ASLEFJOURNAL JULY 2018 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen

Come together AAD in Liverpool

The train drivers ’ union since 1880

GS Mick Whelan Grayling’s failings ASLEFJOURNAL JULY 2018 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen

4 10 ‘Our industry seems to get more and more surreal’ HIS month’s Journal captures the essence News T of your parliament, the annual assembly l Exposed – Whitehall scandal of DfT cash 4 of delegates, which is at the core of our representative democracy with reps from virtually l Wayne Hurlow reports on the Wales TUC 5 50% of our branches commenting and building on l Lilian turns spotlight on TOCs’ timetables 6 existing and future policy. May I take this opportunity to thank all delegates, and visitors, for Northern papers slam Northern Rail chaos 7 l your contributions that made the debates so l Naming names in the UK’s coroner’s courts 8 vibrant and valid? The executive committee will 11 meet shortly to collate the items and action them AAD in health & safety and industrial documents for the relevant company / functional councils to list and ASLEF’s parliament, Peter Dowd, the 10 l discuss in the machinery. Morning Star and fringe events Our industry seems to get more and more l EC president Tosh McDonald, Albert 11 surreal with GTR and Northern announcing Kennedy Trust, and Off the AAD Rails timetables that cannot be delivered because infrastructure work, particularly electrification, that John Hendy QC, Kevin Courtney, 12-13 l would facilitate the new timetables, is not in place. Ronnie Draper, and Howard Philips Training has not taken place on routes or tractions l Southern Rail, auditor’s report, rest day 14 needed to facilitate or even operate the basic working, h&s, and ASLEF Education 12 timetable, and where are the people responsible? The press seems to have finally cottoned on to the l Øystein Aslaksen, Bob Hayden, Daniel 15 fact that the failings lie with Network Rail, the DfT, Leece, Elliott Hackett, and Susan Gray and the operators, although on one radio interview l Nick MacWilliam, Dawn Butler, staff 16 I was asked if we were getting revenge for the travel, freight, and rail pensions previous actions of GTR? How much worse would it have been without the goodwill of drivers, and all l Mick Whelan on Tosh, Hugh, Colin, Ray 17 and Cliff; and AAD chair Darran Brown staff, who, in some cases, had their rosters ripped up on the lies of short-term planning? This 18 timetable was known about months ago! We have Regulars areas without trains, hundreds of cancellations, l Branch News 18 overcrowding, and misery. Is it not time that certain people considered their positions? l Obituaries 19 Mark Carne is leaving Network Rail, having not l Letters, 100 Years of Union and 20-21 taken certain bonuses for lack of delivery, and it is Classified Advertisements announced he is getting a CBE; timing and public relations at their best. Naturally, during this period, l Last Word: Aftermath – Art in the 22 Wake of World War One at the Tate it is announced that 16 out of the top 20 best paid civil servants and senior officials in Britain operate l On Track, Prize Crossword, ASLEF’s 23 under the DfT and the top ten all work in the rail Legal Services and Change of Address industry. Actually 36 of the top 50 report to Chris Cover shot at Lime Street station and Grayling. Obviously it is not performance related, conference photos by Nigel Goldsmith and people are being paid for failure, not success. When are the shadowy Tax Payers’ Alliance going to speak out about this? The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: Charles Horton is, belatedly, falling on his sword. ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN I still have not met him – and hope now never to do Tel: 020 7324 2400 l email: [email protected] 22 website: www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: @ASLEFUnion so – but, no doubt, he will appear back in our industry at a future date somewhere else. To end on a happy note, congratulations to Tosh EDitOR Mick Whelan l DESiGNER Michael Cronin l PRiNtER College Hill Press, London, SW19 4HE on his council election win. Well done, mate! ADvERtiSiNG ASLEF Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 020 7324 2407 or [email protected] l clASSifiED ADS [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a Yours fraternally display or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of that product or service by ASLEF Mick Whelan, general secretary chANGE Of ADDRESS Please post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News

Exposed – Whitehall scandal of top paid officials rewarded for failure by the DfT

RANSPORT Secretary Chris Grayling – In fact, roles that report to Failing Grayling dubbed Failing Grayling by fed-up account for 36 of the top 50 salaries on the list. T cabinet colleagues – is under David Peattie, chief executive of the Nuclear pressure to resign after it was revealed that 16 Decommissioning Authority, who gets of Britain’s 20 highest paid civil servants and £370,000, is the highest-paid non-DfT senior officials operate under the Department Whitehall wallah on the list. for Transport – and the top ten all work in the Prime Minister Theresa May earns £150,000 rail industry. while Jeremy Heywood, the country’s top civil That’s right. The men responsible for the servant, as cabinet secretary and head of the mistakes, failures and chaos on Britain’s civil service, earns £200,000. Mick and Andy – ‘time for a taxi Mr Grayling’ railways are the best-paid officials in Britain. GS Mick Whelan said: ‘These figures will The revelation, which comes hot on the heels shock many people. It’s not just the scale of TWEETS OF THE MONTH of the uproar over the award of CBEs ‘for the rewards from the public purse – which failure’ to Mark Carne and Ian Prosser, is dwarf what most hard-working men and Well done, Thameslink. Amazing another serious embarrassment for Chris women earn each year – it’s the fact that they start. All trains cancelled. Grayling. are being paid over the odds for failure, rather Chris Howe Figures for senior civil service salaries than success.’ published by the cabinet office show that Andy McDonald, Shadow Transport Well done @northernassist the 1st Carne, the outgoing chief executive of Secretary, said: ‘This government’s train on the new improved Network Rail, is paid a whopping £750,000 a catastrophic rail policy is threatening the very timetable is late. I am truly in awe at year – £600,000 more than the Prime Minister integrity of the rail industry as well as future your ineptness. – while Mark Thurston, chief executive of High funding and growth. Following the news that Mark Williams Speed 2, takes home £600,000 and Francesco so many of the highest paid civil servants Paonessa, managing director, NR, picks up work directly in rail, taxpayers and passengers 83 MPs demand Northern is stripped £485,000. will rightly ask if they are getting what they of its rail franchise ‘The privatised Philip Hufton, managing director, England pay for.’ rail franchise system is not fit for purpose. & Wales, NR, gets £480,000; Graham Hopkins, The vast majority of the travelling public group safety, technical and engineering would welcome a radical solution to this director, NR, £475,000; Steve Allen, chief QUOTE… systemic failure and a return to public financial officer, HS2, £420,000; Jim Crawford, ‘I got a phone call saying, “Hello, I’m a ownership.’ phase one managing director, HS2, £405,000; journalist from The Sun .” I said, you can Grahame Morris Jeremy Westlake, chief financial officer, NR, be one or the other but you can’t be £390,000; David Waboso, managing director, both.’ – John McDonnell Since 2010 we’ve invested in our NHS digital railway, NR, £385,000; and Peter Hendy, …UNQUOTE meaning there are 14,900 more NR chair, £380,000. doctors. 13,200 more nurses on our wards. Conservatives @Conservatives Councillor Oh, Go(via) Horton, go I have to admire your brass neck, charles horton, chief executive officer of Govia thameslink Tosh chaps. Since 2010: 1. You’ve culled Railway, has been forced out of his job. the Go-Ahead Group 15k hospital beds 2. You’ve created worst announced on friday 15 June that horton ‘has tendered his 4 hour A&E waits since records began 3. resignation’ but insiders say he was told to fall on his sword You axed the nursing bursary 4. You ‘went after a litany of failures, mistakes and desperately poor nuclear’ with junior drs 5. You mean we’re decisions made on his watch. 40k nurses short 6. And 10k doctors. Rachel Clarke @doctor_oxford

Passenger numbers and Workers may have to choose tosh – elected between being replaced by a robot season tickets plummet EC president Tosh or being treated like one. New figures published by the Office of Rail and Road reveal McDonald was elected The Economist that passenger numbers fell by 1.7 billion in the 2017-18 to Doncaster financial year – the sharpest decline since privatisation – while metropolitan borough There may be better choices. season ticket sales plummeted 9.2%. Soaring fares, council as the Labour Finn Brennan overcrowding, delays, cancellations and ‘the greed of the Party candidate for the privatised train companies’ have been blamed by passengers. town ward on 14 June. Winning recognition in #Ryanair Tosh polled 1,084 votes, shows we can win anywhere. Who’s way ahead of the next? Our hip, hot and happening new red Yorkshire Party (570); Paul Nowak baseball cap – modelled here by DO6 Greens (294); Tories Dicky fisher – will keep the sun out of your (260); Lib Dems (66) and Gateshead & Newcastle visiting the eyes. £5 (inc p&p); email [email protected] an Independent (43). @ASLEFunion AAD in Liverpool for 3 or visit our online shop at Tosh increased Labour’s days of education and Guinness. www.aslef.org.uk share of the vote by Gary Arrowsmith 7.7% to 46.8%.

