L A N R U O

ASLEFThe ASSOCIATED SOCIETY of LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & FIREMEN J SEPTEMBER 2017 ASLEF on thE UndErgroUnd Meet me by the entrance of the Tube

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Mick: They promise one thing and deliver another Tories and the DfT – here we go again 7 8

ELL , here we go again. A party that promised electrification of key areas in news W 2010, and then truncated the proposals to win votes, has done it again: 2015  Commuters, cattle trucks and carriages 4 electrification, 2017 no mention of reduced investment until after elected. The figures for the  A Bridge Too Far for Edward Fox 5 comparative investment, in particular rail, per 11  John Davies: a tribute from Lew Adams 6 head of population, are a matter of public record and, as we know, do not make good reading if  British Transport Pensioners’ Federation 7 you live outside the south-east, especially when  Fail the disabled and lose your franchise 8 qualified by population density. What can you say to those areas – what we call districts 3, 4, 6, and 7, which make up half our railway – directly Features impacted by the lack of a long-term strategy? So in the month they announce the end of production of petrol and diesel cars we commit  Deputy Mayor Val Shawcross: Labour’s 10 14 to bi-mode trains for an indeterminate future. new strategy for transport in London The Northern Powerhouse on rail is no more –  Finn Brennan on churn and change at LU 11 just minor fixes that only mitigate in certain areas and do not meet economic, social and  Going Underground: Terry Wilkinson, 12-13 community needs. Julian Vaughan and Graham Dean The irony is the announcement of Crossrail 2  Gregor Gall, with a nod to Disraeli, on 14 (which we welcome as part of a greater long-term Theresa May and the two Tory nations strategy) at the same time which highlights the contempt this government holds for rail outside  Dave Prentis on Unison’s landmark victory 15 the south-east. As I write the big discussion on in court and Chris Nutty on sign language Radio 4 is about walking and cycling as the 15 solution for all our transport needs; they have a role but do not drive the economy like rail. And regulars does this government have any plans for the long-term future of freight other than the paths that may be created, years from now, by HS2?  Branch News and 100 Years of Union 16-17 21st century society is not the polite respectful  Legal: Lorena Webster and Gerard Stilliard 18 place we would all like it to be and the rise of knife crime and sexual assaults in our industry,  Obituaries 19 with many more unreported, is a major concern.  Letters and Classified Advertisements 20-21 These issues are coming to a head in certain areas, Last Word: Books for the summer 22 especially in Scotland, and we are calling for  additional staff to ensure not only the safety of  On Track, Prize Crossword, ASLEF’s 23 23 the travelling public but of those who work on Legal Services and Change of Address our railway system. It is time for employers to demonstrate their duty of care.  Cover: A London Underground Train at a Station by Anita Van Den Broek Finally, let’s nail an industry lie – when companies try to deflect criticism of their failure The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: to recruit enough staff by putting out on CIS that it’s down to the drivers. It isn’t. It’s the company’s ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN Tel: 020 7324 2400 fault. And if any driver is abused or assaulted email: [email protected] website: www.aslef.org.uk because of such company misinformation we will act in the strongest terms. EDITOR Mick Whelan l DESIGNER Michael Cronin l PRINTER TU Ink, 5 Wythburn Place, London, W1H 7BU Yours fraternally ADVERTISING ASLEF Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 0207 324 2407 Mick Whelan, general secretary or [email protected] l CLASSIFIED ADS [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a display or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of that product or service by ASLEF CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN

September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News

Commuters – cattle trucks not carriages

ICK Whelan has put the blame for overcrowded commuter trains firmly M where it lies – on privatisation – after new figures from the Department for Transport revealed the extent of the problem on Britain’s railways. ASLEF’s general secretary said: ‘If we had cattle trucks instead of carriages then fare- paying passengers would be much better off! Because we have legislation – statutory protection – for animals being transported – QUotE … but not for people. Which is why so many The GS with ASLEF freight reps at AAD trains are now not just uncomfortable, but ‘If 7% of the population goes to seriously overcrowded. It cannot be right that, passengers to get the seat for which they have private school, then it seems only after 20 years of privatisation, people paid a lot of money!’ fair that only 7% of Britain’s elite travelling and working on our railways are Mick added: ‘Privatisation has failed. Fares jobs should go to privately- treated like this by the privatised train have soared, taxpayer subsidies have risen, educated individuals. This would companies. rolling stock has got older and overcrowding include chief executives, barristers, ‘These DfT figures underline what we have has got worse. We need – and the people in journalists, judges, medical said all along – that there is no long-term this country deserve – a properly integrated, professionals and MPs.’ – Ellie Mae strategy, no long-term planning, and no long- properly managed, publicly owned railway. o’hagan in The Guardian term thinking, among the TOCs which are only That’s what Jeremy Corbyn has promised and …UnQUotE in the railway business to make a quick buck. these figures from the DfT prove the point. By ‘The train companies say they need more bringing our railway back into public time to sort it out but they’ve already had ownership, the Labour Party will put a badly resources across the whole network, rather more than 20 years, since the railways were fragmented system back together, which will than on a company by company, franchise by privatised, to provide enough trains for allow better management of capacity and franchise, area by area, basis.’

MBE For tEj Stephen cleared – but clouds lour over DOO Tejinder Kumar Sharma, a former The driver whose train written to Ian Prosser, Silverlink/London Overground pulled away from a chief inspector of driver, who has written several station, dragging a railways and director critically-acclaimed collections of woman along the of rail safety at the short stories, was made an MBE Tej – driven platform, after the Office of Rail and in the Queen’s birthday honours to write systems failed, has Road, asking: ‘Given list for his contribution to Hindi been found not guilty the jury and the RAIB literature and community cohesion in London. of endangering A systems failure left Neelan Malik appear to agree this passenger safety. struggling to free her hand from the train issue relates to a WorK FroM hoME – thAt’S thE Stephen Murdoch, 45, door as the loco left the station technical problem, are AnSWEr SAYS SoUthEAStErn was charged with Malik’s hand – in the Transport Police, you considering Southeastern’s credit card size fold-out guide ‘endangering the door. Stephen told perversely, decided to stopping the to ‘changes and closures’ on services into safety of rail police he carried out prosecute. movement of all units London Bridge, Waterloo East, Charing Cross passengers, by wilful all the proper checks ‘This case shows which might perform and Cannon Street from Saturday 26 August omission or neglect, and an investigation that drivers cannot in a similar manner in to Saturday 2 September doesn’t beat about by failing to check the revealed that the rely on the train door such circumstances the bush. Under ‘top tips for passengers’ it length of the train was safety lights did not interlocking until such time as a simply advises: ‘Work from home’. clear’ before leaving work. technology,’ said Mick safe solution to the Hayes & Harlington But the British Whelan. The GS has problem is found?’ tWEEtS oF thE Month station in west London in July 2015. SUpErtrAM dEBtS to LASt For 60 YEArS Pensions are deferred wages. Any attack The verdict, at Mick Whelan has condemned the spiralling cost of the Stagecoach on the TfL pension fund would mean the mother of all disputes. Blackfriars crown Supertram in Sheffield after the Star newspaper in the city revealed that Finn Brennan court, has clear residents in South Yorkshire will be paying for the system, which implications for the opened in 1995, until 2056. Chancellor called me hysterical a couple safety of driver only Mick said: ‘As a trade union, we believe in improving Britain’s of months ago. Now it’s the turn of train operation in Britain. infrastructure, and we believe passionately in better transport links drivers. Evidence revealed a because we know better transport links are good for people, and good Mary Creagh malfunction on the for business. But politicians have to get a grip on the costs and make warning system in the sure that taxpayers, at national level, and council taxpayers, at local Emmanuel Macron is a Silicon Valley- driver’s cab, which did level, aren’t ripped off. ‘It is utterly ridiculous that the Stagecoach loving, union-hating, Third Way centrist. not illuminate to show Supertram spiralled four times over budget, and utterly ridiculous that He’s no bulwark against the far-right. there was an it is going to take 61 years to pay it off. We need investment – but we jacobin obstruction – Neelan need clarity, transparency, and value for money, too.’

4 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 News

New rail crossing Off the rails is a bridge too far ErIC hEFFEr , the left-wing Labour MP DWARD Fox, for Liverpool Walton from 1964 until who starred 1991, liked to tell the tale of how, when E in films such he was canvassing in his constituency, he as The Day of the went up to one house and saw a large Jackal , The Shooting black Labrador in the front garden. ‘I carefully skirted the Party and A Bridge Too beast and was welcomed in by a lovely lady who promised Far , has spoken out me her vote and offered me a cup of tea. The dog followed against controversial us in. As I was served tea and biscuits, the dog went berserk, plans to replace the tore up the furniture, and urinated on the sofa. I thought she rail crossing at his local should keep the dog under better control but the woman station – Wareham in didn’t bat an eyelid. And then, as I left, she said politely, Dorset – with a new Film star Edward Fox (top) has criticised plans “Aren’t you going to take your dog with you, Mr Heffer?”’ and ‘unsightly’ ramped for the new railway bridge (above) railway bridge costing residents have signed actor, who has lived in pAULInE CAWood , of Leeds branch, £1.7 million. a petition calling for the hamlet of Steeple witheringly slapped down Chancellor The Grade II listed the crossing to be for 30 years, and uses Philip Hammond when he told the station is currently retained, saying no the station to travel to Cabinet that train driving is now so served by a level one has been London, told a packed easy ‘even a woman can do it’. Pauline, crossing controlled by seriously injured in 40 public meeting: ‘The pictured here with Ruth Kelly, Transport locked gates and a years and, if the guard proposal would ruin Secretary for 15 months in Gordon guard but Network has to go, they would for evermore a Brown’s government, told The Sun : ‘It’s an old-fashioned, Rail says the cost of prefer an automated precious corner of sexist comment. He ought to be ashamed of himself. Women manning the crossing gate linked to the Dorset and be a are just as capable as men at driving trains. What’s that man – £120,000 a year – is signal system at the permanent blot on been doing for the past 50-odd years? Probably sat in a prohibitive. crossing. our town’s historic gentleman’s club smoking cigars and drinking whisky.’ Now 2,200 The 80-year-old station.’ hYWEL BEnnEtt , who excelled at playing Dave loners and outsiders such as Tom the pimp says it’s Fill in your form in Pennies from Heaven and the scalp time to Dave Tyson, trustee fill in their death in hunter Ricki Tarr in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy , fill in director of the service nomination as well as the loveable loafer Shelley in the that Railways Pension forms and, if possible, hit 1980s sitcom, has died at the age of 73. form Scheme, a driver with get them to make a He was much in demand for voice over work, with British Rail Greater Anglia, and will as well! That way employers.railwayspe using his dulcet tones – from originally Garnant, a Welsh former EC president, they will ensure that nsions.co.uk/Media/D mining village, and then via south London and RADA – to tell as well as the man what they have goes ocuments/Public/For passengers: ‘We’re getting there.’ who each year to the people they ms/RPS/Nomination provides a detailed, want to have it.’ Form (PM39).pdf or go jULIA hArtLEY-EVAnS , who presents but highly intelligible, Members can on the RPS website the morning show on Talk Radio, report to AAD on our download the form and fill in the form uploaded a photo to her Twitter pensions, has made a from https:// online. account of this message on a timely call for whiteboard at her local London members to fill in their no go LoCo Underground station. Under service death in service form. Locomore, the crowdfunded open access information, in black marker pen, it ‘I know this is not a operator, has cancelled all services between said: ‘Some days you can see the light at pleasant request, but Stuttgart and Berlin and begun insolvency the end of the tunnel. Other days it’s a train.’ it is important. Only proceedings. The company, launched as an half our members fill alternative to the state-owned rail operator nIgEL EVAnS , Conservative MP for Ribble in a form. So please Deutsche Bahn in 2016, said it hoped to find Valley, didn’t come out until after his mother get your colleagues to a ‘positive solution for train traffic’. died. ‘You really do have to understand the struggle of people like myself, growing up in ConFErEnCES & rALLIES Swansea in the 1960s, where I don’t know The Burston strike school rally is at Crown Green, Burston, near Diss, whether it was worse to come out as a Norfolk, on Sunday 3 September. The Trades Union Congress is at the Conservative or come out as gay.’ Brighton Centre from Sunday 10 to Wednesday 13 September. The Labour Party conference is at the Brighton Centre from Sunday 24 to MEL thorLEY , reflecting on Longsight legend Tony Evers, Wednesday 27 September. The Scottish Trades Union Congress is at who retired from Virgin West Coast in July, admits, ‘He’s a the Macdonald Highlands hotel, Aviemore, from Monday 16 to flippin’ sky blue shirt follower, but we forgave everybody Wednesday 18 April 2018. The Durham Miners’ Gala is on Saturday 14 who kissed the shedplate…’ July. The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival , near Dorchester, is from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 July. thor hEYErdAhL , the great Norwegian explorer, when asked about borders, declared: ‘I have never seen one. But I 500 CLUB: D Weddle , with number 42, won the August draw, scooping have heard they exist in the minds of some people.’ the RMS prize money jackpot of £394.

