooms, Southsea (02392 863911) 3 November Plough arts Centre, great Torrington (01805 624624; Clem Beckett and Christopher Caudwell were two www.theploughartscentre.org.uk) such men. Moved by most Spaniards’ determination 4 November Dorchester arts Centre (01305 266926; to defend themselves against Franco, hitler and www.dorchesterarts.org.uk) Mussolini, they crossed the Pyrenees to fight for 5 November Bridport arts Centre (01308 424204; www.bridport-arts.com) democracy and against Fascism in Spain. Clem ‘Dare 7 November Theatre royal, Margate (01843 292795; Devil’ Beckett, the rugged speedway star, and [email protected]) Christopher Caudwell, poet and literary critic, were 10 November The Civic, Barnsley (01226 327000) 11 November Withal hall, Barnard Castle unlikely friends; but a common cause brought them 12 November Cast, Doncaster (01302 303 959; castindoncaster.com) together and they fought and died at a machinegun 13 November Severn Theatre, Shrewsbury (01743 281281; post covering their battalion’s retreat at the Battle of www.theatresevern.co.uk) Jarama in 1937. 14-19 November lantern Theatre, Sheffield (0114 255 1776; Commissioned by the international Brigades www.lanterntheatre.org.uk) Memorial Trust, Dare Devil Rides to Jarama tells the 22-23 November St Michael’s irish Centre, liverpool (0151 263 1808; story of the British and irish volunteers in the brutal www.stmichaelsirishcentre.org) 24-26 November Yorkshire rural touring scheme (venues tbc) Civil War in Spain, capturing the idealistic hopes and 30 November The Place, Bedford (01234 718112; www.theplacebedford.org.uk) dreams, raw passions, fear and anger in a powerful 1 December Square Chapel, halifax (01422 349422; www.squarechapel.co.uk) new drama which features stirring songs, poetry and 2 December The hat Factory, luton (01582 878100) flamenco dance. 3 December ruskin College, oxford (01865 759600; www.ruskin.ac.uk)
18 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 obituaries
SiMon kERPnER RULES ARE RULES ARthUR wiLSon It is with great sadness that I care they would be suitably GREAt EXPEctAtionS have to report the loss of admonished! Wonderful, Arthur ‘Tug’ Wilson (23 December 1932 to 15 Simon Kerpner on 30 March. moving tributes were made June 2016) came from a railway family and He was 51. Simon had fought by Phil Humphries and Stuart began his career at Plaistow steam depot a brave and difficult battle Brain at his funeral, attended working alongside singer, songwriter and against a brain tumour. by 300 family, friends and chirpy Cockney rock’n’roller Joe Brown. When Simon was a career work colleagues. Afterwards Plaistow closed he moved to Ripple Lane railwayman, starting off in we went to Kendleshire Golf where he remained, becoming the mess 1984 on buffet cars. He Club for a balloon release. room’s horizontal sleeping champion. Tug was became a guard and, Everyone attached a message a staunch ASLEF and Labour supporter, eventually, a driver and for Simon to the balloons, becoming Deputy Mayor of West Ham, and joined ASLEF in 2008. It was which drifted, appropriately, was a bit of a lad, judging by the size of his apparent that he enjoyed all towards the railway line. family. Two sons have carried on the family the jobs he did on the railway Simon was taken from us far Thumbs up from Simon tradition by becoming drivers (Tony at Clacton and was fond of repeating a too soon and will be much and Steve at Freightliner Tilbury Dock). He was few well-known phrases like his cars, his golf and his missed by his family, into allotments but his real enthusiasm was ‘rules are rules’ and if anyone holidays in Ibiza. He always Cheralyn, Charlene, Paul, and treading the boards in amateur dramatics. It was caught smoking in his insisted on keeping his car in colleagues. was said he auditioned for, and got, the part of buffet car they would be in pristine condition. If anyone bernard kennedy , bristol Pip in the film Great Expectations but, sadly, serious trouble! Simon loved he knew did not take similar branch secretary forgot to send the acceptance letter off. Tug retired from the railway just after the ASLEF hARoLD bRiDGMAn popular person who 1982 campaign, moving to Darsham in Suffolk LAUGh AnD A JokE enjoyed a laugh and a for a quieter life. The funeral service at Weeley joke. I can remember crematorium in Essex was a full house; we all Harold Bridgman, ex- fireman and, finally, working with him went on to the Railway Club at Clacton to Barrow Road and Bath driver at Barrow Road. many times, either in celebrate his life with a glass of ale. Road, passed away on Harold was a lifelong the cab or in the mess cliff blackwell , RMS tilbury 30 March aged 87. socialist