4 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018 News

importance of freight Fierce the beacon’s on rail, not only in Wales, but in the Off the Rails light is flaming whole of the UK; infrastructure in MATTHEW ENGEL , the author, broadcaster, Wales, including the WAYNE HURLOW of Carmarthen and former Wisden editor, who lives in the proposed Cardiff area branch reports from the Wales Trades Welsh Marches, waspishly observes: metro system; and, as Union Congress in Llandudno ‘Hereford is still served by a few direct daily ASLEF reps, we took trains to London, all slow enough in the WAS to 24 May with the opportunity to timetable, but worse in reality. It is quicker, but dearer, to fortunate to District 7 Organiser support the Save Our divert via Wales. Great Western is introducing the long- I attend this Brian Corbett. We had Steel campaign. awaited InterCity Expresses, designed for the forthcoming year’s Wales TUC in the opportunity to Interaction with electric age, which began in the south-east 135 years ago Llandudno from 22 talk about the members from other (and will reach Hereford c AD3000). The new trains have unions in Wales rock hard seats with a discomfort level not seen in the west showed a great since the 1840s, when Brunel conveyed third class strength and passengers in open-top wagons. Even first class is crap. camaraderie that was Govia Thameslink, which has pulled a similar trick with its encouraging. new trains, claimed it was all about health and safety, foam padding being flammable. The Rail Safety and Standards Board denied this. A Great Western guard told me the real QUOTE… reason was that if coffee gets spilt on these seats a ‘Long is the way replacement cover costs under a tenner.’ and hard, that out of Hell leads TOM WOLFE , who died in May, was famous up to light.’ – for his books – such as The Kandy-Kolored John Milton , Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby , The Electric Paradise Lost , Kool-Aid Acid Test , and The Right Stuff – for his Book II, lines novels – The Bonfire of the Vanities and I Am 432-433 Charlotte Simmons – for coining the term ASlEf shows solidarity with community, the …UNQUOTE ‘radical chic’, and for his pale linen suits, hats, spats, and old iron & Steel trades confederation whole Southern gentleman shtick (he was born and brought up in Richmond, Virginia, where his father was CONFERENCES & RALLIES editor of the Southern Planter ). He was, with Norman Mailer The Durham Miners’ Gala , main and Hunter S Thompson, a pioneer of the New Journalism, I am woman assembly point in the city centre but more right-wing than many of the people in whose circles he mixed. After telling dinner party guests in 2004 ASlEf gained 236 Market Place, is on Saturday 14 that he was backing George W Bush, the incumbent members (net) in 2017. July. The tolpuddle Martyrs’ Republican, against the Democrat, John Kerry, in the More than that joined us festival , near Dorchester, is from upcoming presidential election, Wolfe recalled dryly that but, of course, others Friday 20 to Sunday 22 July. The the reaction in the room was as if he had said, ‘I forgot to tell retired from the railway, 150th trades Union congress is you – I’m a child molester.’ and that’s the net figure. at the Manchester Central Of those new members, convention complex from Sunday HUGH GRANT , who still makes the hearts of 97 were women. ‘Given 9 to Wednesday 12 September. women of a certain age beat a little faster, that only 6% of train The labour Party conference is delivered a wicked Russell T Davies line in A drivers in Britain are at the Arena & Convention Centre Very English Scandal , BBC1’s version of the women, that’s a in Liverpool from Sunday 23 to Jeremy Thorpe and Norman Scott affair, with remarkably encouraging Wednesday 26 September. The his usual panache. Grant, as Thorpe, in the bedroom with figure,’ said GS Mick StUc women’s conference is at Ben Whishaw, playing Scott, manfully barks the instruction, Whelan. ASlEf now has the Caird Hall, Dundee, from ‘Just hop on to all fours, there’s a good chap – that always 19,784 active members. Monday 29 to Tuesday 30 October. works best, don’t you think?’ SEYMOUR HERSH , the veteran American 500 clUB: K Cristie with number 83 won the June draw scooping the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative RMS prize money jackpot of £390. journalist, who broke the story about the My Lai massacre, and cover-up, and has just published Reporter: A Memoir (Allen Our new ASlEf mug Lane, £20), has three projects to finish: ‘Cheney; Hilary; and has images from the Pakistan has over 100 nuclear bombs. And they are Mick Jones triptych completely out of control. How is this not the most pressing in reception at head foreign policy issue of our time?’ office. there are four versions – three have GAVIN JACOBSON notes in the New Statesman : an image on one side ‘North Korea, under first the Great Leader, Kim and the ASlEf logo on the other; the fourth has Il-sung; then the Dear Leader, Kim Jong-il; and all three images. £6 each (inc p&p) or £15 for a now the Great Successor, Kim Jong-un, is the set of three; email [email protected] or visit our world’s first communist monarchy.’ online shop at www.aslef.org.uk

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News

Lilian turns spotlight on TOCs’ timetable chaos Champagne HE House of Commons Select supernova Committee on Transport is to launch T an inquiry into the fiasco of the new railway timetables introduced on 20 May. Lilian Greenwood, committee chair, Labour MP for Nottingham South, and a former Shadow Transport Secretary, said: ‘Passengers continue to suffer from terrible disruption to tPE’s Nova 1 at Southampton docks their train services, particularly on Northern and GTR services. My committee is launching lilian Greenwood with Mick Whelan at our The first of TransPennine Express’s an inquiry into the timetable change; we will parliamentary reception at Westminster 19 new 140mph Nova 1 trains, built begin by questioning Northern, GTR and by Hitachi and leased from Angel Network Rail but plan to take further evidence, happening again. Trains, arrived in Britain on 11 June including from the Department for Transport, ‘The Secretary of State has said there have after a two month journey from so that we properly understand why the been “major failures” – we want to unpick this Japan, crossing the Pacific and then, introduction of the new timetable has gone so mess and understand how it can be prevented after passing through the Panama badly wrong, what is being done to put it right from occurring in December, when another Canal, the Atlantic Ocean. and the steps needed to prevent this timetable change is due.’

Heil Hunt! QUOTE… ‘Donald Trump has grown tired of Theresa May’s “school mistress” tone, This Conservative rally looks the president’s allies have told the uncomfortably close to those Telegraph as it emerged the pair will not extraordinary shows their right- hold formal talks in Canada.’ – Ben wing German friends put on at Riley-Smith , US editor of the Daily Nuremberg in the 1930s. Telegraph Especially when you realise that …UNQUOTE Jeremy Hunt appears to be giving the leader acclaims his a straight arm salute, rather than a stormtroopers (above) with a traditional English wave. EC5 flying right arm while Howard Kaye, who doubled howard ducks (right) Buskers sing praises of Labour’s share of the vote when he stood against the Health Nazi salute,’ said Howard. ‘But with contactless payment Secretary in South West Surrey in his trenchant right-wing views, Buskers on London Underground and main 2015, gives him the benefit of the and his ambition to replace line stations will accept contactless card doubt. ‘I’m sure it’s his idea of a Theresa May, he needs to be a payments in the world’s first such scheme. triumphal wave, not the infamous little more careful…’ Under the Busk in London initiative between London Mayor Sadiq Khan and techco iZettle performers will get a reader allowing them to STRONG UNIONS MEAN INCOME EQUALITY set a fixed donation they will be able to accept A fall in trade union membership since Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister from a contactless card, wearable technology, in 1979 has resulted in an increase in income inequality, according to a new study by or a chip and pin card. the Institute for Public Policy Research. Union membership more than doubled between 1937 and 1979, while the share of income going to the top 1% fell by two- Carne gets a gong thirds. Between 1979 and 2014 though, when union membership halved, the share of the wealth that went to the top 1% rocketed by 134%. Mark Carne, the outgoing boss of Network Rail, picked up a CBE ‘for service to the rail ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL AT TAFF’S WELL industry’ in the Queen’s birthday honours list. The Welsh government has announced a new £100 million train depot at Taff’s Well as ‘If you don’t take your bonus because the part of plans for the South Wales Metro. The Transport for Wales depot will be the base organisation you run serially fails to deliver, for 400 train crew, 35 maintenance workers, and 52 in the control centre, as well as you get rewarded anyway?’ said GS Mick housing 36 trains for the Taff Vale lines. Whelan. ‘How else can Mark Carne’s CBE be regarded? Or is it for what he has tried to do VTEC SORRY FOR RACIAL TICKET CHECK despite the ineptitude of this government?’ Virgin Trains has apologised to Olympic medal-winning gymnast Louis Smith after he and another black passenger were singled out for a ‘racially targeted’ ticket inspection the water of life tastes while sitting in first class. better in an ASlEf crystal whisky tumbler! Price £8 SCOTS TO REVIEW MINERS’ STRIKE POLICE (inc p&p); email An independent review, led by John Scott QC, is to examine the impact of policing on [email protected] or visit our online communities in Scotland during the bitter miners’ strike of 1984-85. shop at www.aslef.org.uk

6 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018 News

Rail; and Northern John Metcalfe joins EC Rail, which does not I read the news John Metcalfe, a Northern Rail driver, and employ enough member of Carlisle branch, has been elected as drivers to deliver the executive committee member for District 3, service it promised, in today, oh boy replacing Andy Hourigan, who is now District 3 its franchise Organiser after Colin Smith retired in May. application, to ICK Bradford Telegraph & Five candidates stood for the position – deliver; and which WHELAN Argus , and Gary Boyle, Manchester Piccadilly No 1; Darran started training M has written Huddersfield Brown, Preston; Pete Cashman, Birkenhead; drivers – giving to 25 newspapers in Examiner , called on James Glew, Buxton & Peak Forest; and John drivers the route the north of England the Prime Minister to Metcalfe. knowledge they which joined forces intervene and ‘get a John polled 456 votes and Pete 405 in the need – far too late. to complain about grip’. GS Mick Whelan run-off between the top two candidates. ‘It makes a the chaos on The GS wrote: ‘I Turnout was 39%. mockery of the idea compared with Northern Rail, the support your call for He took his seat around the EC table at head of a Northern £4,155). inept way in which the Prime Minister to office for the first time on Tuesday 12 June. Powerhouse. The lack ‘As train drivers, the privatised TOC “get a grip” on the of investment in rail and as a progressive introduced its new chaos caused to in the north is an trade union, we Rail privatisation has failed timetables, without passengers by the utter disgrace; the believe in a modern proper preparation new timetable A poll for The Independent has revealed that six north receives £2,555 railway, fit for or planning, and the introduced by out of ten people believe the privatisation of less per person than passengers, and staff, multiple failures of Northern Rail. The Britain’s railways has been a failure and the London in rail to help build a better Transport Secretary truth is that Theresa industry should be renationalised. ‘An investment each year Britain in the 21st Chris Grayling. May and the overwhelming majority of the public would (£1,600 per person century.’ The papers – Transport Secretary, support renationalising the railways amid including the Chris Grayling, are cancellations, delays and complaints of poor Yorkshire Post , badly letting down QUOTE… service from private rail operators,’ reported Sheffield Star , passengers in the ‘Trains with square wheels would be Lizzy Buchan, the paper’s political Lancashire Evening north of England. more useful than useless Transport correspondent. Research, by BMG, published in Post , Northern Echo , ‘The fault lies with Secretary Chris “Failing” Grayling.’ – June, found that 64% of voters would support Manchester Evening Mr Grayling; the Kevin Maguire , Daily Mirror bringing the railways back into public News , Liverpool Echo , Department for …UNQUOTE ownership, while only 15% thought Newcastle Journal , Transport; Network privatisation had been a success.

SNOUTS IN TROUGH Accountants and lawyers will earn £70 million from the collapse of Carillion, according to the National Audit Office. PricewaterhouseCoopers, the firm that cocked up the vote at the Oscars last year, pocketed £17 million in fees as Carillion headed for the cliffs; and will trouser a further carry all your stuff – £50 million from managing the insolvency. papers, sandwiches, keys – in style with our PAINT IT BLACK smart new sturdy black The name of ASLEF’s Black & Ethnic Minority ASlEf bag. Price (BEM) representatives’ committee was £17.50 (inc p&p); email changed under rule at AAD to the Black & SILVER BULLET: JR central unveiled its revised Shinkansen [email protected] or Minority Ethnic (BAME) committee. This brings N700S high speed silver bullet train – with its distinctive visit our online shop at it into line with similar committees in the aerodynamic nose – at Mikawa-Anjo station in Japan last www.aslef.org.uk Labour Party, TUC, and other trade unions. month. it should come into service in 2020. What can you get for your new , shiny £1 coin? TBF membership... just £1 a week covers you, your partner and dependent childr en. 0300 333 2000 www.tbf.org.uk