September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News

for an eight day course on industrial relations. You might wonder what he did outside of John, you did representing the Society? Well, he served his country through national service in the RAF from August 1949 until September 1951. us proud John became famous when he stopped the job at Charing Cross in support of the miners in 1985; an understanding manager and the john davies, a former member of support of the Society saved the day. ASLEF’s executive committee, died at Hither Green, many years ago, had a the end of july. LEW AdAMS , general football team that ran out in the sky blue shirts secretary of ASLEF from 1994 to 1998, of Manchester City. There was speculation as pays tribute to a union legend to how they came by the strip, and much was made of the fact that John’s brother-in-law OHN DAVIES, former Southern was Malcolm Allison, the former West Ham Region executive committee centre-half who was, at the time, manager of j member, passed away peacefully on Manchester City! All smiles – John as Southern Region Saturday 29 July. He served on the national John married Alexia in 1951 and they had members remember him executive from January 1985 until he retired in two daughters, Annette and Kim. Sadly, Alexia 1993. AAD in 1973, 1979 and 1984. He was also a died in 1977. John married Ina in 1980 and John started his railway career at Hither member of sectional council B Southern became father to her daughter. He was very Green depot in 1947 and, after cleaning and Region from 1977 until elected to the national proud of his family and his three wonderful firing, was appointed driver in 1958. During his executive in 1985. grandsons. career John was always active in the Society, During the 1982 flexible rostering strike Ina, and family, we thank you for the representing ASLEF on Hither Green LDC for John acted as co-ordinator of information support you gave John because, without that, 17 years and holding office as staff side between Southern branches and ASLEF head he could not have done so much for ASLEF. secretary throughout that period. In addition, office. He also made time to attend education John, the union salutes you. You gave so much he was branch chair and district council courses at York University and Sheffield to this trade union and for that we are really delegate for many years and a delegate to University and Ruskin College, Oxford, in 1970 grateful. You did us proud. Labour Party’s plans to LEVEL CroSSIng deliver the infrastructure this is the Britain needs with drIVEr jAILEd electrification and A farm worker who drove his expansion across the Land Rover Discovery onto modern world whole country, including Nairns level crossing at Wales and the South Stretham in Cambridgeshire, GS Mick Whelan has Western, and parts of West, offers the prospect without contacting the signal welcomed the Labour the Lake District is yet of building a better box for permission, has been Party’s pledge to invest another reminder of the Mick condemns the Britain.’ jailed for 10 months. Dimitar in Britain’s railways after lack of ambition for the Tories’ failure to deliver The Tories Vaclinov, 34, of Ely, pleaded Theresa May’s Tory future which has beset be on even more announced they were guilty to endangering the government abandoned the railway since overcrowded trains in 10 halting electrification safety of persons on the plans to modernise privatisation and years’ time. with a masterclass in railway. Britain’s railway system – confirms that the ‘The failure of Orwellian doublespeak. His vehicle was immediately the much-needed and government’s rail policy successive governments The Transport Secretary, struck by a passenger train long-promised is no more than make do to develop a transport trying desperately to travelling at 70mph, causing electrification of this and mend. strategy has been a turn a negative into a £100,000 worth of damage to country’s busy main ‘Bi-mode trains are huge impediment to positive, said passengers the loco. ‘It was extremely lines. more expensive, less economic growth and would now not have to lucky no one else was injured,’ ‘Chris Grayling’s reliable and slower to social mobility which put up with ‘disruptive said Det Sgt Alan Bardsley. ‘But decision to axe plans to accelerate than electric will only be worsened in electrification works’ and it was extremely traumatic for fully electrify the trains. Passengers on a post-Brexit Britain. ‘intrusive wires and the train driver and Midland main line, Great packed trains today will ‘In contrast, the masts’. passengers.’ on thE BEACh Seven New York City subway stations will proFItIng FroM pUBLIC projECtS QUotE… partially close until late next year as part of network rail announced ‘sweeping new ‘More than 100 years ago, a $395 million modernisation programme reforms’ on 31 july to enable ‘third parties’ – Britain’s pioneering on the BMT beach line. private companies – to become ‘heavily railway network enabled involved’ in delivering railway infrastructure its national daily Carry all your projects. At the same time it published a newspapers to reach all stuff – papers, report commissioned from peter hansford, a parts of the country by keys, sandwiches civil engineer, called Unlocking Rail breakfast time. It helped to – in style with our Investment: Building Confidence, Reducing create the legendary smart black Costs . ‘I am determined to create an power of Fleet Street.’ – documents bag. Price £10 (inc p&p); environment where innovative third party Colin Morrison on email [email protected] or visit our companies can compete for, and directly Flashes&Flames online shop at www.aslef.org.uk deliver, railway projects,’ said CEo Mark Carne. …UnQUotE

6 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 News

Convention; and by having a close relationship with the Rail Will you still need me Delivery Group, especially regarding free and privilege travel. will you still feed me? We also work closely with A voice for railway pensioners railway industry trade unions – like ASLEF – to help safeguard our We have 50 branches and more LES McdoWELL , chair of the wellbeing of railway people in benefits and pensions. than 13,000 members. You will be retirement and, over the years, we British transport pensioners’ Just as important is the welfare warmly welcomed as a member – have helped secure many financial Federation, and a former support and advice we offer. We and membership starts at just £3 a benefits for our retirees and their director of EWS, explains promote social activities with year – of our federation and your dependants, as well as what the BtpF does former colleagues across all our friends and relatives will also be improvements in their travel branches, such as day trips by able to enjoy our activities. facilities. river, road and railway, holidays in Any questions? Email us at AM delighted to have We do this through regular the UK and abroad, theatre trips, [email protected]. To join go to this opportunity to let contact with Railway Pensions I dances, lunches, and talks. our website at www.btpf.org. you know a little about Management & Investments, both the British Transport Pensioners’ directly, and through a BTPF Federation, which was set up in member who is a director on the BAttErY pArK 1948. QUotE … board of the Railway Pensions Vivarail, the British company The BTPF provides a voice for ‘Now we know how the Trustee Company, and through building the D-train, turning everyone who has retired from City will be kept open for BTPF members who are trustees old District line Tube trains our great railway industry. We are business after Brexit. If a of a number of Railways Pension into modern rolling stock to one of the few recognised foreign government, in Scheme committees; by lobbying replace Pacers on short organisations that works to this case Saudi Arabia’s Parliament through our affiliation commuter routes, branch protect and maintain the royal family, doesn’t like to the National Pensioners’ lines and tourist hops, has the rules in London, the received an Accelerating UK is happy to be flexible.’ Innovation in Rail grant – nils pratley in The Southern Fail top for overcrowding from Innovate UK to Guardian develop and build battery- …UnQUotE run trains.

rdg grABS rSg The Rail Delivery Group – the fox in the railway hen house, and desperate to try and grow its power base in our industry, especially when decisions are made about the future of rail – has announced ‘a new strategic partnership’ with the Rail Supply Group in a bid to create ‘a one-stop shop’ and ‘encourage growth in the rail industry supply chain’.

dIAgnoStIC tEChnoLogY For FrEIght trAInS Siemens is to install predictive maintenance technology on DB Cargo locomotives. A spokesperson said: ‘Rather than be dictated by mileage or time, maintenance will now be conducted when data shows it is needed.’

New DfT stats reveal that Southern Rail run five of the ten most Tea and coffee tastes better in a red and white overcrowded services in Britain. The TOC’s worst train – the 5.40 ASLEF mug! Price £3.50 (inc p&p); email from Uckfield to London Bridge – operates at 226% of capacity and [email protected] or visit our online shop at the second-worst, Southern’s 7.16 from East Grinstead to London www.aslef.org.uk Bridge, operates at 195%. What can you get for your new, shiny £1 coin? TBF membership... just £1 a week covers you, your partner and dependent children. 0300 333 2000 www.tbf.org.uk