and ASLEF room, and going Harold was a Midland stalwart. He served home with a sore man, starting his time with distinction diaphragm from JiM LAcEY footplate career at on the LDC at Barrow laughing so much! He biG PERSonALitY Barrow Road in Bristol Road and, when will be much missed lifelong socialist Little Jimmy Lacey was small of stature but big of as a cleaner towards Barrow Road closed in by Stella, his family, personality, and one of the nicest guys you could the end of the Second 1965, transferred to Bath Road until he friends and work meet. He started his loco career at Stratford as a World War. He moved Bath Road with all the retired in 1993, just mates. cleaner in 1964, progressed to passed cleaner through the links, other ex-Midland before the depot split. bernard kennedy , and fireman, and got his driver’s check at gaining promotion to men. He worked at Harold was a very bristol Orpington where he worked until he moved to Stonebridge Park. He will be missed at our REG StEVEnS monthly old boys’ meetings; he’d become a LEAVE it with ME cockER regular over the last year or so. A fond farewell from all at the old boys’ club, you’ll be missed. Because his school was bombed during the Dave Pizzie , RMS war Reg ‘Leave it with me, cocker’ Stevens started his railway career as a knocker upper at Kentish Town; when it closed he moved to Cambridge Street, St Pancras, before GEoRGE FRY GREAt becoming an engine arranger at Euston in the SEnSE oF hUMoUR mid-1960s, a loco inspector at King’s Cross a large congregation and, finally, an assistant area manager at gathered to say their final Dagenham Dock on the LTS looking after train farewells to george Fry crews at Ripple Lane and Tilbury Riverside. (left) who commenced his Retiring from BR he found a niche working for life on the footplate at a pint, a pie, a pipe, and the company of Southend council where, ironically, one of his neasden where he came through the footplatemen for reg Stevens duties was looking after the pier railway which ranks to become a driver. on closure had gone backwards, going from electric while reminiscing about the good old days in george moved with the work to traction to diesel power (as they say, that’s the company of footplatemen. Another Cricklewood and then St Pancras. When progress). Reg was a larger than life character character gone. Thameslink withdrew their work he who enjoyed a pint and a puff on the old pipe cliff blackwel l, RMS elected to move to Bedford where he remained until retirement. always GUS wRiGht LoYAL MEMbER SADLY MiSSED cheerful, and easy to get on with, Brighton branch is sad to announce the loss of retired member Bro Gus Wright, who died on 27 complete with a great sense of humour, July at 90. Gus started his footplate career as an engine cleaner at Dorchester loco shed, on the he was a pleasure to work with. he old Southern Railway, in 1944. He progressed through the various footplate grades and, in the moved from St albans to Moggerhanger late 1950s, was one of a number of locomen who transferred to Brighton because of the closure to be near his immediate family but ill of lines around Dorchester. In 1962 he moved to Brighton Motormen’s depot where he remained health dogged his final years, stoically upon amalgamation of Brighton number 1 and 2 branches until retirement in 1991. Gus was a tolerated until the end. loyal member of our society and will be sadly missed by his colleagues. bill Davies , RMS bedford Paul Edwards , brighton
October 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 19 letters
we welcome letters, either by email to [email protected] or by Royal Mail to ASLEF Journal at PLEASE NOTE AND REPORT 77 St John Street, London, Ec1M 4nn . the writer of our star letter LEVEL CROSSING MISUSE wins a rich range of ASLEF regalia. The greatest risk to train rural routes and safe as realistically drivers and passengers is encountered dangerous possible. But the biggest Do you remember ted? from the misuse of level practices at remote problem is that crossing I am writing to ask if any readers of the ASLEF crossings by members of crossings. My last near- users may be lulled into Journal have any memories of my grandfather, the public. all road/rail miss was potentially a false sense of security Edward Prior, who was an engine driver based crossings are equipped catastrophic as a JCB believing, wrongly, that, at Camden sheds until he retired in 1967. with some combination driver attempted to due to the infrequency Thanks to research by former branch secretary of physical barriers, cross in the path of my of trains, telephoning Mark Herron and archivist Mick Humphrys I either remotely or train after failing to the