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

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 7

News Naming names Running man

Andy Wakefield, a driver with East Midlands causes pain Trains, who was featured in the Journal in January last year after losing 14 stone in 12 OLLOWING the recent inquest into months, has run his first marathon. This year’s the murder and suicide of a mother London marathon, on Sunday 22 April, was the F and her child on the railway, GS hottest on record, but Andy covered the full Mick Whelan has written, again, to the Chief distance – the 26 miles 385 yards run by Pheidippides from a battlefield near Marathon Coroner, Mark Lucraft, to ask that coroners We say there to Athens in 490BC – in a very creditable 4 sitting at coroner’s courts in England and is no need for hours 58 minutes. Andy, 50, and 5ft 6in, used Wales do not name a train driver involved at the train to weigh 26st. Now he weighs 12st. His waist an inquest if that detail is not substantial driver’s name was 60in; now it’s 34in. His collar was 21; now evidence to the case. to be known Previous lobbying by ASLEF has seen the it’s 14½. Andy, famous on the railway for his guidance issued by the Chief Coroner to our member and his family. magnificent moustache, blamed the biscuits in change so that drivers involved in fatalities ‘We are very much of the opinion that if the LCC office for piling on the pounds, and on the railway need not attend court in the identity of a train driver does not form a praised Slimming World for helping him get person to give evidence, but can provide substantial part of the evidence in such cases back into shape. written testimony instead. This guidance was it is not necessary for it to be put into the followed but the driver, an ASLEF member, public domain.’ was not informed that the inquest was to be Mick Holder , ASLEF’s h&s dept reconvened. He and his family only found out when the inquest was reported in the national press and he was named, resulting QUOTE… in unnecessary distress. ‘I think the technical term for what is Mick wrote: ‘Whilst we are very pleased happening to Grayling in the Commons that you did not call our member as a right now is a shoeing – some normally witness in this case, the driver was not supportive Tory MPs calling this a ‘disaster’, informed of the commencement of the Labour MPs spitting chips.’ – Laura inquest by any authority and the first he Kuenssberg , political editor, BBC News knew about it was when his name appeared …UNQUOTE Andy deep in thought as the Nottingham in the media. This has caused much distress delegate at AAD in liverpool in June

Banner man held the banner high The train not SLEF activists joined members of the Labour standing A Party and many other trade unions in Sir Nigel Gresley Square, Doncaster, on International Workers’ Day for the first May Day march in Donny for more than a quarter of a century! ‘he was 10 The theme was 70 years of the feet tall and National Health Service and a he touched protest against the underfunding the sky’ – and creeping privatisation – of this Conservative government. As you can see, the march was led by ASLEF’s Doncaster branch banner. Maskell, Labour MP for York and Johnny Red tweeted: ‘Great to In the afternoon everyone Shadow Rail Minister; Len have the Doncaster @ASLEFunion This picture, taken by Chris assembled at the Trades & Labour McCluskey, general secretary, banner out on the first May Day Proctor, once of this parish, Club for a rally hosted by ASLEF’s Unite; and Councillor Lani Ball event in Doncaster for a quarter of at Gospel Oak, with the president, Tosh McDonald. from Doncaster Central CLP. a century with ASLEF stalwart and display board announcing, Speakers included Rachael The day was a total success. fireman of the Flying Scotsman to an empty platform, Dave Court. ‘Please stand clear, this train ‘Thanks to @McDonaldTosh for is ready to depart’ raised Our new topical tee-shirt, designed by those compering the rally superbly.’ smiles at head office… hoxton hipsters at Philosophy football, David Court , RMS features Rik Mayall as the obnoxious anarchist Rick in The Young Ones , and this HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING classic exchange: ‘he threw us off the train All District 3 safety reps are invited to the annual training day at the because you said ASlEf was an anagram for People’s History Museum in Manchester on Tuesday 9 October. “total and complete bastard”.’ ‘And apart from everything Speakers include GS Mick Whelan and there are workshops on fatality else… it isn’t, even.’ £10 (inc p&p); email [email protected] or prevention and mental health. Details from DO3 Andy Hourigan visit our online shop at www.aslef.org.uk ([email protected]) or health and safety rep Alan Moss ([email protected]).

8 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018

AAD All together now

SLEF’s annual assembly of delegates – our A annual conference – was held at the Marriott Hotel, Liverpool, from Monday 21 to Friday 25 May. AAD is ASLEF’s policy-making parliament, and the foundation stone of our democratic structure. ‘This is the week when we turn daily basis, and is often subject to our trade union over to members the vagaries of changing circumstances or what can be to evaluate what we have done, QUOTE… where we are, and what we want moved forward through ‘Politically, we to do in the future; to assess and negotiation.’ punch above our discuss and evolve policy based EC president Tosh McDonald weight. Now we on items sent in from branches,’ said: ‘AAD is ASLEF’s most need to get an said GS Mick Whelan. important body. You make the ASLEF member ‘This AAD will define our policy that we carry out.’ into Parliament.’ attitudes and our policy; what it Every branch has the right to – EC5 Howard cannot do is dictate strategy. That propose a motion and the chance Delegates in the Merchants’ Room of the Marriott Kaye will always lie with the lead to send a delegate to the forum hotel, a short walk from liverpool lime Street officers and, when the machinery where, each year, we establish our …UNQUOTE station. conference photos by Jon Parker lee is exhausted, the executive priorities and make plans for the committee, who apply policy on a year ahead. Fringe benefits

The fool on the hill n ASLEF’s Merseyside branches, and the new district officer, Andy Hourigan, hosted Peter Dowd, Labour MP for Bootle, and a man an evening upstairs at the Ship & Mitre on born and brought up on Merseyside, opened Dale Street on Tuesday night where GS Mick AAD and welcomed delegates to Liverpool Whelan paid (another) handsome tribute to with a sparkling speech that stuck it to the Colin Smith, who retired in May after 20 Tories. ‘Welcome to Meltdown Monday! years as District 3 Organiser. Although I have to say that, with this government, every day is a meltdown day. It’s A gala evening, in aid of the Albert chaotic, this government, at Westminster. n Mick Whelan thanks Peter for opening AAD Because they don’t know what they’re doing. Kennedy Trust, which works to support Especially Chris Grayling, who is particularly turns gold into base metal! First he buggers up young LGBT people facing homelessness, useless, and has the opposite of the Midas Culture Media & Sport; then he buggers up was held at the Bistro at the Bluecoat in touch. Alchemists in the 17th century tried to Justice; then, he thinks, why not go over to School Lane on Wednesday night. turn base metal into gold; but Failing Grayling Transport and bugger that up as well!’ n The Mind the Gag! campaign held a training session for delegates in the Hornby You never give me your money IN THE CHAIR room at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday Two candidates – lunchtime. AAD donated £1,000 to the Morning Star on Monday morning. Cliff Darran Brown, Holloway, Euston, said: ‘Working people, and trade unions, come Preston, and David under attack every day in most of the papers. But the Morning Star , Dobson, Leeds – RUNNING ORDER six days a week, gives us a voice.’ Mick Byrne, Bletchley, added: ‘It’s stood for AAD chair. The arrangements committee for AAD, which the paper of the left. Look at this morning’s paper. There’s an Darran was elected. met at head office on 23 and 24 April, and in article by Mick Whelan on the centre pages.’ And Tosh McDonald Then Daniel Liverpool on 20 May, comprised Mark said: ‘I should declare an interest. I have a share in the People’s Masrani, Cardiff, was Wakenshaw, Gateshead & Newcastle, chair; Rob Press and I’m on the management committee. The dividend you get elected vice-chair O’Connell, Northern Line North, secretary; Jim every year is not a wodge of money; it’s an education. Every day.’ over Bro Dobson. Baxter, Motherwell; and EC5 Howard Kaye.

10 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018 AAD

You say you Off the AAD Rails want a LUCIO BUFFONE , Paddington, coined the word ‘hypothecate’ – from the Medieval Latin hypothecat , first used in English, revolution according to the Oxford English Dictionary , in the early 17th century, and meaning to pledge money for a specific purpose OSH McDONALD urged – in a debate about a Tory proposal to raise funds for the NHS MPs to get behind Labour – a hypothecated tax – which promptly became delegates’ T Party leader Jeremy favourite word of the week. Corbyn in a barnstorming speech on Monday morning. He was And TIM VAN TINTEREN , Sheffield, came up with the line – ‘I making his last address to won’t die in the ditch for it’ – which, for one motion or conference as president as he steps amendment or another, quickly became AAD’s quote of the down from the EC at the end of this Ec president tosh McDonald: ‘We conference. With due attribution to Tim every time. year and retires from the railway all want to change the world’ shortly afterwards. Tosh told shadow cabinet – I have ever seen. JIM WALSH , Glasgow, brought the house down on Tuesday delegates: Under Labour, with Corbyn & morning when, looking at the traffic light system on the ‘It’s been a busy and challenging company, we will bring the railways rostrum, which moves from green to amber to red to tell year but then every one of the 14 back into public ownership. And we speakers when their time is up, he muttered, ‘I’m taking up years I’ve been on the EC has been will enshrine, in law, the rights of where I finished last night,’ and then, as the amber warning busy and challenging. I started on the workers. That’s why the whole light flashed, growled, as only a former Taggart actor can, the railway in 1979, just a month party needs to get behind the party stared at the chair, and dared him, ‘Go on, press it…’ after Thatcher was elected – I hated – and the manifesto on which we her then and I still hate her today – fought the last election – and if Panto time for EC5 HOWARD KAYE , speaking from the then we had Major, who privatised there are some who can’t, then they podium on Wednesday afternoon about the political report. the railway, and I disliked him should, as Len McCluskey said the ‘For my sins,’ he confessed, ‘my MP is Jeremy Hunt.’ Cue boos intensely, too, then Cameron and other day, shove it where the sun around the room. ‘He’s worse than that,’ snarled Howard. So now May and they are all the same, don’t shine.’ delegates booed again – much louder, this time. they are there to do us in. The Tory He added: ‘ASLEF is doing today Party is the most successful class- what this union has been doing CLIFF HOLLOWAY , Euston, was typically dry during a based political party in history. They since it was formed, in Leeds, in discussion about social media. ‘Being ex-British Rail I use look after the bosses. They are not 1880. Fighting for our members’ parchment, and a quill pen, and had to be dragged, kicking there to represent us.’ terms and conditions. Fighting for and screaming, into the 21st century.’ Turning his attention to Labour, our members’ jobs. And fighting for to which ASLEF is affiliated, Tosh our members’ pensions. It’s what DELEGATES were surprised to find, next to the Holy Bible said: ‘For a long while we had a we’ve been doing for 138 years.’ placed by the bed by Gideons International of Lutterworth, party that didn’t look after us. It got Tosh bitterly attacked DB Cargo. Leicestershire, a copy of The Book of Mormon – ‘another lost. But this is the best cabinet – or ‘The Tories doubled the tax on coal testament of Jesus Christ’ – courtesy of the Church of Jesus and we told them what would Christ of Latterday Saints of Salt Lake City, Utah. Testament to happen. But the company took no the power of a Broadway – and West End – musical, too. QUOTE… notice. They kept selling off land to ‘The DUP are a disgrace. balance the books. Management A NOTICE on the towel rail in each bathroom told delegates: Bigots living in the Dark was just papering over the cracks.’ ‘Like we care for you, we care for our planet. Please help us Ages, propping up this Tory And he signed off, to a standing help the environment by hanging your towels for future use.’ government.’ – Jim Walsh , ovation, after his valedictory Which translates as, ‘Help us make more money by cutting Glasgow address, with a rallying call for costs and persuading you to use dirty towels each day.’ …UNQUOTE members to ‘build a better world, for the many, not the few.’ After JEREMY MURFIN , Machynlleth, a noted contributor to proceedings, began by saying, on Thursday, ‘I wasn’t going to NOWHERE MAN get up [to the rostrum] this morning,’ laughter filled the room, After poignant contributions from Rab Wicksted, Edinburgh No 2; and a voice at the top table said, ‘It’s West Brompton’s relief!’ James Patton, Polmadie; Daniel Jaszczak, Newton Heath; Darran Brown, Preston; Angie Geddes-Smith, Birmingham New Street; and GS MICK WHELAN rocked the room at roll call when one Daniel Masrani, Cardiff; AAD voted to donate £2,000 to the Albert delegate failed to respond with a clear and simple ‘Yes’ or Kennedy Trust. A lunchtime collection – Dan held the bucket and ‘Here’. ‘If you raise your hand, Morden, I can’t hear you…’ demanded notes not coins – raised a further £1,345.