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

September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 7 News

WESt MIdLAndS FrAnChISE SLIpS Rail firms that fail disabled AgAIn AFtEr dFt prEVArICAtES London Midland has got an extension to continue operating its West Midlands services until at least December 2017. The Department should lose their franchises for Transport should have announced the winner of the new franchise agreement, due to ICK WHELAN, general secretary of ASLEF, has backed a call start in October, in July but London Midland M for train companies to be stripped of their franchises if will now hang on to the franchise until the end they fail to meet standards for making their services of the year, with a possible extension until accessible for disabled people. February 2018. The DfT said: ‘We want the next ‘Everyone has a right to use our rail network,’ said Mick, ‘and it is operator to deliver real improvements and probably more important for disabled people to be able to get on provide more space, improved connectivity and off trains, and in and out of stations, because there are fewer and more frequent journeys. We are currently realistic alternatives. evaluating the two bids and the winner will be ‘We all know the franchise system isn’t fit for purpose, and that announced in due course.’ privatisation hasn’t delivered what John Major promised it would more than twenty years ago. nIgEL’S MAKIng pLAnS For YoU ‘But the one thing the train operators fear is losing their licence Mick: TOCs fear District 6 Organiser Dicky Fisher and Nigel to print money. That’s why I agree with the think tank Bright Blue. If losing their licence Thompson, health & safety rep on Virgin Trains a rail operator doesn’t deliver, it should lose its franchise.’ to print money at Wolverhampton, have organised a seminar for D6 reps on Tuesday 3 October to replicate the successful forums organised in the north- After Boaty McBoatface it’s Trainy McTrainface west by DO3 Colin Smith and Alan Moss of Longsight. ‘It will be held at Virgin’s office in MTR Express has Birmingham,’ said Nigel. ‘Mick Whelan has named one of its kindly agreed to open the seminar and new high speed speakers from the Hazards campaign and trains Trainy Thompson’s solicitors are also booked.’ Details McTrainface. The from either Dicky ([email protected]) or Swedish operator Nigel ([email protected]). asked passengers to submit names FrEEdoM rIdErS FoUndEr dIES for four trains on Dave Gibson, one of the founding fathers of the Gothenburg to the Freedom Riders in South Yorkshire, the Stockholm route campaign against cuts in free travel for and the most pensioners and disabled people, has died. popular suggestion ‘Dave did so much to build links between our was Trainy campaign and the trade unions, particularly McTrainface. It’s not 1 April, says Trainy – most popular name in a Swedish poll Tosh McDonald and ASLEF,’ said George Arthur. ‘He had also been an inspirational secretary of Barnsley trades council.’ that carried fast-moving Jailed for obstructing the line trains. As a result, quite A man has been jailed for off, causing 26 trains to be rightly, National Rail took QUotE… 12 weeks and ordered to pay delayed. Doctors at the view that all railway ‘It is a very unsatisfactory situation £1,000 compensation after University Hospital in traffic should be stopped. It where you have the Prime Minister causing chaos on a railway Coventry said his behaviour took two hours for Mr surrounded by people who are just line by threatening to was the result of drink and Considine to be talked waiting for the moment they decide to commit suicide. Jamie drugs. down. throw her off the ledge.’ – tony Blair Considine, 23, of Kenilworth, Judge Andrew Lockhart, ‘The inconvenience was …UnQUotE sat on Rugby Road railway sitting at Warwick crown considerable and this man bridge in Leamington for court, said: ‘This offence is so has pleaded guilty to a two hours, dangling his legs serious that only a custodial serious matter of over the edge and sentence can be justified. obstructing an engine using A BrAnd nEW FrIEnd threatening to throw himself That is a busy railway line a railway line.’ London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling have pledged to work together on Crossrail 2. ‘Crossrail 2 is essential for the future prosperity of London and the Corruption on Crossrail south-east,’ said Sadiq, ‘so I’m pleased the Transport Secretary and I have reached an Four men have been jailed over corrupt payments made to secure work on the Farringdon agreement to take this vital project forward.’ station redevelopment for Thameslink and Crossrail. Alandale Rail, the contractor, was also convicted of corruption and fined £25,000. Blackfriars crown court heard how operations director Kevin McKee and fellow director John Zayya made corrupt payments to Innocent Obiekwe, a Our hip, hot and happening black senior manager working for Costain/Laing O’Rourke, to get the contract to supply safety critical baseball cap will keep the sun out staff for the project. They later made payments via William Waring, a director at Qualitas of your eyes. £5 (inc p&p); email Infrastructure Developments. ‘The scale of the corruption was significant,’ said Justin Yorke of the [email protected] or visit our British Transport Police commercial fraud squad. ‘It was complex, prolonged and meticulously online shop at www.aslef.org.uk planned and I am pleased we have brought a criminal gang to justice.’ 8 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 The government is trying to take away your right to free or affordable legal representation if you’re injured at work or anywhere else.

Why? They’re prioritising

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

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

#FeedingFatCats is a campaign run by Thompsons Solicitors. Thompsons is proud to stand up for the injured and mistreated. @feedingfatcats Platform

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London

VAL ShAWCroSS , deputy Mayor for transport in London, on the Mayor’s bold new transport strategy which Val at City Hall; on the will fundamentally change the way Tube; and with London Mayor Sadiq Khan and people move around one of the world’s his top team by the busiest and most exciting cities Thames (above)

ODAY about one-third of journeys need support from the government to make in London are made by car. this happen. t Although that is less than other Sadiq understands that transport doesn’t major cities in the UK, the density of London, just impact on our daily lives by helping us get and the fact that our population continues to around – it also creates new opportunities, grow rapidly, means we simply cannot afford unlocks housing potential, and shapes the to continue using our cars at this rate. We whole character of our city. That’s why it’s so don’t have the space on our roads, we can’t the Metropolitan, District, Circle, and important that we don’t just deliver affordable, continue to ignore the growing health Hammersmith & City lines; improvements to reliable and accessible transport, but also problems caused by inactivity, and we must the Jubilee, Northern, and Victoria lines, change the way we look at every aspect of our tackle the air pollution crisis. It is, therefore, making them among the most frequent transport network. vital that more people choose to walk, cycle or services in the world; and modernisation of use public transport – especially rail. the Piccadilly, Central, Bakerloo, and Waterloo InVESt rECord SUMS That’s why the Mayor of London has set out & City lines with new trains to increase Some parts of London have been planned a bold new transport strategy that, working capacity and improve reliability. around car use for so long that there are no with you, will fundamentally change the way decent alternatives for local people. We plan to people move around our city. It is an WE WILL groW thE nEtWorK change that. We will transform London’s ambitious 25 year approach that will help We will grow the network by opening the neighbourhoods using the healthy streets Londoners make more active and sustainable Elizabeth line and expanding the Bakerloo line approach to make them cleaner, safer and transport choices, reduce congestion, make to Lewisham and beyond, the London quieter. We will invest record sums to improve efficient use of our streets, and support the Overground to Barking Riverside, and the streets for all, and ensure that new health and wellbeing of Londoners. Northern line to Battersea. We’ll also be developments are designed around walking, investing in the tram, DLR and bus network, cycling and public transport. This will help to At thE hEArt oF oUr pLAnS and working to ensure London’s entire reduce our capital’s car reliance, significantly It’s a strategy that puts rail – light and heavy, transport system is zero emission by 2050 – as increase the proportion of people walking, the Underground, and the Overground – at part of the Mayor’s wider ambition to improve cycling and taking public transport, and help the heart of our plans to increase and improve air quality across the city. Londoners do at least the 20 minutes of active public transport services, develop more The centre piece of the Mayor’s strategy to travel they need to stay healthy each day. housing, regenerate the city, and make promote economic growth in London and the I hope that our bold strategy will begin a London a more attractive and healthy place to south-east in the long term is Crossrail 2. This national shift towards a more progressive, live. project would support hundreds of thousands environmentally-friendly approach to The hard work that you put in every single of jobs and homes, and prevent transport policy. We want it to mark the day across the transport network and your unprecedented overcrowding. It is a line that beginning of a new appreciation of the drive to offer a passenger-focused, accessible would complement and support High Speed 2 importance of growing and improving our rail service that will encourage people to move coming to London and must be part of a co- networks and services. And we want the whole away from their cars, is absolutely vital to ordinated major UK-wide development plan of the UK to see how vital the role of walking, Londoners and London’s future. As part of this for rail transport infrastructure. cycling and public transport can be in making new approach, we are committed to giving Rail devolution is also more important than us healthier and improving the places where you the tools you need to help passengers so ever, as it is vital that we see improved services we live. you can improve training and take advantage on London’s existing Network Rail track of innovations to ensure you have the latest infrastructure. Allowing TfL to run the  I urge you to read our draft strategy and real-time information to hand, making more suburban lines is the fastest and most cost- give us your comments. You can access it by stations fully accessible and bringing 4G effective way to guarantee better transport visiting tfl.gov.uk/mayors-transport- mobile communications to the Underground. services to vast areas of south London and we strategy You, more than anyone, know the importance of modernising and improving VAL SHAWCROSS lives and breathes the capital. She was first elected to the our services for passengers so they choose to  London Assembly at the inaugural elections in 2000 and represented Lambeth use public transport. In the coming years & Southwark for 16 years. Before that she served on Croydon council from there will be major investment across the 1994 to 2000. Last year London Mayor Sadiq Khan appointed her Deputy Mayor for entire Tube network with the completion of Transport to help him get the capital’s public transport system back on track. new signalling and more frequent services on

10 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 Underground

When I get to Warwick Avenue meet me by the entrance of the Tube

district 8 organiser delivered four years of FInn BrEnnAn guaranteed pay rises that keep us reports on a busy ahead of inflation but, as year dealing with executive committee member churn and change on London Terry Wilkinson outlines overleaf, the fight continues to make sure Underground all the commitments made on the work/life balance and personal NE of the many useful development are delivered. pieces of advice I was Health & safety reps have, o given by my predecessor perhaps, the hardest battle as district organiser, the late Steve against the impact of ill-thought Grant, was ‘Remember, Finn, there through cost cutting but, as is never a quiet time in ASLEF successes on issues like access to District 8.’ Well, that has certainly cool drinking water show, their proved to be true! persistence and determination On London Underground A tram is not a still brings results. Branches and IR increasing passenger demand, reps have had to deal with a big bus on wheels line upgrades, and higher service jump in the number of By far the worst moment of the levels, including Night Tube, have disciplinary cases, many of which last 12 months in our district was increase in pressure, public been combined with huge cuts in should have been dealt with the terrible tragedy on Tramlink at scrutiny and potential major government funding. The fares simply and quickly at local level. Sandilands on 9 November last changes to the way they work freeze, although a real benefit to ASLEF trains council reps have year. Seven people lost their lives pushed through with little or no hard-pressed commuters, means shown huge commitment and and scores more were seriously consultation. even less money is available. The dedication in holding injured. Multiple investigations Recent changes in result is constant pressure to management to account. Despite are continuing into the causes of management, including bringing make cuts to budgets and put off the pressure put upon them, and the derailment by the RAIB, BTP in senior people with a spending plans. attempts to intimidate them, they and TfL. But while the root causes background in rail operations, The management structure do not hold back from vigorously have still not been revealed the who understand that a tram in has also changed dramatically in a defending our members. driver involved faces the prospect not just a ‘bus on wheels’ are short time. The role of trains So, while there will never be a of a criminal trial. welcome, but a serious culture operational support manager and quiet time in District 8, neither will As always when such accidents change is needed. Unless performance manager have there ever be a quiet union. ASLEF happen a rush to close the stable management start listening to disappeared. Line general reps at every level will continue to door means new safety measures drivers instead of imposing managers and service directors do whatever we can to defend are introduced. While these may change from above it will be are being reorganised. Chief our members and better our be necessary, drivers and their impossible to build trust and operating officers or their conditions at work. union reps have seen a huge industrial relations will suffer. rebranded equivalent seem to come and go on a more regular schedule than the Circle line on a Sunday. So far, I have had a new Active in ASLEF one to deal with each year I have Ith so many challenges to deal with, had this role. keeping members informed and With so much change and W encouraging you to be active in our churn at senior level, dealing with union – at branch and district level – has never staff concerns and trade unions been more important. In july we ran, for the seems to be very far down the list first time, an Active in ASLEF seminar at head of management priorities. With office aimed at giving recently-involved their eyes firmly focused on members the tools they need to understand spreadsheets – or the prospect of the union’s structure and how to influence a large redundancy cheque – change. mundane matters like sticking to the event included a brief history of ASLEF, agreements and genuinely sessions on the role of equality and learning consulting on change seem, to reps, writing a branch motion and an AAd item, some, to be a nuisance. and strengthening local organisation. Ian Finn Brennan (third left) and District 8 activists Despite this, your ASLEF reps, goodman of White City kindly helped with an on the steps of head office in Clerkenwell at local and combine level, overview of the trials and tribulations of being continue to battle with some a local rep. knowledge and confidence to take part in their success to defend and improve Feedback from the participants will be used branch and build the strong and resolute working conditions for our to develop more seminars and half day courses ASLEF we know we will need to succeed in the members. Our strikes in 2015 so that as many people as possible have the battles ahead.