signaller for found out that Edward (everyone called him automatically controlled, contact the signaller for permission to cross is Ted) was 19 when he joined Camden branch and red flashing lights permission to access a unnecessary. on 18 September 1921. Ted worked his way up usually accompanied by field on the other side of i ask all drivers who from fireman to driving the main LMS line to an audible warning. the line. i am certain i am observe any misuse at Carlisle. He also, as required, drove the royal users are made fully not alone and that many any type of level crossing train when, even though driving steam, he aware that a train is other drivers can relate to report it to network wore a tie and white shirt. Throughout his about to pass. similar instances of rail and their ToC to working life he took pride in his appearance But in country areas either a near-miss or a maintain an accurate and his boots and peak cap were always some crossings are far collision. record of repeated brightly polished. In later years he drove diesel more basic and consist of network rail has problems at specific engines but did not like them. His father-in- little more than self- done a lot of good work crossings with a view to law, Walter Freestone, was also a driver and operated gates and a in recent years by closing appropriate action being was awarded the British Empire Medal for network rail notice many little-used taken either by network driving through the Blitz. Edward was married board with information crossings and rail or the British to Louie and had two children, Jean and concerning the correct continually monitoring Transport Police. Charlie, who are both still in good health. The method of crossing. i an assessing others in an Steve Davie s, FGw, family lived in Egbert Street, Camden, before have driven trains over attempt to make them as westbury moving to Watford. Ted died from leukaemia very shortly after retiring from the railway. Louie was convinced it was related to had turned into Conservative light. They within the European Union, especially when exposure to asbestos and received a small didn’t offer what the Scottish people the Fourth Railway Package, which effectively compensation from British Railways after a wanted and appeared to be taking the lays out the franchise system we have in the lengthy process. It’s a long time ago, but if Scots for granted. So labour lost most of UK as the model for the rest of Europe, is anyone has any memories of Ted, I’d love to their MPs through a combination of introduced. Jeremy’s leadership is not perfect, hear them. You can write to me at intransigence and arrogance. hopefully, but he has dragged the terms of debate back Abborrvägen 125, 66340 Hammarö, Sweden, under Corbyn, some of this can be healed. in our favour. We now have two candidates for or email me on [email protected] The SnP, like uKiP, threatens independence Labour leader standing on platforms which neill Dronsfield , hammarö, Sweden on a daily basis. would have been unthinkable a couple of Compromising, to achieve power, is one years ago. Nationalisation, repeal of anti-union Principles and power thing. Sacrificing the principles upon which laws, increasing taxes on the wealthy, getting your party was founded is another thing rid of tuition fees; these were unmentionable in response to Bro len Worboy’s letter entirely! if you’d known then what you until Jeremy was elected leader. (Journal , September) whilst i appreciate know now, would you have approved of So don’t despair, Len, the Tories have a he’s a lifelong labour supporter, even he what the labour Party became under Tony majority of 12 and are deeply unpopular. must admit that, under the current PlP, the Blair and, more importantly, would you Much can be achieved in opposition and, party has lurched way too far into the trap have voted for it? when the time comes, a Labour Party led by a of Conservatism with its support of big chris George, new Street branch trade unionist, and a socialist, not a PR spiv, business above all other interests. Part of will be in Number 10. the reason people love Jeremy Corbyn is Robert o’connell , northern Line north because he is perceived as honest and Don’t despair, Len principled with a progressive agenda. Does Len Worboys (Journal, September) criticises len not see that the last election was lost ASLEF’s position during the EU referendum tom, tom, turn around because labour was not radical enough? and Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the Labour When Jeremy Corbyn was a candidate for What could they offer when they were busy Party. He says ASLEF’s position on rail the labour leadership he was voting through cuts to