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 11 AAD

benefits than in any element is to other country in reintroduce collective The long and Europe. This didn’t bargaining on an come about by industry by industry accident, but by basis. This may seem winding road design, and one way like pie in the sky but in was to alter the Austria it is 98% and in OHN HENDY at the last general protection of workers Scandinavia well over QC set out election. under the law at work. 70%. I believe we can J what life at ‘We are now trying In 1979 82% of British do these things. We work would be like – to refine this, so there workers were governed need a Collective with sectoral collective will be a programme by a collective Bargaining Act. bargaining – under a for labour law that they agreement. That is now ‘In the care sector, Labour government. can introduce at short John, holding a copy of the iER manifesto, 20%. Most workers are and for agricultural John, a leading notice when they are spells out what collective bargaining could now at the whim of the workers, we are going employment barrister, elected. There are two mean under the next labour government employer, without the to have to set up head of Old Square key proposals – the first benefits of a collective something new. This is Chambers, and chair of is the introduction of a But in other industries working people has agreement. not a present we are the Institute of Ministry of Labour and – such as the care been degraded to the ‘If we are to create a offering the trade Employments Rights, the second is the sector – this is position of serfs – new society then a key union movement, it is a was speaking to AAD reintroduction of desperately needed. subservient to on Tuesday afternoon. compulsory collective Because there are management. He said: ‘In 2016 the bargaining between carers driving in their Managers have a right LIVERPOOL: A CITY BUILT O IER published A employers and unions own time, in their own to manage but that Liverpool was a city built, in the 18th century, Manifesto for Labour on an industry-wide car, to spend 15 doesn’t mean workers Bristol and London to become, as the Internat Law , which sets out basis. minutes being paid. are chattels. Workers Maritime Museum on Albert Dock, admits in it how employment law ‘You’ve got They are not organised, have a right to have a transatlantic slave trade’. William Matthews, w could be under a comprehensive there is no collective say. Liverpool, in their indiscriminate rage for com progressive Labour collective bargaining bargaining, and we ‘People in Britain nearly engrossed the trade.’ More than 1.5 mil government. Many of and that determines need to change that. now work longer than cargo, on ships owned by Liverpool’s merchan our proposals found pay, terms and ‘Since Margaret any other workers in remember that we were sold, but not that we their way into For the conditions on the Thatcher came to Europe. A higher slave, in 1937. ‘They will remember that we we Many, Not the Few , the railway, fragmented power in 1979 the proportion in Britain Labour Party manifesto and privatised as it is. status of 39 million are subsidised by state support staff and your children, and putting the whole notion of a Too much monkey business public service system at risk. Public voices – like local councillors – have EVIN COURTNEY, joint working-class women working been reduced while private voices, K general secretary of the longer for less. That’s what increasingly influential, have private new National Education privatisation means. It’s not big, it’s interests. And they pay themselves Union, brought solidarity greetings not clever, it’s just bullying. And more than the prime minister! from teachers to what he described your union, ASLEF, shows that There’s a bit of corruption, too, as as ‘one of our proudest craft trade resistance can win. they use other companies because unions, fighting for a decent public ‘Privatisation is now hitting they own an IT company and a service on the railway.’ education – most supply teachers, school services company. It’s Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, in this country, are now privatised. corruption! Private influence, he said: ‘Trade union density for The supply agency charges a school private voices, private interests. young workers, in the private £140 a day and they keep £40 of ‘And we need to deal with the sector, is as low as 6%. When you that. All they’ve done is make a threat of creeping casualisation. We consider that, in some sectors, like phone call, that’s all, and they take a need to get a government to put the railway, you are so well huge percentage! And because of these things right. We’re not an organised, that is very worrying. the fantasy that the supply teacher affiliated union, like ASLEF, but Because if we let trade unionism is a self-employed company, they we’re excited by what Labour is disappear elsewhere, they will get no holiday pay or protection. proposing. Because we’re all in it come for us as well. Kevin courtney: ‘Privatisation ‘Academisation is the together, as George Osborne said, ‘We have suffered wave after means getting working-class privatisation of education, and is but never meant. Facing the threats wave of attacks on trade unionism women to work longer for less’ directly affecting teachers and of privatisation. Solidarity to ASLEF!’ since Margaret Thatcher and the deindustrialisation of Britain. I come from south Wales and I’ve seen it, first hand, in the land of my fathers. My mam, in Pontypridd, was a school dinner lady, and one of the first to be privatised. Remember, the private sector doesn’t have some genius way of doing things that we have never thought of; it’s about getting

12 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018 AAD major task. It will set New Deal, business minimum levels for an needs people to whom industry. In well- to sell its goods and Ticket to ride organised workplaces services. And it ONNIE DRAPER, general secretary of the unions will be able prevents undercutting the Bakers, Food & Allied Workers’ to force a higher deal by the importing of R Union, told delegates on Tuesday than the minimum. cheap labour – one of morning that strikes work – and that’s why the ‘We understand the the reasons that has Tories have tried so hard to make it so difficult for benefits for sectoral fanned problems in workers in this country to go on strike. collective bargaining – certain areas of this He said: ‘People say strikes don’t work. I don’t collective bargaining country. believe that. Four years ago we had the Hovis Bakers’ union GS Ronnie Draper: ‘Strikes work’ leads to higher wages. ‘Collective strike in Wigan. The company rang me and said, But why will employers bargaining increases “You’ve got to call it off, it’s illegal. We’ll come what workers can achieve when they organise. agree? the power of the after you and sequestrate your funds.” ‘The members I represent will struggle to get ‘Well, one good worker – and ‘Well, when in 1847 we started we had no a house, and have a holiday, because of the poor reason – higher wages diminishes inequality – funds. “We’ll come after you, personally, we’ll wages they are paid. increase demand in in the workplace and take your house.” I said look, mate, join the ‘The answer to these problems lies in a strong the economy and, as inequality is one of the queue. My ex-wife’s after that. And the strike trade union movement which is prepared to take President Roosevelt great blots in British worked. We won. And the Hovis bosses who action. We get castigated for it. But we have said at the time of the society today.’ were responsible have all gone.’ delivered for our members. We need to agitate, Happy, he said, to be ‘returning to my home not capitulate. We need to campaign. To change city, Tory-free Liverpool,’ Ronnie brought our country for the better.’ ON THE BACKS ON SLAVES solidarity greetings from the bakers, ‘a Ronnie has been a loyal member of the campaigning trade union of similar size to ASLEF.’ Labour Party for 45 years – ‘except for three on the back of the slave trade. It overtook ‘Remember the crap Cameron, and now May, weeks when I was suspended.’ tional Slavery Museum, part of the Merseyside said about being the party of working people? ‘Now, for the first time, in Jeremy Corbyn we ts permanent exhibition, ‘the capital of the They’ve given us eight years of austerity and have a leader I can stand side by side with. A writing in 1794, believed: ‘The people of eight years of poverty and a Trade Union Act that Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, who values mmerce and getting money at all events, have hamstrings workers. When I started work, if we workers’ rights. And a manifesto we can support lion Africans were moved, in manacles and as had a problem it was “out brothers, and sisters, which calls for renationalisation of the railways. nt adventurers, to the Americas. ‘They will out.” Now we’ve got to give notice so they can And, while we’re at it, let’s take gas, water, and were strong,’ said William Prescott, a former prepare to take us on. The Tory Party is not, and electricity back, too! ere bought, but not that we were brave.’ never has been, the party of working people. ‘The MPs who oppose Jeremy Corbyn while ‘McDonalds is also proof that strikes work. standing under the Labour banner – people like Workers there now get two weeks’ notice of shift John Woodcock and Jess Phillips – well, if they ‘My love of New York is something to do changes and they got the biggest pay rise in don’t want to support John and Jeremy then with Liverpool,’ said John Lennon. ‘There living memory. They deserve it. Because the man they should piss off. And take Blair and is the same energy in both places.’ who runs this global monster is paid $13.4m Mandelson and Campbell with you. And make year! And the success of the McStrikes shows sure you shut the door after you’ve gone.’

‘That crew of We can work it out Liverpool hard cases had in OWARD PHILIPS, vice-president of full benefits of solidarity. them the right the Rail & Maritime Transport ‘In New Zealand we have a system of PR stuff,’ wrote H Union in New Zealand, greeted and, since 2008, have been governed by a Joseph Conrad delegates on Monday morning with the succession of centre-right coalitions, and in Youth . ‘It’s words: ‘Kia ora tatou katoa! Or, greetings to seen the usual tired litany of right-wing my experience all present, as we say in the Land of the politics – tax cuts for the rich, reduced they always Long White Cloud! spending on public health and education, have. It is the ‘Given that New Zealand’s population is the privatisation of state assets, and attacks howard: ‘Proud history of resistance’ sea that gives around that of Greater Manchester, we on organised labour, and a disregard for it – the have fewer members than you – we hover the ordinary people who try and keep our political strategy, built upon solid vastness, the around 5,000. But, like you, we have a long society from coming completely unglued. organisation. Building organisation, on and loneliness, and proud history of struggle on behalf of ‘Our union has a proud history of off the job, and reaching out to the public, surrounding our members, and the working-class, and, resistance. And our experience has taught is how to keep the bosses and the their dark like you, we can only realise our full power us there is no substitute for vigorous politicians honest, or, at least, keep them stolid souls.’ and potential by educating workers in the campaigning, integrated with a sound less dishonest.’