September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 11 Agenda Management bulletins, a memo from Turner and reality check

If you read the recent management accordingly. Management wanted to do this by bulletin on the work streams from the moving anyone who applied to the pool. This current pay deal you could be forgiven for would mean getting duties and rest days on thinking all is well. here, from tErrY Thursday for the following week, which is totally unacceptable, and, if required, working at any WILKInSon , EC member for district 8, location on the line. On top of this they wanted and district 8 organiser FInn BrEnnAn , to reduce the working day by 12 minutes, is an update from the real world… resulting in a loss of annual leave (this would be six days on the current five day week). ANAGEMENT have stated that the four Naturally, this wasn’t presented in the occasion, is that any reduction is for the lifetime day week trial ends in September. We management bulletin. Instead we were told of the deal and, if no agreement is reached, M believed that if the trial was successful about an agreement that would be advertised. management can increase weekend working. As then the opportunity would be given to other The truth is this isn’t a new agreement, it’s a things stand at this moment the first line that depots to decide if it was something that was current agreement which we had to prove to would be affected is the Central line which has a wanted at their location. As we have always said management existed. new timetable next year with an enhanced this would be a depot choice and no individual We believe train operators should have the Sunday service. would have to move from the current five day right to stay at their own depot and simply apply Train operators voted for more Saturdays, week rota. to work how many days they wish, knowing Sundays, and weekends off and that’s what we We met every single Wednesday until exactly what they are doing, well in advance. expect to happen. recently, to address any management concerns, The bulletin also mentions a slight reduction and we believed that part of this weekly in Saturdays and Sundays worked. This is true, trAnSFErrIng LICEnCES meeting was to address any problems but only applies to locations that have Night A presentation has been given on this issue. highlighted. The facts are that, to date, Tube, which is the reason some Saturdays and Whilst it addressed some points it didn’t address management have not raised one concern. It Sundays have reduced rather than some kind act the issue of how such a licence could be should also be noted that the attendance of from management. It also failed to highlight achieved. The presentation was also at odds individuals on the trial has improved. that, at some of these depots, train operators with what district organisers have told us about As part of the pay deal it was agreed to were displaced to other lines as a result of Night the transferring process. One of the DOs has introduce, by 1 July 2017, an opportunity to Tube. arranged a meeting with one of his companies reduce the days you work and to be paid What also has been stated, on more than one in an attempt to move this issue forward.

in, say, US dollars, then virtually all have. More bangs for your bucks when the currency is One other benefit converted you get more available to members of the grAhAM dEAn , chair come on to London example, the most recent pounds for your bucks. pension fund worth of trains council, Underground, it remains as increase in the funding level Likewise, I doubt many mentioning is the option to reports on the state of a final salary scheme, and is considered to be because in the trade union make additional voluntary the pension fund for contribution rates for of two very newsworthy movement would welcome contributions. This is a members remain at 5% of events. First, the election of London Underground the election of President scheme where members pensionable salary. Donald Trump as President Trump but, because he is can choose to invest a staff In regards to the funding of the United States and, viewed as good for percentage of their salary OTHING is position, we have made second, the vote on Brexit. business, this has had a into a range of funds to guaranteed to get good progress recently in Without getting dragged positive impact on the build up an additional n members’ closing the funding gap, into a debate on the rights markets. This has, in turn, pension fund on retirement. attention at branches than which has been as low as and wrongs of leaving the led to an increase in the Without getting into too a report on the state of the 85% fully funded (in June European Union, it is value of our investments much detail, the obvious pension fund so, as a 2016) to a position where generally regarded to have which, again, improves the attraction is that the money trustee of the fund, I we are now 96.6% fully raised the rate of inflation in funding position. As they you invest is tax free which, thought it would be good funded. This means we are the UK, which is, in broad say, it’s an ill wind that for a higher rate taxpayer, to give a brief update on on track to be 100% fully terms, generally regarded blows no one any good! has the effect of giving you where we are in regards to funded at the end of the as a bad thing (although I The other big event has £10 of benefit for every £6 staff on London recovery plan in 2022. know it can be argued the been the welcome news you put in. There are caps Underground. However, I must offer a other way). that former Tube Lines on what you can put in but I I am pleased to report word of caution. The Because the TfL pension employees are now able to would recommend that, currently, it is pretty markets are still very volatile fund is invested mainly join the TfL pension fund members do look into it much all good news. The and, as they always say, the overseas it has had a and benefit from all the and consider if it is fund remains open for all value of investments can go positive impact on funding benefits it offers – and it something you would like staff to join when they down as well as up. For as, when profits are taken would appear that they to do.

12 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 Underground Service over safety at LU jULIAn VAUghAn , of trains health & safety council, reports on a worrying change of culture on London Underground HE Tories’ default position that austerity traction current is t measures turned off when drivers have resulted in huge access the track; cuts to London ensuring LU has Underground’s adequate procedures budget and will mean in place when dealing that, by 2020, London with infrastructure will be the only major incidents; European city without improvements to safety a subsidised transport at the platform train network. The mixture interface; and raising of cuts and ever- the profile of dust and increasing passenger fatigue issues. These numbers means that subjects – and many ASLEF health & safety more – have been hard reps face significant fought for and were challenges on the not conceded lightly. ChAnCE oF proMotIon front line in the next The Grenfell Tower We believed that promotion opportunities on few years. tragedy has stations were being denied to train operators It can seem that highlighted what can simply because when the jobs are advertised it h&s reps are fighting a happen when health & Management often turn a blind eye to states that you require certain licences to apply. rearguard action and safety is seen as a overcrowded platforms, poor sightlines, and We wanted the opportunity for T/Ops to obtain merely holding the ‘burden to business’ poor visibility to keep the service on track these licences (which could possibly be achieved line against a ‘service rather than as an over safety’ culture essential requirement by e-learning). However, management told us disaster for years. The as a shining example of that seems prevalent and concerns are that licensing was not a factor and it was based lesson that must be driver only operation in at the current time. ignored as on interviews and experience, etc. We believed learned is that the action, we know that However, we have scaremongering. One this was a positive way forward, then the trains current culture of this mode of operation had a number of of the most disturbing council looked at the requirements for applying cost/benefit analysis has significant issues, successes as ASLEF aspects of the fire was for supervisory positions on stations which and safety seen as a particularly in relation h&s reps hold LU to that residents and stated you must have certain licences to apply. burden rather than a to obscured views of account. These organisations had been This, therefore, proves that our assumptions benefit has to change the PTI. While tier 2 reps include ensuring the predicting such a were correct. across all areas of deal with the GAPS public service including project, which is slowly London Underground. dealing with the Fortune’s always hiding Tier 2 h&s reps deal movement of cameras, with safety matters that drivers can take ASLEF ShrUggEd , an entertaining, managers (currently undergoing another affect all lines and deal immediate action by enlightening and rather wry blog about life change with TOSMs and DTSMs being merged with issues that were insisting on assisted Underground written by a Central line driver, back into one grade) and technical staff but they not resolved locally. We despatch at platforms and West Ham fan, shut up shop earlier this still need one driver per train. The big change also keep in close where their view of the year. This was his last valedictory post on will come with the introduction of driverless contact with the ORR platform train interface 18 April: trains but even that will only happen if the T/Ops and raise concerns or is blocked. agree to it, as was the case when they converted formal complaints as The role of a health EVEN years ago today I started M1 in Paris. I might get to enjoy the blissful irony appropriate. As well as & safety rep can seem blogging so it seems appropriate that I of driving a driverless train but it now looks as if ensuring that LU like a war of attrition, S mark that anniversary by ending it. I’m the Bakerloo line will get the new trains before complies with h&s laws but it is a war we must all blogged out. I keep thinking I should write we do so I’ll probably miss out on that and their safety continue for the sake of something, start to write a post and then simply experience. I’ve got 10 years, 8 months and 20 certificate we deal with our members and our can’t be bothered to finish. It was fun for most of days until I retire, I’m going to dedicate more combine-wide issues passengers. We are the time but, from now on, I will stick to posting time to looking after Old Mother Shrugged (now such as training and confident that, with the comments on The Guardian website (mostly on 87), looking after myself, and getting out in hazards faced by support of drivers, and London and transport issues), occasionally on London a bit more. I’ve got memberships for members (such as dust local h&s reps, we will the Evening Standard when I can do so without a both the Tate and the National Portrait Gallery and fatigue). continue to hold LU to feeling of vague disgust, District Dave’s London but haven’t used either in the last six months. Drivers themselves account and achieve Underground forum and WHU606. I’ve not been to the theatre in over a year while hold a great deal of further successes, A lot has changed on the Tube with ticket the last film I watched was La La Land ! power in dealing with resulting in a safer and offices closing, station staff undergoing a If you’re ever up by the Lea Bridge Road end safety issues. While healthier working complete re-organisation and Night Tube, but of Leyton High Road and fancy a drink, pop in London Underground environment for our my job is relatively the same as it was in 2010. the William IV, there might be an ex-blogging is used by critics of the members and the They can mess around with station staff, T/Op propping up the bar on his rest day. Southern Rail dispute public.

September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 13 Commentary

offers no practical solutions to the scourge of insecure and low paid work and is frankly not worth the Two Tory paper it is written on’. After the CBI sunk her proposal of mandatory worker nations representatives on the boards of big companies, it was clear that by choosing Matthew Taylor, a grEgor gALL , former adviser to Tony Blair, professor of nothing significantly progressive Industrial would come out of the review – relations at the especially in terms of what the University of government would do. Bradford, examines what happened to theresa May’s dEAd In thE WAtEr ambition to rediscover one So the notion of meritocracy as nation Conservatism May’s big idea is as dead in the water as Cameron’s big society was by 2011. When it comes to it, HEN Theresa May made May is not prepared to challenge her pitch to become those who would lose out from W Tory leader and, thus, creating an economy and society Prime Minister in Birmingham last based upon people’s life chances summer, she was promising big being determined by their ability, things. Her key messages were talent and performance. that work should pay and people Amongst other things, it should be able to get on in life. Theresa May initially tried to put blue water between her Tory would mean ending student fees She promised opportunity for all, government and the policies pursued by members of the Bullingdon and re-introducing student grants ‘a country that works for everyone Club including (top) David Cameron (back row, standing, second left) so money is no object to getting a – not just the privileged few’. and Boris Johnson (front row, sitting, on far right) and (above) degree; it would mean banning Britain, under her, would become (1) George Osborne and (5) Jo Johnson unpaid internships which only a meritocracy. This was a pitch middle-class kids can now afford from a state school-educated need to be sure of your ideas as prepared to use state to take; it would mean ending pay Conservative against the well as having, to use a now intervention to right the wrongs inequality based on gender; privately-educated Bullingdon common phrase, all your ducks in of the market or the class system ending inherited wealth; and Club (past members of which a row. under which we live. This is giving workers a say in how they include Boris Johnson, David because such state intervention are treated at work. There would Cameron and George Osborne) StorM thE BArrICAdES could work and would favour the be many winners from this – but ruling elite. Because the establishment and many, not the few. also quite a few losers, too. But, like Tony Blair, Gordon ruling class have material interests The recent Taylor review of One way or another, Theresa Brown and Cameron before her, to defend and will use their modern working practices, Good May has shown that attending the dream of a new promised financial, ideological and Work , is a case in point. Mick Oxford University and working for land with equality of opportunity organisational power to see off Whelan, ASLEF’s general the Bank of England has instilled (if not equality of outcome) has any challenges. Don’t get me secretary, struck the right in her a respect for the powers died a death. And, in May’s case, wrong – I’m not trying to paint response when he said: ‘For Mr that be in Britain. Her vision of much, much quicker than her May as a radical, let alone a Taylor to say work should be fair one nation Toryism has been bent predecessors. revolutionary, preparing to storm is a statement of the obvious. to shape around them and not the barricades of privilege. Unfortunately, Mr Taylor’s report the other way around. CrAShEd And BUrnEd But if you look at all the key So why has May’s dream of a elements of her leadership pitch, meritocracy crashed and burned she has either backed down or ‘Say what you like, our Queen reigns over so quickly? Could it be that her not moved forward with them.  the greatest nation that ever existed.’ inadequacies as a leader have The kinder and more forgiving ‘Which nation?’ asked the younger stranger, been her undoing? Could it be might say she’s had to deal with ‘for she reigns over two.’ that she didn’t mean what she making sure ‘Brexit means Brexit’ The stranger paused; Egremont was silent, said? Could it be that, since and the self-induced hari-kari of but looked inquiringly. becoming Prime Minister, she has calling that ill-fated general ‘Yes,’ resumed the younger stranger after a moment’s changed her mind? Could it be election. interval. ‘Two nations; between whom there is no that she did not get enough But the underlying reason is intercourse and no sympathy; who are as ignorant of each support in the Conservative Party that she has met opposition from other’s habits, thoughts, and feelings, as if they were to make her vision a reality? powerful vested interests who dwellers in different zones, or inhabitants of different It could be any or all of these made it clear to her that she can planets; who are formed by a different breeding, are fed by things because what underlies continue to spout those ideas – if a different food, are ordered by different manners, and are them is the system of social she wishes – so long as she does not governed by the same laws.’ classes at the heart of how the not use the levers of the state to ‘You speak of – ’ said Egremont, hesitatingly. British economy, polity, and pursue them. ‘The rich and the poor.’ society operate. If you are to Hence, when she calls upon – Benjamin disraeli , Sybil , or the Two Nations challenge the establishment, and business groups to do x or y, that confront the ruling class, you is all she is doing. She is not