welfare, bombing nationalisation is rational but unachievable recommended by aSlEF as the best man foreign countries, privatising everything in without Labour in power. But we had Labour for the job. i thought he was, too. aSlEF sight and jacking up fees for students? in power for 13 years under Tony Blair and also told me that Tom Watson was the best Everyone saw that Ed Miliband, although Gordon Brown and all we got was more man for deputy leader. But what have we he was trying hard, could not break the privatisation. Unless Labour is led by Jeremy now? Jeremy Corbyn standing firm for a shackles of neo-liberalism and the Blairites. Corbyn, or someone with similar policies, then new political agenda, fighting off the So they voted for a new leader who would. rail nationalisation will remain a pipe dream. backstabbers, and Tom Watson saying he labour lost Scotland because the party And nationalisation would not be achievable should resign for the sake of the party! Will
20 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 Classified advertisements
somebody tell him that we want the labour and please give your rep a fighting chance; GWR NIGHT RIVIERA SLEEPER Party to change. Shame on aSlEF who told you are very fortunate to be in an industry that badge £7 + £2 recorded postage from us who to vote for. Shame on Tom Watson allows you this entitlement. Greg Burton. PayPal payment to for turning on the only chance for a socialist Paul Flanagan , bournemouth Xc [email protected] government. and shame on us for helping to put him there. Pestilence, famine, floods GLASGOW branch 125 chris Dodd , retired member, Derby year celebration badge. £4 During the Eu referendum Boris Johnson including p&p. Contact called the remain campaign Project Fear. ASLEF’s Glasgow branch Give your rep a chance That was a massive understatement. secretary John McCue at Through the auspices of the Journal I am very refugee camps at Dover, the word ‘war’ was [email protected] pleased to announce my early retirement. mentioned and, ludicrously, the Danes Those close to me will be aware of the personal would no longer send us bacon for ON LOAN from British Rail hard enamel badge. Individually numbered, issues I have experienced over the last eight breakfast (i think george osborne came out brooch fastening. £6 + £1 p&p from months; these were among the reasons for my with that sizzler). i was waiting for Biblical [email protected] decision (and it was mine alone) to retire from pestilences, floods and famine. in all my 70 the railway. years i have never felt so unrepresented. i OAKS MEMORIAL Although, at times, I have been critical of have been a lifelong supporter of the commemorative badge honouring ASLEF I have also been a loyal member, labour Party, sometimes a full member, 361 miners killed in an explosion adhered to policy, and was honoured and always paid the subsidy through aSlEF, at the Oaks colliery near privileged to act as an elected rep in many but, sadly, the party has become Barnsley on 12 December 1866. positions, including branch secretary, company self-perpetuating, looking after the £3 from [email protected] council, branch chair, h&s, district council and interests of career politicians who are LDC. In all these positions I gave my colleagues remote from the workplace and the needs my 100% best; there is no other way to repay of working people. LONGSIGHT badges to mark 125th anniversary. £5 + the trust that has been bestowed on you. Denis Parker , Retired Members’ Section £1 p&p. Also a bespoke tie at Unfortunately the fabric of ASLEF is being £8 + £1 p&p. Contact Jim undermined by a minority of our membership. Let’s get into physical Hopkins on 07810 564804 or I find it difficult to comprehend why so many [email protected] for details. managers now want to be drivers and ASLEF The elementary laws of flight are taught from members, especially when they have no the outset during private flying training; more so for professional aviation. Understanding BESPOKE CUSHIONS Hand intention of helping their colleagues and made 40cm square cushions of these principles helps develop good habits endorsing the very meaning of a union, ie railway engines and carriages. togetherness. It is noticeable the cancer (not a from the start. I submitted a proposal to the £50. Call Abi on 07954 659849 or email me at word I choose cheaply) is creeping in at a rapid RSSB three years ago saying train driver [email protected] race bypassing representation on such training should include some basic physics important issues as MFA, safety of line regarding rail operations. The proposal was SALTLEY 023 branch badge. £4 breaches, disciplinary investigations, etc. rejected. inc