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 13 AAD

Southern comfort THE YOUNG ONES AAD voted on Monday to turn ASLEF’s Young C PRESIDENT Tosh agreement also gave us the pay Members’ Forum into a McDonald, speaking on rise that had been missing – a full representative E Monday, and reflecting 28.5% pay rise over five years. And committee – like the on the 18 month dispute with I will make no apologies to Women’s Representatives’ Southern Rail, set out ASLEF’s anyone for securing decent pay Committee; the LGBT position on driver only operation. rises and decent terms and committee; the Black & ‘Six days on strike, and a six conditions for our members. Ethnic Minority month overtime ban, brought ‘The things a sister trade union committee; and the Southern back to the table where said, well, it’s a nonsense. They Retired Members’ Section we hammered out a deal. Our made dreadful attacks on our – ‘to ensure the next members, on a high turnout, general secretary. We kept a generation of ASLEF reps voted overwhelmingly yes to that dignified silence. Our enemy is and activists are able to deal. We secured a second safety- the DfT, and GTR, our enemy is tosh: ‘A resolution to a dispute, play as full a part in the critical person on every train, not another union. not a template for the industry’ work of our union as except in exceptional ‘That deal was a resolution to a possible.’ circumstances; and there are dispute, not a template for the QUOTE… On Tuesday AAD voted fewer exceptional circumstances industry. ASLEF is opposed to l ‘The personal is political.’ – to change the name of than when there were guards, as DOO. We will honour existing Jeremy Murfin , the LGBT committee to they were called. We reinstated agreements. Because we don’t Machynlleth the LGBT+ committee. the terms and conditions of our break agreements. But we will …UNQUOTE members on Southern. The seek to change them.’

EIGHT DAYS A WEEK We can work it out Tony Holloway, Waterloo Nine Elms, speaking during a debate about rest day working on Monday, said: ‘Rest day working is for recruitment, not to run the Phil Clark, a partner of Moore Stephens, presented the service. Have we got the right establishments at the depots? Get the depots auditor’s report on Monday morning. ‘There are, by my full to the brim to run the services to get our days off. reckoning, two fundamental pillars of a successful ‘The GS is right to have an ambition to create work, especially when this organisation. One is reputation – which, ultimately, crap government, like the mill owners, puts people out of work. We have encourages members to join and stay – and the other is gone from 13,000 members to 19,700. Because we took control of the supply financial sustainability. Income, in total, was £6,686,625 – of labour. We should say we will voluntarily work rest days, when you are an increase of £354,691 or 4.45% on last year. A positive recruiting, we will give you the necessary tools to do what you need to do.’ result for the union. And it is worth noting that, back in Tam McKendrick, Grangemouth, added: ‘DBC has been begging drivers 2009, the union’s income was £4.6 million so now it is £2 who’ve left to come back. “We crapped all over you, now come back, so we million higher than it was back then! can crap all over you again!” There may be a few Tory MPs who like that sort ‘The key element, of course, is membership. In 2017 of thing, but…’ contributions totalled £6,324,990 – an increase of £337,938 Lucio Buffone, Paddington, said: ‘The freight industry is in trouble not or 5.64% on 2016. In terms of other income, rents have because we work rest days but because of diabolical decisions by the DfT.’ remained strong as the union’s property in St John Street is fully let. WE DON’T NEED NO EDUCATION ‘The accounts show the union in very good financial Julie Clegg, Manchester Piccadilly No 1, speaking in QUOTE… shape. As an auditor I should like ticking boxes and, in terms the education and training debate, said: ‘Education ‘I said at AAD in of the union’s financial sustainability, I am pleased to report is power. We all need to take as much education as Southport some that all the necessary boxes are, indeed, ticked.’ we can. It’s free, all reps should be trained, and the years ago that ASLEF Education programme is second to none.’ there are more HERE COMES THE SUN Bernard Kennedy, Bristol, said: ‘This is one of the black Lesley Critelli, Neasden, speaking about mental health in a debate most important parts of our report. It’s how we train archbishops than about health and safety on the railway on Tuesday, said: ‘A our reps. Nothing is as good as our in-house training black officers of problem shared is a problem halved. I believe in that. Open up and it’s under attack by the Tory government.’ this union.’ – and talk if you have a good friend.’ Alan Horner, Morden, Mark Wakenshaw, Gateshead & Newcastle, David Dobson , confessed that, as a teenager he once tried to commit suicide. added: ‘Our ULRs work tirelessly. Whether it’s basic Leeds Alan paused and added, ‘Obviously, I failed…’ to warm laughter Maths and English courses, or guitar lessons, it gets …UNQUOTE around the room and applause when he left the rostrum. people back into education.’

14 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018 AAD

Union and I strongly advise you not to use our Norwegian wood model. Because we recognise that legislation from the EU is harmful for workers. Some of YSTEIN ASLAKSEN, international the laws – and directives – are very secretary of the Norsk problematic for us.’ O Lokomotivmannsforbund, the Phil Devonport, Ilford, thanked Øystein, Norwegian train drivers’ union, told delegates who retires this year after driving freight since on Wednesday morning ‘many of our fights are 1977, for ‘one of the most enlightening your fights, too.’ His union has 1,600 members, speeches this week’ and Rab Wicksted, and 100% density, across the public and Edinburgh No 2, praised Øystein’s English private sectors in Norway. ‘because it’s hard enough for me to speak ‘We choose to stay as a separate union, English, and I don’t support the SNP!’ representing locomotive drivers, on the main line network – metro drivers belong to the Mick thanks Øystein of the Nlf in Norway municipal union – and we have good world are very interested in listening to your QUOTE… relationships, mostly, with other rail unions. thoughts and hearing the lessons you have ‘Mind the Gag is not to stop banter, but ‘We want to discuss policy with other trade learned. Simon Weller and I were in India to prevent bullying.’ – Julie Clegg , unions because different countries can learn recently and UK experiences are highly valued Manchester Piccadilly No 1 from each other. You have been through the among colleagues. …UNQUOTE privatisation process and people all over the ‘Norway is not a member of the European Mailman, From me to you USAN GRAY, bring me no stakeholder S manager at more blues the Confidential Incident Reporting & OB HAYDEN, New Analysis Service, a not South Wales for profit organisation B locomotive with a brief to improve divisional secretary of the Rail, safety in our industry, Tram & Bus Union in Australia, spoke to delegates on Susan: ‘ciRAS offers told delegates on Wednesday Thursday afternoon. a safety net’ morning how the centre-right ‘At CIRAS we share practices, shift design, government – and train goals with you and rules and procedures – companies – are trying to want to learn how to all of these can be make life difficult, if not work with you more reported to us. We tosh, Brad, Mick, Elliott, Bob and Daniel with a gift from NSW impossible, for trade unions effectively. We’re a don’t take personal to protect workers. up and keep going because the city of my birth.’ safety net, an grievances. ‘Under “fair work”, which is it’s right. And that’s what And Elliott Hackett, a insurance policy, when ‘Some people are anything but fair, they seize we’re going to do.’ fourth generation driver and other systems haven’t sceptical about our phone records and try to Daniel Leece, vice- trade unionist, said: ‘I joined worked. confidentiality but I’ve stop us doing our job. But president of the RTBU loco the union because I believe in ‘When you raise a never felt any concern we’re not giving up. Because division, candidly admitted ‘I the rights of the workers and concern, we do a as we remove any when you get hit, and think I need a liver transplant’ getting good pay and confidential interview, information that could knocked down, you get right after returning to ‘Liverpool, conditions.’ at a time that suits you, identify the reporter make a report, send it and do everything we to the company, can to protect the QUOTE… MONEY RTHAT’S WHAT I WANTS monitor the response, identity of the ‘I want to note the Posters in the liverpool fc store declared, under the and send that as individual – and won’t quality of the Journal banner Believe, ‘to some, it’s just about the eleven on feedback to the person take a case unless we and place on record my the pitch. for us, we’re all in it together.’ Promoting, who reported the can. ‘We’re not about thanks for the work of course, a new and ‘exclusive lfc final range’ of tat concern. We examine undermining they do.’ – Martin for the champions league final against Real Madrid welfare issues, such as relationships; we aim Haylett , Cambridge at the Olimpiyskiy stadium in Kiev. ‘We are liverpool. fatigue and distraction, to provide choice, so I …UNQUOTE this means more.’ Money? equipment, the work hope you see us as a environment, safety tool in your armoury.’

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 15 AAD While my guitar Don’t let me down Paul cutmore, chingford, spoke about staff travel. ‘this item comes up year after year. gently weeps the president, RMS, Euston and, possibly, Bristol may not be back. But i will be! Non- SLEF, under and their right-wing safeguarded members do not receive the general paramilitary allies. same benefits as safeguarded members. BR A secretary It organised the boxes are getting rarer than the Ec1 Mick Rix, set up Justice first shared platform smiling in a photo. “thank you for your for Colombia with the outside Colombia for years of service, now get out of our FBU and the TUC in the two sides – the industry!” is that right? No, it isn’t! When i 2002 to support Colombian retire i’ll have done 34 years on the railway workers in that government and the and i’ll get nothing. Will i be able to get to country in their Nick MacWilliam: ‘Yo te nombro libertad’ FARC rebels – at the the RMS weekend school? i live in london, struggle for basic House of Commons in pressure, led by JfC, extra-judicial killings in an off-peak single to Manchester is £85. human – and trade 2015, a significant step finally secured his 2017, and more than Peak is £120. Edinburgh’s £141 off-peak. union – rights. Nick in the peace process, release in January last 50 in the first three We need dignity. the RDG is denying us MacWilliam, trade and Mariela Kohon, year: ‘Yo te nombro months of this year. this. And it’s a scandal’. unions and JfC’s director, working libertad.’ Implementation of programmes officer at with the UN, is an ‘Despite the peace agreements has been HARD ROAD JfC, brought delegates official adviser at the agreement, there is slow; communities colin thornhill, hoo Junction, in a debate up to speed with the peace talks in Havana. still much work to be promised land haven’t about the plight of the rail freight industry , peace process – and Nick showed a done. We thought got it yet; political said: ‘i enjoy my job but, if i were sitting in a the work that still short film about there would be a prisoners remain in jail nice clean passenger cab, why would i needs to be done – on Huber Ballasteros, a pushback, but this is and agriculture has leave? if a tOc changes, your loco gets a Monday afternoon. member of the far stronger than we been decimated by paint job and you get a new uniform. But JfC has taken more national executive of feared. There were 170 neo-liberal trade deals.’ there’s no security in the freight industry. than 250 trade the Colombian TUC, it’s a hard, hard road we’re going.’ unionists and vice-president of the politicians to agricultural workers’ QUOTE… Colombia – visits union, and a leader of ‘I’m a big fan of social media but I don’t WHEN I’M SIXTYQFOUR which have saved the the Patriotic March, like to be told what to do when I’m on AGS Simon Weller spelt out the problems lives of activists in the who spent three and a the keyboard at 3am having had a facing us on pensions. ‘they’re desperate to country who were half years in prison in skinful of whisky.’ – Mark Wakenshaw , get rid of defined benefit pensions and being picked up and Bogota after being Gateshead & Newcastle move into defined contributions. they summarily executed illegally detained in …UNQUOTE make it sound better. Better for them. Not by government troops 2013. International so good for us.’