14 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 Manifesto

Justice at last – Supreme Court victory in battle over employment tribunal fees

In a landmark judgement on 26 july the Supreme Court ruled against the government – saying its introduction of fees for employment tribunals was unlawful. dAVE prEntIS , general secretary of Unison, the union which took the case to court, Dave celebrates the Unison victory outside explains what this means for every worker in Britain the Supreme Court in Parliament Square HE right to challenge have to. With fees as high as of unions in fighting for all of our celebration, this victory is also a injustice at work and £1,200 – plus another £1,600 rights. This was a long, difficult, time for reflection. We will never t seek legal recourse is should a case go to appeal – it’s and expensive legal case. It’s know just how many people were something that most of us will, not hard to see why working taken almost four years to get stopped from taking legal cases thankfully, never have to do. But it people – especially those on low here. as a result of employment is something which none of us incomes – were deterred by such In taking on this case, Unison tribunal fees. We will never know should ever take for granted. expense. was not simply pursuing a legal how many people have been When tribunal fees were That’s why the unanimous case but also a moral one – that denied access to justice and to introduced in 2013, they tipped Supreme Court ruling is so everyone deserves the right to legal recourse. the balance in favour of important. Not just for the 1.3 have his or her case heard, and This result brings to an end the exploitative employers and away million public sector employees there should never be a barrier to cruel employment tribunal fees from vulnerable workers. These who belong to Unison, but for all justice based on ability or regime, and ensures that no-one unfair fees were letting law- employees and workers, willingness to pay arbitrary fees. else is ever forced to pay crippling breaking bosses off the hook, and everywhere. The coalition government – fees just to access basic justice. It leaving badly treated staff with no It’s also the most significant the Liberal Democrats’ role in the should enshrine once and for all choice but to put up or shut up. judicial intervention in the history fees imposition must not be the vital principle that justice For those without the support of British employment and forgotten – claimed that does not belong to the rich and of a union to cover the fees, constitutional law, because it introducing fees would stop so- the powerful, it belongs to all of justice seemed completely out of overturns legislation explicitly called vexatious claims. In reality, us. reach. And without the means to designed to deny working people as the Supreme Court pointed And it should show this challenge these employers, the their rights. The Supreme Court out, it was genuine cases that government, as ministers rights of many employees ruled that fees should be were affected – the type of claims continue Brexit negotiations that became meaningless. affordable for all. employment tribunals were put in threaten our rights at work and at People don’t choose to go to Unison’s fight – and victory – is place to support. home, that we will stand and fight tribunals. They go because they also a reminder of the importance But, as well as being a day of to defend our vital protections.

need to sign and Sign o’ the times communicate, and is the first stage towards ChrIS nUttY explains a full Level 1 qualification in BSL. how ASLEF Education is Having broken the ice working across the toCs with this unit, most of to help make deaf Marie’s learners go on passengers welcome to complete the full Level 1 qualification RITISH Sign importance of staff and many go on to Language learning to sign so higher levels. B is the they can help and Thumbs up for sign language ‘I found the BSL preferred language of support deaf travellers. Midland, Greater helps ensure fuller body, Signature, which one day course really the UK’s 70,000 deaf Over the last 10 Anglia, and Arriva courses and creates a adds to your CPD and enjoyable,’ said Nicola community. It is their years ASLEF Education Trains Wales. better learning enhances your CV. Davis, an EMT driver at main means of has worked with Marie Recently she was in experience. With the Marie delivers her Derby. ‘Marie is a communication and Tacey to promote deaf Derby to deliver a TOCs and ASLEF course in an open, fantastic tutor and recognised by the awareness within the beginners course, co- providing the course friendly, informal way, made me feel government as a rail industry. Marie is a funded by EMT, and venue, the quickly putting comfortable straight language in its own BSL tutor who CrossCountry, and learners do their bit by learners at ease. Being away. I started the day right. As a service specialises in teaching ASLEF Education. The undertaking the a deaf person, and not knowing industry the railway sign language to rail course was organised course in their own regular rail user, she is anything, and by the needs to ensure that workers and has by EMT ULR Chris time. The benefit is well-qualified to teach end felt confident all its passengers feel worked with ASLEF to Nutty and not only that you learn how to interact with enough to approach a included, valued, and deliver BSL courses to CrossCountry ULR how to sign, but you deaf passengers. The deaf person to help safe while travelling by staff in East Midlands Richard Swain. receive a certificate beginner’s course with their traveling rail. Hence the Trains, London Working across TOCs from the awarding offers the basics you directions.’

September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch News

First class half century Upcoming e vents OKING branch No W 235 held a celebration and  rIppLE LAnE – thUrSdAY 7 SEptEMBEr presentation evening Ripple Lane Jolly Boys outing to visit retired colleagues at the on Tuesday 18 July to Old Clacton BRSA club from midday, being conveyed by an mark 50 years since Essex Coast Express, for a day of frivolity, quaffing and the current branch storytelling. Everybody welcome. was formed shortly after the cessation of  rAInhAM – thUrSdAY 5 oCtoBEr steam working in July Southeastern retired and working members’ reunion from 1967 and the 11.00 at Rainham Social Club, 86 Station Road, Rainham, Kent. associated closure of Guildford locomotive  FrAtton – FrIdAY 6 oCtoBEr shed (70C). Fratton train crew and railway reunion from 12.00 to 18.00 at Most of the men the BRSA Club next to Fratton station. All members, retired displaced moved six members, and other retired railway staff welcome. Free buffet miles up the line to Graham Morris, Mick Whelan, Simon Weller and raffle. For details contact Gary White on 07798 706204. Woking. and Marz Colombini (top) celebrate 50 years GS Mick Whelan of Woking branch (above)  pEtErBoroUgh – FrIdAY 6 oCtoBEr presented long- Booz’n’chat at the Parkway Club, Maskew Avenue, serving drivers’ and successful in privatisation. He has Peterborough. £5 in advance, £6 on the door. Call Malcolm Bell company council organising resistance been a member of our on 07884 43242 or [email protected] Nigel Cummins with to the proposed Society for 43 years, honorary life closure of Woking and served on the DCC  WAtFord – SAtUrdAY 7 oCtoBEr membership. Bro Farnham depots in since 1999, and it was Watford reunion from 14.00 in The Flag next to Watford Cummins was pivotal 1995 on the cusp of the first time in all that Junction station. All past and present drivers welcome. Please time that Bro contact Kevin Corcoran at [email protected]. Cummins has been lost for words!  KIng’S LYnn – FrIdAY 20 oCtoBEr Long service Linnets come home. ASLEF branch number 111 reunion, long awards were given to service awards and 111th anniversary celebration evening. Mick Taylor (40 years), Contact Mark Steele for information on 07788 153954. Shaun McCallion (25), Adrian McTernan and  hIthEr grEEn – WEdnESdAY 8 noVEMBEr Tom Aldrich (15), Hither Green reunion from 11am at the Richmal Crompton Christine Wilson, Rob (Wetherspoons) opposite Bromley South station with, Taylor and David hopefully, a few surprise guests and a new badge to Cannings (10). commemorate the occasion. Ray Cooper, RMS Hither Green. Woking branch would like to thank all those who attended,  Please send all your branch news, reports, features and especially the GS, AGS, photographs to [email protected] District 1 Organiser and District 1 and District 5 EC members who took time from So Long, FArEWELL The GS presented awards to (left to right, top their busy schedules West Brompton said farewell on 21 July to three loyal members – to bottom) Mick Taylor, David Cannings, Rob to celebrate with us. Al Fenwick , peter jones and Avtar dhanju – with, between them, Taylor, Shaun McCallion, Adrian McTernan Chris Smith , branch well over 90 years’ membership of ASLEF. They truly have been the and Nigel Cummins secretary back bone to our trade union. We wish them all the very best in retirement, good health and lots of fun. Thank you for your support over the years, and please pop in to see us. World beer journey begins greg tasker , branch secretary At our recent presentation branch meeting EC vice- president Dave Calfe rAY rUttY StrAtFord MAn (second right) and DFC rep Ray Rutty, a Stratford man all his railway career, died on P Coles (far left) presented 10 May. He went through all the footplate grades at 50 year medallions and Stratford. A well-liked guy, although an agitator at times, badges to three retired who liked a good wind-up, he was a bit of a boxer in his members (from left) G early days, and a mean tackler on the football field when Crowder, C Mitchell and I he played for Stratford loco. Widderson. dave pizzie, rMS Andy Wakefield , nottingham