p&p. Contact Michael Drivers are not naïve. They know what When I read incident reports, they reveal errors associated with non-technical skills, rule Clatworthy by email happens at these clandestine rendezvous, the [email protected] book non-compliance, and errors of secret arrangements. Yet they carry out their or by mobile on 07786 338650. treacherous business like burglars in the night judgement, occasionally with some reference to a scientific mathematical calculation, and say nothing when a work colleague who is, PROfESSIONAL ENGRAVING at shall we say, not quite flavour of the month, normally associated to signal spacing, or sensible prices. I can engrave anything gets beaten with a big stick, even threatened braking performance, referenced to a group you wish, such as the ASLEF logo on with their livelihood, for making the same standard. the pint tankard. Contact Paul Potts by human error that others have made. Ex- Initial training includes rule book matters, email at [email protected] manager or not, I firmly believe no train driver occupational psychology issues, and criticism ever made a mistake on purpose. I have first of our judgement, known as driveability, but no science. I think an elementary BRISTOL branch 125 year hand experience of being accused of this. It celebration badge. £5 plus £1.50 understanding of physics would have saved cannot be fair for these people to refuse p&p. Contact Andy Gregg at representation; where is the transparency? It is some drivers’ reputations and, possibly, their [email protected] unfair to limit this despicable action to just ex- employment. So why is a basic understanding managers as I am sure there are drivers doing of physics absent from our training? Reasons BLAND ENCOUNTER by Donald the same, and the numbers are spreading; the given are not all learners have a preference for Wightman is a comedy novel about companies just love this power. underpinning knowledge; commercial flying is of a different order of magnitude; the extra risqué encounters on the railways. A It does no justice to hide behind ‘personal’ donation from the sale of each book cost would not outweigh the benefits; and it reasons, your rep is trustworthy to protect will be made to the Royal British confidentiality, and I would wager a tidy sum cannot be sold to the TOCs and FOCs. Legion and Help for Heroes. Paperback that most managers have been informed of I complained to the ORR who said that a £7.99 ebook £3.95 from www.amazon.co.uk your ‘personal’ reasons. Taking in a rep just European directive known as statutory makes it a level playing field for all drivers so instrument 2015 No 1758 includes a section on PD (Paddington depot) badge £5 + £2 they can all be treated the same. general professional knowledge which recorded postage from Greg Burton. I wish all true railway staff a rich and includes basic physics. I think, with ERTMS, PayPal payment to intercityexpress125 incident-free career. Finally I want to thank they do not see the need. The job description @hotmail.co.uk everyone for the magnificent collection and has already changed from driver to operator in presents, cards and messages of good luck I one sector of our industry. But, in my opinion, received on my retirement. I also want to train driver training should consist of not just To advertise please phone 020 7324 2400 express my gratitude to all those who attended driveability but the basic physics of motion. or send an email to [email protected] my retirement do. It’s been a hoot. Take care nige ‘bomber’ harris, Plymouth
October 2016 l The ASLEF Journal 21 last Word Well, it takes a red headed woman to get a dirty job done
As the leaves fall and the nights draw in kEith RichMonD reviews some of the best books for the autumn
HE novels of Carl Hiaasen – they Good Life . include Tourist Season , Double Russell and Corrine are now turning 50, t Whammy and Strip Tease – are usually looking back as well as forward, and taking placed on the shelves marked crime fiction but stock. McInerney, 61, has a great ear for that’s a shame because although (often dialogue, a terrific eye for the telling (often spectacularly inventive) crimes are committed sartorial) detail, and a wonderful way of in his books they are not, in any meaningful capturing the mood, the magic, and, yes, the sense, whodunnits. Hiaasen, 63, an madness of a particular moment in time. He investigative reporter and now a columnist on writes like a dream, too. In many ways Bright, the Miami Herald , writes wittily and incisively Precious Days is like Vanity Fair ; McInerney, like about the political and moral corruption of his Thackeray, creates characters about whom we native Florida and the