The higher you build your QUOTE… ‘It used to be mess room barriers, the taller I become lawyers, now it’s Facebook wankers. At least in the mess room you could debate but AWN BUTLER, Labour MP friends. you cannot debate on for Brent Central, and ‘Those of us who are trade Facebook.’ – Phil D Shadow Secretary of unionists have always known the Devonport , Ilford State for Women and Equalities, value of trade unions. While those Dawn Butler ended on a song, …UNQUOTE told delegates on Thursday who have tried to destroy the Something Inside So Strong by morning: ‘My dad’s first job, like trade union movement have labi Siffre, ‘but i’m not going to most of the Windrush generation, never understood trade unions or sing it, because my voice has was on the railway when he first what they do. gone after Mick kept me out last QUOTE… came here. My cousin works on ‘As a black woman – just in night’ I’d like to thank Bristol for the railway. And when I worked at case you didn’t notice – I was calling me a young member. the GMB I looked after the staff at always told you had to work twice do something really well, no one I wish! I’m 42...’ – Lucio ASLEF – there were no public fall as hard and be twice as good to notices. If you do something Buffone , Paddington outs, just stiff talks behind closed get to where you want to be. wrong, it’s ‘Well, what did you …UNQUOTE doors – so I feel I’m among You’re visible and invisible. If you f**king well expect?’

16 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018 AAD Hello, goodbye

ICK WHELAN, addressing M delegates on Friday, paid moving and heartfelt tributes to five people who were – probably – making their last appearances at an ASLEF AAD. ‘Tosh McDonald has been the voice of reason in the EC Dave, Darran, tosh and room as well as the voice of Mick Whelan and the passion on the platform. He view from the top table has been the heartbeat of our union. The reason he is not here this morning is that he GS Mick Whelan paid A view from the chair felt tears would come to his fulsome tribute to Ec eyes. president tosh McDonald; Darran Brown, Preston, who drives it’s important we have someone on ‘One of the brightest, Ec2 hugh Bradley; former Pendolinos and Voyagers for Virgin the main stage. I felt confident I kindest, most self-effacing DO3 colin Smith; Ray West Coast, has been a railwayman could do the job – until I got up men I have ever known, for 30 Jackson of the RMS and cliff for 21 years, and a driver for 14. ‘I was there! It’s very much more involved years, Hugh Bradley, is leaving holloway of Euston going to be a History teacher but than I ever thought. our industry – as Tosh is – but realised that although I liked history ‘I was quite nervous at first, and a Hugh, having gone up and done for this union. I didn’t like kids, so I got a job as a little unsure, wobbly underfoot. But I down the main line once a ‘Euston – another friend – station announcer at Preston. It was gained confidence, improved, and month for umpteen years, is I’ve known him far too long. just a fill-in job until I found settled in.’ going back to just driving One who comes here and something else, but the railway is a In fact, Darran quickly got into the trains for a while. makes sure conference works. land of opportunity, with so many groove, and delegates praised him ‘Colin Smith – I think he’s Cliff has been a great friend jobs available, and I worked on the as an outstanding chair. had about 27 leaving dos so and a great trade unionist platform, and as a guard for six ‘I want to thank Dave [Calfe] and far – we’ll remember the jobs and we wish him well in his years, before I became a driver. Mick [Whelan] for putting pens in my he’s saved and the people he’s retirement.’ ‘I joined ASLEF because Cliff ribs at times and thank Tosh, a helped and the high regard in Holloway, this big bear of a man, working-class hero, as Mick called which he is held up here in QUOTE… came to the driving school and told him, outstanding president and the north-west by other ‘We don’t want bigots me to! I’d been in the RMT, knew the genuinely nice guy. The delegates, unions and civil society. in our union.’ – Tony importance of being a union on the whole, have been absolutely ‘RMS – I truly hope this is Cashman , West member, and not once have I fantastic. And a whole lot of new not your last conference, but Brompton regretted joining this great trade delegates have spoken for the first if it is, then I truly thank you, …UNQUOTE union.’ time this year.’ Ray, for everything you have Darran, 50, has been branch Any advice for someone thinking secretary, district secretary, is District of doing it next year? ‘Don’t get 3 rep on ASLEF’s LGBT+ committee drunk the night before.’ and stood for the EC when Andy Liverpool 1 Everton 2 Hourigan stood down earlier this year. He was voted in as chair – QUOTE… overwhelmingly in a two-horse race ‘Glad to get up here. This – but why put himself forward? rostrum has the elixir of ‘Because it’s my district and I feel youth. RMS feels ten years younger and Glasgow says Liverpool One is the stylish, new(ish), rather pleased with itself he’s middle-aged. Mind you, shopping centre in the heart of the city (where the postcode, ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN in Glasgow, 27 is middle- for the pun, is Liverpool 1). Liverpool FC, naturally, has a shop in AAD ended, in the traditional aged.’ – Tam McKendrick , the centre. But two doors away, separated only by The Perfume way, on friday with everyone Grangemouth Shop, are those cheeky chappies from the other side of Stanley singing the Red Flag . …UNQUOTE Park, trading under the name Everton Two…

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 17 Branch News

By the banks Upcoming events of the Leam n MARYLEBONE – FRIDAY 5 OCTOBER E were very Branch reunion from 15.30 at the Allsop Arms, 137 Gloucester pleased to Place, Marylebone, NW1 5AL. W welcome EC vice-president Dave n LONGSIGHT – THURSDAY 18 OCTOBER Calfe and Bob Earlam, Reunion at the Navigation Railway BRSA club, next to West Midlands Trains Navigation Road station, from 13.00. Always a great event. company council, to our latest meeting. n FRATTON – FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER Bob spoke about local congratulations Fratton train crew and railway reunion from 12.00 to 18.00 at issues on WMT, Ross (above) and the BRSA Club next to Fratton station. including the new Daljit (right) Leamington- n Please send all your branch news, reports, features and Coventry-Nuneaton resignalling schemes photographs to [email protected] service starting in around the country. December, giving a Dave also presented welcome increase in Ross Cash with gifts work for our depot; from the branch. Ross diagramming and started off at Saltley in Up the junction linking issues; pay and 1974 as a second man, year badge. Thank John Edwards joined British Rail’s new uniform talks; getting his driver’s job you, Bob and Dave, for Parkeston depot in January 1978 new units for 2020; in 1981, transferring to coming, and also our as a traction trainee. He was and driver training. Leamington in 1993, Good Old Boys, retired promoted to driver’s assistant Dave spoke on and retiring at the end section members Phil and, in November 1983, was national issues, of last year after 43 Spice, Ken Mason, Tim passed out by traction inspector including pensions, years’ service. Clifford and Ross Cash Bert Pell. His first driving turn was industrial action on Congratulations and a for your continued a Class 47 light diesel from Freightliner, happy retirement, support of our little Parkeston to Stratford with a productivity talks on Ross! At the other end branch. quarter tank of header water and TPE, disputes on of the service scale, Nick Walker , a bright blue fault light. John London Underground, Bob presented Daljit Leamington Spa clocked up 82 of the 100 driving and various Sandhu with her 5 branch chair turns required to get the acting driver’s rate. He was promoted to driver in April 1985 at Ipswich and Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now loved it so much he’s still here When Bro Bill Williams announced now! In 1986 he became a driving his retirement it came as quite a instructor and in 1989 an acting shock to many people, as they traction inspector until thought he’d retired years ago! privatisation in 1996. John has Asked to find a picture of young now done 40 years’ service and feels his ash pan will be emptied lee Barber presents John Bill at work, this is the closest I Edwards with his 40 years’ award could get. Admittedly he’s not for the last time. He said ASLEF working, or even awake, but he’s should be commended for being always agree with ASLEF, its at work! Bill’s dad worked in the his bedrock throughout and officers always act with dedication ticket office at Sheperdswell and would like to thank all his union and with the interests of our J Mac and Billy reps, past and present, at Ipswich members at heart. got him a job as a shunter in 1974. at one of A year later he came to Faversham and Parkeston. He finished by Lee Barber , Ipswich branch several leaving saying that, while we may not secretary as a second man. A staunch parties (above) socialist from the mining village and Bro of Aylesham, we had a coal train Williams hard Working in marooned in our sidings for over a at work in 1991 year during the miners’ strike. No Woking one would go near it with Billy he helped secure a four day 35 Woking branch would around! An honourable and hour week. Faversham also bids like to thank Nigel highly principled man, he was farewell to Bro John McAvoy. J Cummins and Andy also a fierce negotiator. Bill will be Mac was our branch chair, LDR, Davey from South sorely missed, not just at and ULR. He has left to join Western Railway Faversham but on the whole of Crossrail at Abbey Wood and we company council for Southeastern. He’s been our LDC, wish him all the best. coming to our very AAD delegate and served four Andy Cooke , Faversham well attended May terms on company council, where branch secretary meeting where they presented members BESCOT BRANCH with their long service Bescot branch has been amalgamated into Saltley 023 branch after the awards. Keith Packett (15 years), Nigel cummins, restructuring of DB Cargo. Chris Smith , branch Andy Davey, Andy Baigent (30), Neil Wood Michael Clatworthy , Saltley branch reporter secretary (15), ian Moore (10) and Alan Nichols (15)

18 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018 Obituaries

CHARLIE WILLIS station in Shrewsbury. he became a locomotive fireman in 1944, first at WORKING WITH THE hereford for six weeks, and then FINEST MEN IN THE LAND Shrewsbury, and passed as a driver on 18 May 1960, being appointed driver on it is with great sadness that we announce Shrewsbury shed on 29 January 1962. the passing of charlie Willis, a very proud charlie served on the royal train three Salop man. charlie began his 51 years of times, once as fireman, on 28 July 1958, for railway service at the age of 14 when he which he received a gratuity of 10s, and started as a temporary clerk at Minsterley later twice as driver. in 1970 he received a station, moving to Dorrington nine months letter of thanks from the railways for his later. On 10 August 1941 charlie started his help in dealing with a fatality. from 1982 career with the GWR as a call-up boy, charlie began his promotion in the offices, cycling to the houses of the drivers, firemen first as train crew supervisor, rising to train and guards to make sure they were on duty, crew inspector, before retiring in 1991. and on 17 february 1943 he was transferred charlie was very proud to be an active to the Salop loco depot as a cleaner. member of ASlEf and was honoured when During the war years charlie was a he received his 40 year medal after 51 years member of the National Auxillary fire working, in his words, ‘with the finest men Service, working on Sundays and his days in the land’. off, based at cross hill or castlefields fire Martin Wood charlie Willis (1926-2018) in his railway office