16 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 100 Years of Union

put to good use to protect her members. Mental health, including using mapping to address workplace stress and suicide, was a theme throughout. Paul Holleran, Scottish organiser of the NUJ, gave one of the best Mick holder turns back ASLEF delegates John Doyle, Rachel Gentle, Derrick Lowrie, workshops I have been to, Alec Bishop and Alan Moss covering poor management time to September 1917 and bullying, and how we can protect our members. It’s A strike over the eight-hour day, Burning desire to about collective action, and and the government’s response, changing the workplace, not dominated the pages of the Journal the worker. make work safer Another highlight was ConFErEnCE dECIdES – StrIKE Bryan Simpson, a young trade Under the heading ‘The eight-hour day ORE than 300 trade to all the EU laws and unionist from the Better than crisis – conference decision to strike’ the M union health & safety regulations that protect us. Zero campaign against the Journal reports: ‘Many were watching representatives After the plenary session it exploitative culture which anxiously for our success in the demand descended on Keele University was time to network and permeates the hospitality for a principle of the eight-hour day. They in Staffordshire on the last discuss issues old and new and industry. were with us heart and soul, for having weekend of July for the annual how we adapt to the changes No sooner had the worked more than eight hours for very Hazards conference. I was we face. Brother Lowrie gave weekend begun than it was many years, they knew eight were quite joined by a great ASLEF an excellent exercise on best over and we went home enough for any man. Best of all was the delegation consisting of John practice for assessing walking brimming with information, solidarity from our own members. From Doyle (Selhurst); Rachel Gentle routes in the hours of darkness; new contacts, great ideas and a every branch, far and near, came the (Bristol); Derrick Lowrie (Yoker); a valuable lesson we will burning desire to ensure our message of readiness to fight this great and Alec Bishop remember. members are safe at work. fight for a principle.’ (Hammersmith & City) all of One of the best things All branches, please support ‘If a doctor makes an unconscious whom had enthusiasm in about conference is the the Hazards campaign and the mistake, he may destroy one life. If an abundance and a burning information available, with conference and sponsor a engine driver makes a mistake he may desire to ensure their members experts on hand to answer any delegate to attend in 2018; it destroy hundreds. To reduce hours is to are afforded the best questions. Rachel went away would be wonderful to see a reduce risk.’ representation. The union armed with information on larger delegation. ethos was shining bright and diesel emissions, which she will Alan Moss , Longsight on oUr oWn ShoULdErS made for an enthralling The Edge Hill branch secretary says: weekend. ‘Every nation and every people are The opening plenary ticket to ryde demanding to live as people should live, session on Friday evening and on our own shoulders lies the task of Remember those lines from True by Spandau began with a huge round of removing that which operates the Ballet – ‘I bought a ticket to the world / But applause for Unison for their hardest against us, and that is the now I’ve come back again’? Well, British Rail success in the employment continuous long hours. The eight-hour had this nasty habit of sticking you on tribunal case they took all the day has got to come. The neglect of courses, or marking you up for road learning, way to the Supreme Court. home life has been one of the tragedies without any thought to the packed We observed a minute’s of the locomotive man’s life. The eight- programme in a chap’s ASLEF diary. My mate silence for everyone lost in the hour day and an advance on wages are a Terry Laird came back off annual leave to find workplace due to negligent necessity, and are long overdue.’ employers, and heard a his AC loco course had started the week before, whilst he was in Miguel’s English moving account from Tracey VItAL pULSE oF thE SYStEM Seward whose husband Mark Wine Bar having breakfast. So sometimes ‘On Friday 17 August a decision to strike never returned home after he you had to resort to the Longsight drivers’ A Longsight was arrived at. The press, which had was unlawfully killed because ticket boxes, one at 9A, the other at legend’s box of hitherto been indifferent to the of his employer’s negligence. Piccadilly. Just like voting at an election, you delights controversy, began to realise an acute Everyone was visibly moved popped in a piece of paper with your mate’s national crisis was at hand. Never before and her story is one of the name on it. Road learning, route review, traction review, safety was it so fully realised that engines are many reasons we do what we brief – ‘Give us yer ticket!’ the vital pulse of the whole railway do.Jessica Martinez of the ‘Hey, brother, I’ve got a stab at the Open, I’m teeing off in the system, and that our men alone rested National Council for qualifying round tomorrow.’ ‘Give us yer ticket.’ the safe conduct of a nation’s transport.’ Occupational Safety & Health ‘Hey, mate, I’ve got to go to the clinic this afternoon with the in the US told us the problems girlfriend.’ ‘Give us yer ticket.’ goVErnMEnt BAnS StrIKE they face are very similar to ‘Hey boss (his allocated conductor driver), you don’t need ours. The Trump administration me, do you? City are at West Ham tonight.’ ‘Give us yer ticket.’ The government enforced the Munition has made drastic cuts to h&s in ‘Hey, mucker (the second man), I’ve been after Julie for Act (1915) forcing us ‘to report the the States – as have the Tories weeks and tonight’s the night. My head won’t be right for this difference to the Ministry of Labour for over here. ballast job, I’d be a safety risk. Will you hook on and off for us?’ settlement by conciliation or arbitration’. There was a presentation ‘Give us yer ticket.’ It prohibited any stoppage of work and on the implications of Brexit for And Martin Kemp did not play bass on True , they used a made it illegal to apply union funds for h&s but the truth is no-one synth. Still got paid for the session. He gave his ticket to Gary… the purpose of strike pay. knows what’s going to happen Mel thorley , Longsight

September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 17 Legal

inadequately protected. Blue asbestos could entered onto a database which records key The air that I breathe be disturbed when fitting interiors, carrying information. You can download a out repairs and maintenance, and even by questionnaire from www.aslef.org.uk/ LornA WEBStEr , specialist guards walking through trains as the carriages visageimages/About/HealthSafety/Thompson asbestos solicitor at vibrated along the tracks. sASLEFasbestosquestionnaire.pdf or request a thompsons, warns drivers to White was the most widely-used asbestos copy by calling 0808 100 8009. be aware of the enduring in the UK. Many workers were told by Recording information not only gives each effects of exposure to asbestos employers that it was ‘not dangerous’ but member peace of mind knowing their while it may not be as toxic as blue, all exposure has been properly and safely ECAYING equipment and asbestos is, potentially, a danger to health. recorded, it enables ASLEF and Thompsons to d infrastructure on Britain’s railways White asbestos sheeting was used in carriages identify people who worked in the same place. means that asbestos remains a as partitioning and white asbestos lagging was If you register your details, not only are you serious issue for ASLEF members. Thompsons used on steam engines. Many slam door helping yourself but former colleagues, too. brought the first successful case for carriages pulled by diesel locos were riddled compensation to the House of Lords in 1972 with asbestos for years. A rEAL dIFFErEnCE and we have worked tirelessly ever since to We have been instructed in a number of fatal protect and assist workers who have been ASBEStoS EXpoSUrE cases where little information about asbestos affected by asbestos-related illnesses. We Railwaymen and women working from the exposure is known and yet, when we contact know all too well the dangers asbestos still 1940s to 1990s involved in driving, cleaning, former colleagues via the database, the wealth poses to working people. maintaining or guarding trains, as well as of information provided has made a real those cutting, fitting, repairing and difference to the success of the claim being LIVIng In FEAr maintaining asbestos materials, are likely to made to support the member’s family. While not everyone who has been exposed to have experienced asbestos exposure. It can be If a member is diagnosed with an asbestos- asbestos will develop an asbestos-related many years before the condition becomes related condition, they should seek legal condition, and those who do will not apparent – anything from 10 to 50 years and assistance by calling our legal helpline on necessarily develop the most serious upwards. 0808 100 8009. It is important that early advice conditions, it is worrying that the number of We recently met a mesothelioma victim, a is sought. people being diagnosed has not yet reached retired coach builder, who recalled men Through your union, you have access to its peak. There will be many ASLEF members around him spraying blue asbestos. He told us Thompsons and we are experts in asbestos who know they may have been exposed to he was ‘expecting’ mesothelioma and, when disease and can advise, investigate and pursue asbestos and are living in fear of what that may finally diagnosed, his doctor couldn’t a claim on your behalf against those mean for their health. understand why he wasn’t shocked. He said responsible for negligence in the workplace. There are three types of asbestos – blue, he’d had ‘the last 40 years to get used to the brown and white. Brown asbestos was the idea’.  For more information about dangers of least-used. Blue asbestos is potentially the We encourage those who know, or suspect, asbestos and any steps you can take, please most toxic and was routinely sprayed onto they may have been exposed, but have had no visit www.thompsons.law.co.uk/ train carriages for fire-proofing and insulation. medical disease diagnosis, to complete asbestos-diseases. For more information It was an extremely dusty and messy job, for ASLEF’s asbestos exposure questionnaire. This about your legal service, go to the worker and colleagues nearby, and they ensures the exposure is logged independently www.thompsonstradeunion.law/ would usually inhale dust, as they were often of railway employers. The information is trade-unions/aslef Access through ASLEF to specialist support A train driver’s horrific road traffic accident is a have stopped within the support road crash victims reminder of the importance of ASLEF’s legal visibility of his headlights. A across the UK. service, says gErArd StILLIArd , head of six-figure settlement was ASLEF’s legal service is personal injury strategy at thompsons secured for Gareth to support available to members and his long-term care and their families whenever you rehabilitation as well as need it. If you are injured in a HE importance of the driver left Gareth needing provide some financial road accident, you and your ASLEF legal service, help for everyday tasks, security for his family. family have access via the t as well as the dangers including dressing and Unfortunately, experiences union to specialist legal posed by careless drivers, has cooking. His severely reduced like Gareth’s are all too support. The service also been illustrated in a recent mobility and inability to common. Shockingly, DfT provides members with case settled by Thompsons manage on his own has had a statistics reveal that more representation for accidents solicitors for an ASLEF devastating long-term impact than 22,000 people were at work or on holiday, serious member. on his health and life and his seriously injured on British injuries like brain or spinal Gareth Jones was walking career as a train driver was roads in 2015. Many of these cord injuries, industrial home after having a drink prematurely cut short. accidents were entirely disease and asbestos claims. with his brother when, When he found out that his preventable and down to And there’s help available on crossing the A489 near union membership included speeding or avoidable driver employment law and Machynlleth, in mid-Wales, he legal support for road traffic error. discounted rates for wills and was hit by a taxi. He was accidents, he instructed At Thompsons we use our conveyancing. rushed to hospital where he Thompsons. We gathered extensive experience of  For more information visit was diagnosed with a serious evidence to prove that the taxi exposing failures in road www.thompsons.law/services brain injury. driver was driving too fast for safety and policing to secure /road-traffic-accidents or call The carelessness of one the conditions and could not high levels of compensation to 0808 100 8009.