mindless destruction of care in an accurate, and affectionate, satire on the environment. contemporary mores. His books are rattling good reads but also This country has produced a number of brilliant – and savagely funny – exposés of great nature poets – William Wordsworth, corporate greed in the sunshine state. He has Thomas Hardy, Robert Browning, Gerard tackled plastic surgery ( Skin Tight ), lotteries Manley Hopkins and John Clare spring (Lucky You ), loss adjusters ( Stormy Weather ), immediately to mind, among many others – property developers ( Sick Puppy ), agribusiness and Alice Oswald, who won the TS Eliot Prize in pollution ( Skinny Dip ), Medicare scams ( Bad 2002 for Dart , her book-length poem tracing Monkey ), celebrity culture ( Star Island ), and the river in Devon from its burbling theme parks – how he hates Disney! – and in beginnings at Cranmere Pool all the way down Basket Case wrote brilliantly about the follies to the sea, is heir to this great tradition. and foibles of rock’n’roll through the prism of a In Falling Awake (Jonathan Cape, £10) left-leaning journo relegated to the obits page Oswald, 50, who has worked as a gardener for attacking the management of his since reading classics at Oxford, has an newspaper for cutting costs, dumbing down, empathy with the tastes and textures, sights and running scared of advertisers. and sounds, moods and music of the Now, in Razor Girl (Sphere, £18.99), a multi- countryside which, as with Ted Hughes, is pronged satire, he lets rip at reality TV shows, realistic rather than romantic. She tells ‘the homophobic rednecks, racist right-wingers, story of the falling rain / that rises to the light on the write lines: Carl hiaasen, Jay bungling criminals, corrupt cops, and and falls again’; observes ‘the same old choirs Mcinerney, alice oswald, nick Clegg, Ed cuckolded mobsters through the eyes of of hours / returning their summer clothes to Balls, ian Davidson and Edward Johnston Andrew Yancy, a former sheriff’s deputy the earth’; and admits there are ‘not many of seeking redemption after being busted to us left / living on the fluff of green of the last person and I became the Gordon Brown roach patrol, and an imaginative razor-toting little floes of the earth’. person and Ed Miliband somehow managed red head of a hustler going by the name of not to be the Gordon Brown person, which I Merry Mansfield. Hiaasen, who disproves the ‘The UK has already lost 343 libraries in the could never understand.’ adage that Americans don’t do irony, is on the past six years. We cannot afford to lose At least they weren’t assassinated or side of the angels. ‘another. ’ – Damian barr executed. Ian Davidson traces The French Revolution (Profile, £25) from the liberating ‘A mind needs a book as a sword needs a ‘All political lives,’ said Enoch Powell, ‘end in ideas of the Enlightenment – when whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.’ – failure.’ Nick Clegg, 49, in Politics (Vintage, £20), Wordsworth wrote ‘Bliss was it in that dawn to ‘George RR Martin , A Game of thrones tells how he took the Lib Dems from 57 seats be alive, / But to be young was very heaven!’ – in Parliament in 2010 to just eight in 2015 after to Terror and tyranny and the deaths of Marat Jay McInerney shot to fame with his five years of coalition. Calamity Clegg, who lost (in his bath) and Danton, Desmoulins, dazzling first novel, Bright Lights, Big City , a people’s trust when he broke his pledge on Robespierre and Saint-Just (on the guillotine). pitch-perfect evocation of hedonistic coke- tuition fees, claims he was a moderating crawling nighthawks in ’80s Manhattan which influence on David Cameron – ‘we portrayed ‘Never trust anyone who has not brought a drew comparisons, entirely warranted, with F ourselves as a political prophylactic, rather book with them.’ – Lemony Snicket , Scott Fitzgerald. He wanted to call his new than an agent of change’ – and admits ‘I did ‘horseradish novel Thin City – his publisher preferred Bright, not cater for the sheer brazen ruthlessness Precious Days (Bloomsbury, £18.99) – but he’s with which the Conservative Party would Edward Johnston: A Signature for London by back on familiar territory, in Gotham, with hoover up any good news.’ Ed Balls, 49, in Richard Taylor (Unicorn Press, £14.99) Russell and Corrine Calloway, the ambitious Speaking Out (Cornerstone, £20), says the celebrates the centenary of the gloriously yuppies we first met in Brightness Falls in 1992 reason he failed to become Labour leader was clean, uncluttered, and now iconic, typeface he and caught up with again after 9/11 in The because ‘David Miliband became the Tony Blair created for London Underground.