MALCOLM TALBOT CHARLIE WOOD BLOWING BUBBLES TRUE RAILWAYMAN It is with great sadness that I have to My dad Charles ‘Charlie’ Wood has passed away at the inform the Locomotive Journal about age of 95. He started life on the railway from school, the death of Malcolm Talbot. based at Ardsley shed (56B) then Copley Hill (56C) and Malcolm left the Halifax and came on Holbeck (55A) and finally Leeds station where he ended as a trainee under Connex in 1999, at in the top link driving trains to London up to his Slade Green, where he stayed as a retirement in 1986. Although he liked driving the HSTs driver for his entire railway career. A his favourites were the Deltics. He lived all his life in the lifelong West Ham fan, he won his village of Ardsley and was given the honour of driving first battle with cancer in 2015, the last train to stop at Ardsley station after the returning to work in 2016, and I had Beeching cuts. Dad passed away on 18 April, one day the great pleasure of working with after his 95th birthday. He was a true railwayman, and him briefing other Southeastern ASLEF member, a great dad, and well-liked by family, drivers about signalling changes at friends, and work colleagues, and will be greatly missed. Rochester in Kent. Unfortunately, in David Wood (son) October last year, he had bad news; cancerous cells had returned, and he JOHNNIE BATT passed away on 18 May. Malcolm STARTED ON STEAM fought his battle bravely and with It is sad, once again, to report the passing of a retired dignity. He is survived by his wife Ripple Lane driver. Johnnie Batt died suddenly at home Barbara and son Luke. recently despite the efforts of paramedics to revive him. irons, irons – Malcolm and a crafty blonde Richard White , Slade Green John started his career at Stratford, on the steam, and although he enjoyed the job, he decided to call it a day as all his mates were out enjoying themselves on a Saturday night, tripping the light fantastic in the local ANDY JOYNES HAPPY GO LUCKY dance halls. But after a little while John realised he had A full turnout was loved a drink and his made a mistake, and missed the job, so he rejoined and present at Streetly caravan which was in later became a driver at his beloved Ripple Lane depot crematorium on Barmouth, where where he remained until its closure. Monday 16 April to pay everybody knew him. He did the panel foreman’s job during the run down. their last respects and Andy will be sadly He was a popular driver and got involved with the say a final farewell to missed by his partner depot’s social and welfare club activities, and was also Bescot driver Andy Maxine, his children, his loyal to ASLEF during various industrial actions in those Joynes, who sadly father, and all who knew troubled times of the 1980s. He recently received his 50 passed away on Friday him. God bless you, year loyalty badge – a distinction of which he was extremely proud. 16 March at the age of Andy in the driver’s cab Andrew, you will not be 53. Andy started on the forgotten. Rest in peace, The service was held at Hainault crematorium and railway at Bescot in 1989 Bescot, and was liked by dear friend. then, afterwards, we went to the Conservative Club in as a train man and later everyone who met him. Martin Friar , Dagenham for some light refreshments and to as a driver. Andy loved He was a happy-go- Birmingham Snow Hill reminisce about the good times with family, friends and the railway, enjoyed lucky character who (ex Bescot) Pathfinders. Our condolences go out to his wife Maureen, son Glenn, family and friends. Cliff Blackwell , Ripple Lane

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 19

letters

W

A

Join the conversation! Send letters

trams are not ‘buse s o n ra ils ’ – bu t n e ith e r are they

by email to [email protected] or

trains. A tram is a tr am – st r i ct ly a ‘l i g ht ra il vehicle’ by Royal Mail to the ASLEF Journal

at 77 St John Street, No, trams are not buses –

London, EC1M 4NN and neither are they

trains. A tram is a tram is a

tram – or a light rail

vehicle, to be pedantic, as Steven’s right to call for a

DO8 finn Brennan

carer’s leave policy on rail accurately describes them (Journal , June). to treat a Light rail vehicles – not buses on rails Brother Steven Nimmo’s letter in the June ASLEF has consistently argued that the root system, but it is unclear when this will cause of the tragic derailment at Sandilands happen, and the current proposal is to was a management and regulatory culture introduce this at ‘high risk’ locations only. tram as a bus or a train is that saw trams as ‘buses on rails’ rather than Instead, huge pressure is put on drivers who Journal really struck a chord with me. My wife light rail vehicles. It is a position proved right operate on a line of sight system. by the RAIB investigation. If tram windows We have now agreed a new non- likely to damage the were constructed to the same standard as disciplinary approach to incidents that will has an incurable condition that will only get passenger rail vehicles, most if not all the encourage reporting and create a stronger Val Shawcross at the Tramlink branch in March lives lost would have been saved. A previous safety culture. Drivers should receive future of tram/light rail in report from the RAIB to the DfT on this issue support, and additional training, rather than role. Val Shawcross, Deputy Mayor for worse, and last year had an emergency was ignored; again, it is almost certain that threats and warnings if they are unlucky Transport at City Hall, attended a Tramlink nothing will be done to address this issue enough to be involved in an incident. But, branch meeting in March. Val has been a this time. while this is a welcome step forward, there is long-term friend of ASLEF, and we wish her Britain. A tram needs to The RAIB report did recommend steps a long way to go until our members feel well as she has recently announced that she admission to A&E, including having to be put toward an automatic tram protection properly recognised and rewarded for their is retiring from the post. into resus. This situation could reoccur at any be considered as the June 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 11 time. However, despite my having an hybrid vehicle it is. if we ‘ASLEF has consistently argued that the root cause of exemplary attendance record, I had to think do not get a grip on this, the tragic derailment at Sandilands was a management twice about calling in sick and, in the end, had we are likely to spoil the and regulatory culture that saw trams as “buses on rails” to use outstanding leave, which had to be future of this useful mode rather than light rail vehicles’ wrote District 8 Organiser authorised, to cover the four days that I was of transport, which is Finn Brennan in the Journal in June unable to go to work. This was an additional popular with the public as worry that I really did not need at that time. buses are not. and we have seen the be addressed. Our union should negotiate for sickness leave look at the success of results of serious bus trams need to be seen to be given for emergency situations, when an the mode in the accidents. as a specific mode, with its immediate family member (spouse, partner or Manchester area, which is One point that needs own needs, and not child) has to be admitted to hospital. After all, providing a transport stressing is that the cause pushed into boxes which how can a driver be expected to carry out his coverage that trains and of the Sandilands accident already exist but will not or her duties with an often enormous worry on buses could not in their was not high speed per se ; serve. this is not their mind? own right. Part of indeed, i cannot recall a something that can be left Also, having been involved in the often Metrolink’s success is due rail accident that was due to politicians or others slow process of assessments and diagnosis to its ability to use the simply to high speed, who are bound by involved with my wife’s condition, and the flexible, hybrid qualities which makes me preconceived ideas or we long periods between consultations that my of the tram that no other concerned when i hear are likely to stunt the wife is having to endure, I cannot help feeling mode can. for example, that the maximum speed growth of trams/light rail that it is about time that our union started to instead of forcing on tramlink has been in the UK, for no one’s think about negotiating for a private health passengers to use a reduced. the essential benefit. care scheme for members, and their poorly-sited station, it can cause of this accident was i am fortunate to travel spouses/partners. If managers are entitled to reach the town centre. the incredible oversight fairly frequently on tram private health care, then why aren’t drivers, we And there is the by numerous parties in services on the continent, all work for the same company, don’t we? possibility of a new failing to realise the which also travel at high Tony Emptage , Ramsgate network in South Wales potential of a few seconds’ speed, and in streets, as that could do the same. lack of awareness of a well as traversing sharp GS Mick Whelan says: ‘We believe that, as Yes, the vehicles need sharp curve ahead, which curves. Possibly more workers in a safety-critical role, we should to be strong enough to has caused a number of visits to some of these have the benefit of family leave. But, as a withstand likely accidents railway accidents recently networks might build up a trade union, affiliated to the labour Party, and the bodywork needs and back over the years positive ethos to help us we believe in a properly-funded National suitable attention. Not (Morpeth, Salisbury, in the UK – and even share health Service designed to deliver the best forgetting that some Eckwersheim and our own less happy possible care to everyone in this country, buses travel at higher Santiago de compostela: experiences. regardless of income. that’s what the NhS speeds than trams that is the main issue to Eric Stuart has been doing since it was created, by the post-war labour government, 70 years ago, on 5 July 1948. We also believe in the renationalisation of all previously publicly- council used a vote of Bournemouth members placed on death row. owned public utilities and are against to justify their own weaknesses to enter Steve Lang , Bournemouth anything that undermines that aspiration.’ negotiations which was a total cop out on their part. We have fought for years to keep GS Mick Whelan says: ‘On looking at this, a Company council action our PTR conditions yet this company council discussion did take place at the branch last are willing to throw them away when it suits, July to see the feelings of the members at puts depot on death row especially, ironically, as one member of the the time. there have been no subsequent I feel I have to write to the Journal to inform council lives in Eastleigh. This could have discussions with the company. We would, of members of the situation at the CrossCountry knock-on effects for many CrossCountry course, have to react to changes in depot at Bournemouth. Our company council depots to follow suit, if management wish. I franchise shape, as determined by the Dft, are in discussions with management to open a really do feel that if this depot goes ahead but would insist on the current agreed PtR depot at Eastleigh on the cheap. Company Bournemouth CrossCountry depot will be being utilised.’

20 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018 100 years of Union classified Advertisements

CLASS 308 NSERS badge to The increase of 100% in Strike Pay and raise funds for the preservation in other benefits are all to the good. of the last complete Phase One 4 CIG train 1753. £6 inc p&p FOOLISH WASTE OF TIME from NSERS, 41 Highfield Road, Ipswich, Immediately following the raising of the Suffolk, IP1 6DD. Cheques payable to Network age for military service some Railway South East Railway Society. MICK HOLDER turns back time Companies’ officers appeared to rather SOUTH WESTERN to July 1918 when Army medicals lose their heads in releasing Suburban 707 limited edition Footplatemen for the Army or sending were a hot topic in the Journal 35x30mm enamel badge £5 + them for medical examination, as did £1 p&p from Martin LONGER THAN NECESSARY some local recruiting officers in calling up Thompson (Wimbledon Park) The Annual Assembly of Delegates has for such examination all Footplatemen up email [email protected] come and gone, and a few remarks on its to 50 years of age, which was a foolish labours may not be out of place. The 1918 waste of the time of the medical officers BRITISH RAIL driver Assembly, like some of its predecessors, and of the men examined, who could not lanyards with safety clip. was longer than it need have been if possibly be released, to say nothing of £5 plus £1.50 p&p (same speeches had ended when the speaker public money. The General Secretary has p&p cost for more than had finished. been in communication with the Railway one). Paypal [email protected] Executive and Ministry of National Service INCREASE IN BENEFITS and we may reasonably expect that the CLASS 15 locomotive (D8233) Many benefits have been increased nation’s need of an efficient railway enamel badge on sale to raise funds for restoration of the sole surviving without increase of contributions, notably service will be recognised, and the Class 15 loco by the Class 15 those of the Orphans Fund, which will necessary Footplate staff retained in Preservation Society. £5 + £1 p&p commence after a much shorter period of railway service. Certainly the useless and from Ipswich driver Clive Whiting. Payment can membership, and continue for a year unnecessary medical examinations be sent via PayPal to [email protected] longer than has hitherto been the case. should cease. ASLEF BRANCH 111 ASLEF branch 111 is 111 Is bio-degradable potato branch, and all my work colleagues and years old and has a limited managers at Cleethorpes has meant so much edition numbered badge to starch wrap the solution? to me. I would particularly like to mention celebrate the introduction of the Class 387 on KL services. £7.50 inc p&p from I recently had my magazine from the National Steve Baker and District 3 Organiser Colin Mark Steele,1 Rosecroft, South Wootton, King’s Trust in a bio-degradable wrap made from Smith for their invaluable help, and also wish Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 3WX. potato starch. It looks like plastic but isn’t and Colin a happy retirement. it can be just put on the compost or thrown in Finally, I would like to thank the union for THREE BRIDGES branch strike their kind gesture of the signed certificate and the normal bin. I wondered when the ASLEF badge 2016/17. £5 inc p&p (proceeds Journal is going to start to take responsibility badge and wish the many people I have met to charity) from Paul Eden (branch (like many other magazines and companies) during an enjoyable career, health and secretary) email [email protected]). for the environment and start using this bio- happiness for the future. biodegradable wrap instead of plastic? Mick Neale , Cleethorpes PROFESSIONAL ENGRAVING at Peter McGrady , DB Cargo sensible prices. I can engrave anything you wish, such as the ASLEF logo on London & North Eastern the pint tankard. Contact Paul Potts by Thanks for all your help Good old LNER, my grandad drove for them email at [email protected] I would like to take this opportunity to thank from 1923 to 1948. But is a ‘grayling’ a young everyone who has supported me throughout loan shark? I ask because the New Statesman KIRKDALE 121 limited edition the last three years, during which I have, has equated the Public Finance Initiative as centenary badge 1917-2017 price unfortunately, had to retire due to health like borrowing from a loan shark… £7.50 inc p&p from branch issues. The support of the LLC, Immingham Mel Thorley , Longsight secretary Keith Devling. Call 07933 144768 or email [email protected]