18 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 Obituaries grAhAME nASh UnIon gIAnt It is with great sadness that I During 20 years as local rep announce the death of Brother Grahame represented members’ Grahame Nash who passed away interests and played a huge role on 13 March aged 68. He had in guiding and advising during BR been ill with cancer for 15 days through to the uncertain months. times of privatisation. He ended Grahame was a giant in ASLEF, up working for FGW and retired locally and nationally. He joined from resources and planning in our union in January 1964. He was 2011 after 48 years’ active service. a local staff rep for 20 years, first at As well as his ASLEF activities Bath Road in BR days and then for he played a very important role as FGW post-privatisation; deputy treasurer of the Bristol chair and then chair of Bristol Railworkers’ Social & Welfare Fund branch for many years; and an and after he retired he organised ASLEF trustee for six years. He was the Bristol Retired Members’ Grahame (fourth left) with Dave also a committee member of the Section. For many years he helped Snell, Brian Corbett, Bernard Railway Enginemen’s Assurance me organise the Bath Road Old Kennedy, Mick Whelan, and his Fund and its chair from 1983 until Boys’ get together every June. brothers Colin and Phillip at 2013. Grahame was an ardent Bristol branch in March and Grahame began his long and Sheffield Wednesday supporter (right) enjoying a beer and distinguished railway career as a and enjoyed horse racing, having a laugh cleaner at Shrewsbury in 1963. He speedway, skittles and other pub- was promoted to fireman and related activities, with family and Grahame on 7 March. He was very moved to Oxley shed and then to friends. He had a keen interest in weak, but determined to attend. hospital and never came out. London St Pancras where he music, particularly rock and A very emotional branch saw the Grahame will be much missed lodged at the ‘railwayman’s hostel’. progressive genres, and at school GS and AGS present him with a by his family, his brothers Colin In 1972 he moved to Cricklewood played bass guitar in Brand X. He tribute to celebrate his life and and Phillip, his sons Kevin and where he was promoted to driver had a huge collection of vinyl LPs work for ASLEF. The meeting was Paul and by his all his friends and and, when Cricklewood closed in which he treasured and kept in jam-packed, which showed how workmates 1983, he transferred to Bristol special order. popular he was. Sadly, the next Bernard Kennedy , Bristol Bath Road. We arranged a tribute for day Grahame was taken into branch secretary thrEE grEAt ChArACtErS enjoyed writing, had a pEtEr AShBY CroYdon’S nUMBEr 1 great memory for It’s my sad duty to report the loss of three telling stories, and Peter Ashby passed away branch stalwarts – MALCOLM GOULDING , even wrote his own suddenly on 28 June after LESLIE BEMROSE and JOHN HOWARTH moving and funny suffering a cardiac arrest nine Malcolm – known to railway career on the eulogy. days before his 70th birthday. all at Nottingham as footplate at Colwick John started his Peter was Tramlink’s first driver – Fat Wallet – completed depot during the mid- career on the he joined on 15 February 1999, 50 years on the 1950s and played for footplate at during the commissioning period, footplate, starting at many years for the Nottingham in 1958 before the system opened in 2000 Nottingham, moving BRSA cricket team. He when promotion was – and soon became part of the to Coalville, before was elected onto the very slow coming; he training team. This branch returning to LDC in 1959, serving passed for driving in secretary, for one, is grateful to Peter with Tram 2546, the first to Nottingham. He was a as both secretary and 1978, becoming a Peter for all he learned about clock up one million kilometres regular attendee at chairman, a position driver ten years later. driving. He was one of the very the branch and former he held until 1970 In his early years he first tram drivers to join ASLEF in and had several periods in chairman. He was also before moving to took on several part- August 2000 and a founder hospital. But he remained active on the committee of Nottingham on the time jobs to keep his member of our branch in in the background, kept in contact the Train Crew Welfare closure of Colwick. Les family, one being February 2001, well before we with everything going on at club, organising many had his career cut window cleaning. were officially recognised. In his Tramlink, and many times gave us events and outings short through no fault John was elected onto training role, he was ideally good advice. He was a great and doing sterling of his own, the victim the LDC in 1982, placed to encourage new trainee supporter of ASLEF and work keeping the food of a road traffic remaining for 28 years, drivers to join the best trade passionate about his branch! machines in the mess accident which forced and having great union! Sadly, he injured his leg in robert Sambridge , Croydon room well stocked. him into early knowledge of 2010, was forced to give up work, tram/Light rail no 1 Les began his retirement in 1984. He agreements, rosters and diagrams, serving also as branch chair. rUgBY LEgEndS And, like Malcolm, Three retired members of Rugby branch have joined the eternal John worked tirelessly link. rAY WorthY , who retired six years ago, passed away on on the welfare 17 March just short of his 68th birthday. BoB (DRUMMER) committee. It was a hItChCoCK , who retired in 1997, died on 19 March aged 73. pleasure to have KEIth SprAYSon , who finished in 1993, left us on 29 March at worked with all three. the age of 88. All three were absolute legends! Malcolm Leslie John Andy Wakefield , tony Venson , rugby branch secretary Goulding Bemrose Howarth nottingham

September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 19 Letters

We welcome letters, either by email to [email protected] or A GOOD SUMMER FOR by royal Mail to ASLEF journal at 77 St john Street, London, EC1M 4nn . the writer of our star letter DELIVERING BAD NEWS wins a rich range of ASLEF regalia. You can always tell when Parliament infrastructure with long-awaited is about to go on its summer hols. A electrification schemes and all the grayling and the dft are day or two before our MPs pack their environmental benefits that go with buckets and spades, a deluge of ugly them being dumped. While David short-sighted and wrong news is unveiled by the government Davis in Brussels looks hapless. No The Transport Secretary’s announcement with little opportunity to be held to progress in the Brexit talks, and the postponing or cancelling several railway account. This year was no different. clock is ticking. electrification projects is fundamentally Highest crime statistics for years Vince Cable fought off the invisible flawed. The decision will leave several major released, with police numbers at their opposition to become Lib Dem cities dependent on diesel powered/bi-modal lowest since the mid-1980s. Surely leader, promising exciting centre- trains for the foreseeable future. This is a cheap some connection there? ground sensible politics. You’ll fix and follows a dismal pattern of binary Then we find government remember Vince. The one who helped investment decisions regarding the borrowing will jump to £58.3 billion prop up the Tories for five years, electrification of the main line railway system this year, with our national debt supporting policies such as trebling in Britain. soaring to £1,737 billion. Just a few tuition fees, the bedroom tax, Worryingly, internal resistance to main line weeks after our Prime Minister was privatising NHS services, and electrification deep within the DfT seems to boasting about the economic flogging off the Post Office on the have won the day. Having been castigated for competence of the Tories. cheap. a failure to develop this option on a rolling Next to get a kicking, rail john Metcalfe , Carlisle basis to secure the benefit of faster and more reliable trains in 2009/2010 the DfT had a Damascene conversion, aided and abetted by Network Rail, and supported a range of between Bedford and Leeds is relatively small railway from 1945 for over 40 years. From 1945 projects including main line electrification, and could have been wired up quickly had until about 1953 he was in the hostel at Old infilling existing schemes, and developing an there been competent project management in Oak Common, which was a very happy time electric spine between Southampton and the Network Rail and the DfT. Both organisations for him. I’d like any former workmates to Midlands/Yorkshire. were rightly castigated for incompetence. contact me about my dad, who later moved to The DfT was, however, intent on the This has led directly to the dilution of Didcot, and who died two years ago. My father deployment of bi-modal trains which they had intentions to create a modern electrified was a staunch union man and I have all his advocated as a replacement for the existing railway at a national scale able to service both union badges – he was especially proud of the high speed fleet, leading to proposals to passenger and freight transport. The decisions one showing solidarity with the miners. electrify the GW route which was, perversely, to abandon plans to wire up parts of the A phillips , 3 Minehead road, Bishops preferred as the primary route for network effectively destroy one of rail’s big Lydeard, taunton, Somerset, tA4 3BS modernisation. The GW electrification scheme advantages by being able to operate using a was originally to stop at Cardiff, leaving mix of energy and fuel inputs and not be push-pull train stories Swansea to be served by bi-modals in diesel utterly dependent on the continuing supply of liquid hydrocarbon fuel and the emissions this You kindly published my request for mode. This lunacy was overturned after information ( Journal , July) about push-pull protests but the massive overruns and creates at the time and point of use. The decisions by Chris Grayling and the DfT are trains and other trains that went backwards. incompetence that characterised this scheme Sadly, only one member contacted me – I (look at the National Audit Office report 2016) short-sighted and fundamentally wrong. phil Mortimer by email realised only long-retired members would be led to a return to the original half-baked plan. in the frame with first-hand information – but The cancellation of the MML project he was invaluable, as he worked push-pull condemns cities in the East Midlands and newton heath at Millgate trains until they were discontinued in 1966 (51 South Yorkshire to be served by cheap bi- A big turnout for the annual reunion of years ago!) He confirmed things I suspected, modal options. In any sane evaluation it Newton Heath drivers and other grades who and gave me other information which has beggars belief that this option is seen as found their way to the Millgate in Failsworth been included in a couple of articles I am justifiable. Having ‘paused’ schemes as a for the twelfth year running. Thanks to Johnny writing. consequence of overruns for which they were Pat and Andy Gee for the organisation which Eric Stuart , rMS culpable, the DfT and Network Rail have brought so many together again. The buffet effectively crippled the economic potential of was excellent and Johnny ran the booze raffle. We can be heroes this region and also failed to deliver a more It was good to see our younger drivers, which connected electrified rail network. This leaves is difficult under their circumstances. Our Please can I give a big thank you to the staff the rail sector with a series of lines which do thanks to the branch and the 105 members running your stall at Tolpuddle? My son is not provide a national system. Echoes of the who continue to provide the means for this autistic and was starting to get agitated by the position which crippled the West Coast main popular event. large crowds at the banner march and heat. line under the modernisation plan of the S Black , rMS Thank you for giving my son and daughter a 1950s and 1960s. cap and allowing my son to use your tent as a The cities which would have been wired up safe place. He managed to contain himself and under the MML scheme now have to wait the Anyone remember Alan? we were able to get onto the GMB field which arrival of HS2 (this year, next year, sometime, I wonder if you can help me? My father, Alan was quiet. Your staff were so helpful! never). The missing link in terms of rail mileage Phillips, was born in 1928 and worked on the neil henderson by email

20 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 Classified Advertisements