22 The ASLEF Journal l October 2016 on Track Prize Crossword
Prize Crossword 126 by Tom Williams across Down 1 Cash for occasional 1 Royal residence thE icEcAPS ARE expenses (6, 5) 2 Cows and bulls 7 Small piece of 3 Experienced MELtinG AnD workable land specialist 8 Flightless sea bird 4 Sign of subtraction ELViS iS DEAD 9 Knot or fasten 5 Feed and nurture 10 Church steeple 6 Inhabitants of the AST December, Donald 11 Sahara or Kalahari United States L Trump claimed that 13 Delves for 11 Longs for President Obama planned information 12 Drenched to let 200,000 Syrian refugees into 16 Pointed or 13 Spanish carnival the United States in 2016. Obama keen-edged or saint’s day promised that he had no such plan. 18 Snake-like fish 14 Highly-seasoned Trump’s response was to say that it 19 Dried grapes Italian sausage didn’t matter what Obama said, 20 Confidential 15 Old Testament because he [Trump] still believed his assistant book own figure and, what’s more, so did 21 Sign of the zodiac 17 Dot his Twitter followers. The true figure, thus far, is about 2,800. Solution to Crossword 125 It’s to nail this kind of argument across: 1 Scarlet 5 Park 7 Rip 8 Ancestor that I wrote the screenplay for the 9 Exact 10 Lots 13 Acre 14 Nest 18 Each 19 Hoist 21 Home brew 22 Boo 23 Wren film Denial , based on Deborah Name...... Lipstadt’s excellent book History on 24 Harvest Down: 1 Sergeant 2 Applause Trial , an account of the legal action 3 Lean-to 4 Tackle 5 Peseta 6 Room 11 Scribble 12 Beetroot 15 Tavern 16 Church 17 Shower Address...... 20 Hour
Congratulations to george ...... Taylor of radcliffe , Manchester who was last ...... month’s winner. The winner of this month’s Prize Crossword will receive Marks & Spencer vouchers to the value of £25 ......
You can see more of Tom Williams’s crosswords, word games and puzzles at Postcode...... wordgames.co.uk
Thanks for all your responses to the 125th prize crossword in the September edition of the ASLEF Journal . If you successfully complete this month’s crossword please send the solution to the Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN by 14 October ASLEF’s legal services if you are being harassed at work, bullied or discriminated against, and brought against her in the High Court by David Irving for calling him if your local, branch or district rep is unavailable, call the industrial a Holocaust denier. relations department at union headquarters (020 7324 2400) or email People on the internet like to [email protected]. if you are arrested or interviewed by police and need claim that everything is a matter of legal assistance – day or night – call the members’ emergency hotline on opinion and all opinions are equally 0800 587 7530. aSlEF also provides first class legal advice free for valid. But they’re not. It’s pseudo- members and dependents. democratic bullshit. As Lipstadt says in our film, ‘The icecaps are melting. And Elvis is dead.’ Opinions backed up by fact have more value than those that aren’t. There are not two available points of Changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form view about whether the Holocaust Name...... happened. There is something called historical truth. Address...... Trump is not post-factual. He’s non-factual. So is David Irving...... Reasserting the principle that Postcode ...... Telephone...... freedom of speech does not include the freedom to falsify unchecked Branch...... Membership No...... seems timely. David hare Please return coupon to: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN
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