BESPOKE CUSHIONS Hand those tractors are union, you know made 40cm square cushions of Re Dave Weddle’s letter ( Journal , June) railway engines and carriages. £50. about the restoration of his triumph Call Abi on 07954 659849 or email me at [email protected] thunderbird, and his payoff, ‘Eat your heart out, tosh, with that tractor of CLASS 40 Preservation Society yours!’ what a lot of people don’t know is high quality enamel badges that while harley-Davidson motorcycles £5.50 each or £10 for both (50p (the ‘tractors’ to which Dave refers) are p&p for one badge or £1 for one of the biggest symbols of the both) email [email protected] or rugged individual, free in the wind on text 07788 240088. the American roads, the harley- Peter fonda and Dennis Davidson motor company is a unionised To place an advertisement please phone firm and has been for a very long time. hopper on the road in 020 7324 2400 or send an email to Mick Holder , ASLEF’s h&s dept Easy Rider [email protected]

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 21 last Word In the wake of ‘the war that will end war’

A new exhibition at the Tate examines the impact of the Great War on the work of artists in Britain, France and Germany in the years from 1916 to 1932. KEITH RICHMOND picks up his passport to Pimlico – and a world in the shadows of the aftermath of war

Pictures at an exhibition, clockwise from top left: Grave of a Serbian Soldier at Kenali 1917 by Paul Jouve; The Internationale by Otto Griebel; Les Folies de Belleville by Edward Burra; Prostitute and Disabled War Veteran by Otto Dix; Self-Portrait by christian Schad; Paths of Glory by cRW Nevinson; The Jazz Club (The Dance Party ) by William Roberts; Grey Day by George Grosz; Soldier Reading a Letter by charles Sargeant Jagger

communist journal Die Pleite in 1923. The radicalisation of workers – including writers HE Great War of 1914-18 – it did not and artists – is powerfully examined by Otto T become known as the First World War Griebel in his painting of German workers until, from 1939-45, there was a singing the The Internationale , a revolutionary second – was, according to HG Wells, in a anthem originally written to celebrate the collection of essays published in October 1914, Paris Commune of 1871, and a striking image The War That Will End War . It didn’t, of course. of workers standing together to demand But it did leave more than 10 million people radical political, economic and social change. dead, and more than 20 million traumatised and injured. ‘The old lie: Dulce et decorum est / Pro the memorials; Charles Sargeant Jagger patria mori’ – Wilfred Owen , Dulce et ‘If I should die, think only this of me / That designed Soldier Reading a Letter for a Decorum Est there’s some corner of a foreign field / That memorial at Paddington station to is forever England’ – Rupert Brooke , The commemorate Great Western Railway workers ‘There are shades of Cabaret – the musical by ‘Soldier killed during the war. The model, on display Kander and Ebb, the film by Bob Fosse, the here, shows a soldier, off duty, wearing a scarf play by John van Druten, as well as Goodbye to As we count down to the eleventh hour of the and sheepskin jerkin to keep warm in a Berlin by Christopher Isherwood, the book on eleventh day of the eleventh month of this freezing trench, a symbol of ‘the link which which it was based – in post-war paintings year, when we mark 100 years since the united the fighting man at the front with the such as Les Folies de Belleville by Edward Burra, signing of the armistice between the Allied home for whose defence he fought and died’. a frequent visitor to Paris, and the Folies- and Axis powers in a carriage of Marshal Foch’s Belleville music hall, theatre and coffee house private train in the Forest of Compiègne, in ‘Droll rat, they would shoot you if they knew in Montmartre; The Jazz Club by William Picardy, Emma Chambers and Rachel Rose / Your cosmopolitan sympathies’ – Isaac Roberts, who had served as a gunner on the Smith have curated a fascinating new Rosenberg , Break of Day in the Trenches Western front; and the narcissistic Self-Portrait exhibition at Tate Britain. by Christian Schad. The tone is quiet and reflective – ‘The great German satirists George Grosz and The Great War cast a long, dark shadow melancholy, even – rather than jingoistic, with Otto Dix were savage in their denunciation of over the 20th century; this exhibition shines paintings such as Paths of Glory by Christopher what a war between two 19th century new light on its effect on art – and the reality Richard Wynne Nevinson – the title taken from imperial powers had done to the ordinary man that art reflected – in three of the countries a line in Thomas Gray’s Elegy Written in a and woman. Grey Day contrasts the affluence most deeply affected. Go if you can. Country Churchyard , ‘The paths of glory lead of a well-fed boss class businessman, who has but to the grave’ – which, despite Nevinson done well out of war, with the poverty of an being sent to the Fields of Flanders as an emaciated veteran who has lost an arm and l Aftermath: Art in the Wake of World official war artist, was banned by the War been pushed to the periphery. Prostitute and War One is at tate Britain in london Office censor on the grounds that Disabled War Veteran depicts a woman forced until 23 September. Admission £18; ‘representations of the dead have an ill-effect into sex work by economic necessity and a concessions £17; 12-18 years £5; at home’ and Grave of a Serbian Soldier by the veteran left with mental and facial injuries. The children under 12, veterans and French painter Paul Jouve. didactic subtitle ‘two victims of capitalism’ was members of the armed forces free. After the bodies and the battlefields came added when it was published in the

22 The ASLEF Journal l July 2018 Across Down On track Prize crossword 1 Capital of Spain 1 Child’s small round 4 Accommodation glass ball crossword 147 by tom Williams for holidaymakers or 2 Regulation STANDING WITH business travellers 3 Duke’s wife 7 Dark seedy fruit 4 Addiction 8 Royal, navy or 5 Bitumen YOUR MATES turquoise 6 A hen 9 Large fierce 7 Horizontal shock ACKLING the Housing Crisis by striped cat absorber on car Tony O’Brien is more about 11 High speed train exterior T trade unionism in the 13 Brilliant red 10 Throat construction industry over the last 15 Throwing game 12 Abrasive pan century than that title might suggest – 17 Lager or bitter cleaner and well worth reading. Tony is a 18 Sour citrus fruit 14 Beat soundly carpenter and lifelong activist in UCATT 20 Sample a morsel 15 Finger or toe (now Unite) having been convenor on 21 Highly seasoned 16 Turnip-like stew Southwark council’s direct labour sauce ingredient organisation. 17 Bird’s beak Whilst the book does make clear 19 Donkey arguments for local authorities to build many more council houses, and directly Solution to crossword 146 employ local people to build, maintain Across: 3 Glass 6 Goulash 7 Oxtail 8 Unlit and refurbish them, there’s far more 9 Literate 12 Theme 14 Facet 15 Dressage Name...... than that here. Tony has published 18 Mason 19 Cinema 20 Fall out 21 Spree before, notably the story of the Down: Bull’s eye 2 Battle 3 Ghosts 4 Aster Construction Safety Campaign and on Address...... 5 Spilt 6 Grunted 10 Ancestor 11 Extinct the fight against asbestos. This book 13 Carafe 14 Female 16 Reins 17 Spear adds to those histories...... Now, Tony is a Congratulations to Philip carpenter, not chambers , of Swindon , who ...... an author, so was last month’s winner. The Dickens or a winner of this month’s Prize university ...... Crossword will receive Marks & professor he Spencer vouchers to the value of £25 ain’t, and this ...... book could do with an edit to l You can see more of Tom Williams’s make it flow and crosswords, word games and puzzles at Postcode...... read better, so wordgames.co.uk any prospective More in here than reader should Thanks for all your responses to the 146th prize crossword in the June edition of the ASLEF the title suggests bear that in Journal . If you successfully complete this month’s crossword please send the solution to the mind. But he has so much of interest to Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN by 14 July tell that becomes much less of an issue. There’s loads here. What a crappy industry construction can be to work in and the fight to improve it; gangster ASLEF’s legal services contractors; trying to organise in a fractured industry; the ’72 national if you are being harassed at work, bullied or discriminated against, and strike; bosses getting away with killing if your local, branch or district rep is unavailable, call the industrial workers, and the victory in turning that relations department at union headquarters (020 7324 2400) or email around with CSC et al; the reasons why [email protected]. if you are arrested or interviewed by police and need we had DLOs and their virtual demise; legal assistance – day or night – call the members’ emergency hotline on fighting to preserve benefits gained; 0800 587 7530. ASlEf also provides first class legal advice free for contractors and bogus self- members and dependents. employment; privatisation; gaining opportunities for young people and women in the industry; standing together with your workmates; blacklisting; and fighting for the families of those killed at work. Like I said, there’s NOTICE TO MEMBERS: TRADE UNION AND LABOUR RELATIONS much more here than the title suggests. RCONSOLIDATIONS ACT 1992 RAS AMENDEDS Anyone interested in trade union or A resolution approving the furtherance of political objects within the meaning of the industrial history should find this book above Act as an object of the union has been adopted by ballot under the Act. Any very informative and worth reading. payments in furtherance of those objects will be made out of a separate fund, the political l Copies cost £10 plus £2 p&p from fund of the union. Every member of the union has a right to be exempt from contributing Tony O’Brien c/o Southwark Pensioners’ to that fund. A form of exemption notice can be obtained by or on behalf of any member Centre, 307 Camberwell Road, London, either by application at, or by post from, head office, or from the Certification Office for SE5 0HQ. Trade Unions and Employers’ Associations, Lower Ground Floor, Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London, EC4Y 8JX. This form, when filled in, or a written request to the Mick Holder like effect, should be handed or sent to the general secretary.

July 2018 l The ASLEF Journal 23 ASlEf NORthERN liNE - NORth BRANch

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