Sing if you’re glad to be gay CLASS 15 locomotive (D8233) enamel badge on sale to raise funds for restoration of the sole surviving sing if you’re happy that way Class 15 loco by the Class 15 Preservation Society. £5 + £1 p&p dArrAn BroWn , national secretary of our LGBT from Ipswich driver Clive Whiting. Payment can representative committee, marks the passing of the Sexual be sent via PayPal to [email protected] Offences Act in 1967 which decriminalised homosexual acts, (friends & family to avoid fees). in private, between men over the age of 21 ASLEF BRANCH 111 ASLEF branch 111 is 111 T’S TIME to celebrate years old and has a limited I – 50 years since the edition numbered badge to decriminalisation of celebrate the introduction of homosexuality, a time that the Class 387 on KL services. Proceeds to the was the start of the legal King’s Lynn branch welfare fund. £7.50 inc p&p process and a beginning from Mark Steele,1 Rosecroft, South Wootton, along the path towards King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 3WX. equality for LGBT+ people. When the law was SOUTH WESTERN Suburban 707 limited edition changed in 1967 it didn’t 35x30mm enamel badge £5 + change attitudes overnight. £1 p&p from Martin Gay men were still being Thompson (Wimbledon Park) beaten and blackmailed, email [email protected] frightened of being outed, and could still be imprisoned DAVE EAST is selling three for being gay due to many badges – Class 302, Class 312 and caveats in the law. (It’s never Darran Brown, Jeremy Class 455 – to raise funds for the been illegal for two women). Corbyn, David Jones and preservation and repaint of the last During the last 50 years James Sutherland at the Phase One 4 CIG 1753. £5 each + £1 p&p for up to there has been a steady, if House of Commons in July three badges. Please send cheques payable to sometimes painfully slow, Network South East Railway Society to NSERS, and hard fought, move There’s still a way to go. We 41 Highfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 6DD. towards where we are today. still have a disproportionate GLASGOW branch 125 year So what’s happened since number of LGBT people being celebration badge. £4 including homosexuality was bullied and harassed, p&p. Contact ASLEF’s Glasgow decriminalised in 1967? becoming victims of hate branch secretary John McCue at 2003 when the Labour crime and committing [email protected] tAKIng prIdE government under Tony Blair suicide. Well, the Act only covered repealed this pernicious piece WOKING branch 50 year England and Wales. Northern of legislation. thE rIght to LoVE commemorative badge. Ireland and Scotland followed The first decade of the 21st Ideally, we want a situation Slam door & Class 455. £6 later. In 1972 the first Pride century was a time for many where no one cares what + £1 p&p each. Contact event took place in London progressive changes, which sexuality you are, where we Chris Smith, branch secretary, on and was attended by 2,000 leads to the question of accept a person and their [email protected] brave people. They were what’s been happening since right to love whoever they jeered at, had stones thrown the keys have been rattled in wish. DERBY branch 125 year large at them, and faced abuse the closet! LGB people were The campaign goes on commemorative badge £8 + £1 along the march, but it was a allowed to adopt children in and I’m proud to say ASLEF is p&p from Eamonn Tague huge success because it 2002. Civil partnerships for playing a part in that (07500 099190) or [email protected] happened. Now London has gay and lesbian people were movement of change, with its more than 1 million people introduced in 2004. It became committees and members BESPOKE CUSHIONS Hand who attend London Pride and illegal to encourage who push for equality day by made 40cm square cushions of Pride events held around the homophobic hatred in 2008 day. There are huge problems railway engines and carriages. £50. UK. (7,000 hate crimes were in Chechnya, the Call Abi on 07954 659849 or email me at However, in 1988, the reported that year; in 2015 imprisonment, torture and [email protected] Conservative government of the figure was 24,000). murder of gay men. President Margaret Thatcher passed the The Marriage Equality Act Trump’s anti-LGBT policies THREE BRIDGES branch strike Local Government Act, became law in 2013 enabling affect the day to day life of badge 2016/17. £5 inc p&p (proceeds Section 28 of which LGBT people to marry, and LGBT people across the to charity) from Paul Eden (branch prohibited local authorities the most recent change, in Atlantic, and there are 74 secretary) email [email protected]). from ‘promoting’ 2017, is that gay and bisexual countries where it’s still illegal homosexuality. It was a huge men and women can now to be gay with 11 that hold PROFESSIONAL ENGRAVING at backwards step in equality. donate blood. the death penalty for just sensible prices. I can engrave anything you wish, such as the ASLEF logo on Local councils were told Public attitudes have being gay. the pint tankard. Contact Paul Potts by schools weren’t allowed to changed enormously over the The decriminalisation of email at [email protected] promote the acceptability of last 50 years and become homosexuality 50 years ago gay relationships or openly much more supportive. But didn’t mean the closet doors To advertise please phone 020 7324 2400 talk about homosexuality. The it’s not all perfect yet and were flung open. But they or send an email to [email protected] law remained in place until equality isn’t fully realised. were unlocked…

September 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 21 Last Word Station to station

Well, it’s late September and I really should be back at school. KEIth rIChMond reviews some new books that have dropped on the Journal desk ready for the autumn term

IMON JENKINS is one of the great and the good, a (sometimes critical) S member of the establishment. He’s a former editor of the Evening Standard and The Times , who has also worked for Country Life , The Economist and The Guardian , and written books such as Newspapers: The Power and the in 1977, becoming a traction trainee with Money , A Short History of England and England’s British Rail in 1979, picking up a copy of the Thousand Best Churches . He served on the ASLEF rule book, and starting work at Coalville boards of British Rail and London Transport, as relief driver’s assistant, ‘not even a proper helped found the Railway Heritage Trust in second man’ – in and out of a vivid memoir 1984, was deputy chair of English Heritage, about the 30 mile branch line from Burton to chair of the National Trust, and supervised the Knighton Junction, the problems of freight revision of the Pevsner architectural guides work, the miners’ strike of 1984-85 – ‘It soon from 1994 to 2011. became clear we were all in support of the On the write lines: Just the man, then, to write, elegantly and strike and greatly admired the miners and Simon Jenkins, Tony with insight, Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations their families’ – the Branston crash in 1986, and Gregory, Martin (Viking, £25) to be published on 28 the closure of Coalville in 1990. Tony went on Pearson, Willie September. He knows his history – particularly to Bescot, Saltley, Toton, and then, after 23 Gallacher, Egill and the history of the railways in Britain – and he years on freight, moved to Midland Mainline at Ian Crockatt knows his architecture, too. He has a Derby. He went back to freight in 2012, with journalist’s eye for the telling detail, and knows Freightliner Heavy Haul, until he retired in marches, rallies, rent strikes, factory strikes and how to tell a story. The facts – and there are December last year. social unrest on Red Clydeside before, during plenty of them – are fascinating, rather than and immediately after the Great War, which dry, and the (informed) opinions are offered in ‘I declare after all there is no enjoyment like culminated with tanks on the streets of the manner you might expect of a man who reading!’ – jane Austen , pride and Glasgow, and the police reading the Riot Act, was knighted (in 2004) but does not use the prejudice in 1919 as the government feared a Bolshevik- title. style revolution. It reads fresh, if raw, in this ‘It’s a fund of memories and anecdotes – about new edition, edited by John Callow who, in his ‘I see the station not just as a building but drivers, guards, shunters, signalmen and introduction, describes it as ‘the first, and best, as a social phenomenon, a place where booking office clerks – and brings to life an era memoir written by a leading member of the people perform the timeless rituals, not just of which ended not with the closure of Coalville, British Communist Party’ – Willie was travelling, but of congregating, working, but with the loss of coal and steel on our rails. Communist MP for West Fife from 1935 to ‘playing, greeting and parting. A station is a Send a cheque for £13.75 (inc p&p) to 90 1950. public stage of human contact, once again at Henhurst Hill, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 9TA or the heart of British life.’ – Simon jenkins , pay via PayPal at [email protected]. ‘At 18 our convictions are hills from which Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations Or pick it up in person, says Tony, without we look; at 45 they are caves in which we paying the postage! hide.’ – F Scott Fitzgerald , Bernice Bobs Her He offers literary nods to Anna Karenina (who The Settle-Carlisle Railway 1850-1990 by Hair throws herself in front of a train at Obiralovka Martin Pearson (£13 inc p&p from 23 Town ‘ station), GK Chesterton, EM Forster, JK Head, Settle, BD24 9JB) is a detailed analysis of Egill Skallagrímsson was a 10th century Viking Rowling, John Betjeman, Philip Larkin and the building of the line, during the great warrior-poet, born in Iceland, who fought for Edward Thomas – the sublime lines of railway expansion at the height of the Aethelstan against Olaf Guthfrithson at the Adlestrop , a station closed because of Victorian era, and the saving of the line, at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937, after which Beeching’s brutal cuts – as well as John end of the 1980s, when British Rail and the Aethelstan became the first King of England. Schlesinger’s 1961 documentary film Terminus , Thatcher government seemed to determine to Ian Crockatt, who lives on a croft in North shot at Waterloo, which clearly left its mark on close it. There’s a foreword from Michael Aberdeenshire, in what is clearly a labour of the author. Portillo, Cabinet minister turned TV presenter love has imaginatively translated Egill’s Old Life on the Leicester Line by Anthony of Great Railway Journeys , who says his Norse poems about eating, drinking, sailing Gregory (P Way Publishing, £12) is a revised greatest achievement in office was ‘saving the (‘the sea god / grapples me down’), loving edition of the progress not of a pilgrim but a Settle to Carlisle line’. (‘when her hair’s hill-torrent / harries thought train driver, first published in 2002. Tony Revolt on the Clyde (Lawrence & Wishart, with verses’), and killing (‘Battle-cranes flew / weaves his story – jumping into the cab of a £13) is William Gallacher’s eyewitness account, where corpse-heaps grew’) into modern Class 47 at Moor Street in 1974, leaving school originally published in 1936, of the protests, English while retaining a flavour of the skáld .

22 The ASLEF Journal l September 2017 On Track Prize Crossword

Prize Crossword 137 by Tom Williams Across Down 1 Small informal 1 A kept toy boy hAStA SIEMprE party (3,8) 2 Dangly furnishings 7 Grows old decoration CoMMAndAntE 8 Japanese unarmed 3 Speak out against HE GUEVARA is best remembered fighting sport (2,5) something as a Marxist revolutionary – the 9 Have power of 4 Get pleasure from C man who, fighting alongside Fidel vision 5 Impetuous person Castro, toppled the corrupt Batista regime in 10 Surrender or 6 Curved Cuba – as a medical student who took time submit 11 Hungarian stew out from the University of Buenos Aires to 11 Large rounded 12 Amongst ride a Norton 500cc motorbike through Latin wine glass 13 Rich cream cake America, and as the rugged pin-up whose 13 Roused into 14 Hooded iconic image, Guerrillero Heroico , taken in action waterproof jacket 1960 by Alberto Korda, inspired generations 16 Speak… complete 15 Locomotive of free radicals throughout the world. or total nonsense? 17 Immediately 18 Deuce available 19 Middling or so-so Solution to Crossword 136 20 Track for trains Across: 1 Bollard 5 Tusk 7 Nod 8 Accurate 21 Scented climbing 9 Album 10 Disc 13 Hash 14 Oars 18 Deer shrub 19 Tramp 21 Beetroot 22 Ace 23 City 24 Scented Down: 1 Bungalow 2 Ladybird 3 Alarms 4 Decade 5 Thrush 6 Site 11 Cataract Name...... 12 Shepherd 15 Sentry 16 Brooms 17 Statue 20 Semi Address......

Congratulations to Malcolm Cook , ...... Che – on the ball of Reading , Berkshire , who was ...... But, as the new rugby season starts, we last month’s winner. The winner of this month’s Prize Crossword will remember Che the rugby player. He started ...... playing for Estudiantes de Cordoba at 14 in receive Marks & Spencer vouchers to the value of £25 1942. His father was alarmed – Che was ...... asthmatic and, every twenty minutes, ran to  You can see more of Tom Williams’s the touchline to use his inhaler – and crosswords, word games and puzzles at Postcode...... pleaded with him to give up. ‘But I love wordgames.co.uk rugby. Even if it kills me one day, I am happy to play.’ He turned out as an inside centre, fly- Thanks for all your responses to the 136th prize crossword in the August edition of the ASLEF half, and wing, but liked to wear a scrum-cap. Journal . If you successfully complete this month’s crossword please send the solution to the At university, back in Buenos Aires, he Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN by 14 September played for three teams – the Atalaya Polo Club, Club Ypora, and San Isidro – and founded a rugby magazine, called Tackle , in 1951. After one article – a political polemic ASLEF’s legal services about the elitist attitudes of rugby in Argentina – police forced the magazine to If you are being harassed at work, bullied or discriminated against, and close on the grounds that it was a vehicle for if your local, branch or district rep is unavailable, call the industrial communist propaganda. Che set off with his relations department at union headquarters (020 7324 2400) or email friend, fellow medic and rugby fan Alberto [email protected]. If you are arrested or interviewed by police and need Granado on La Poderosa (The Mighty One) legal assistance – day or night – call the members’ emergency hotline on on a 5,000 mile road trip which led to the 0800 587 7530. ASLEF also provides first class legal advice free for book, and later film, The Motorcycle Diaries . members and dependents. ‘He was a massive rugby enthusiast,’ recalled Granado. ‘Despite his scrawny figure, he was surprisingly strong. He had an excellent tackling game, at the height of his elbows. His father said that Ernesto always remembered all he had learned about team Changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form spirit, discipline and respect for the adversary. Name...... ‘Ernesto received a visit from the police, Address...... accused of spreading communist propaganda in an article he wrote for Tackle ...... about the class differences in Argentine rugby. We decided to motorbike around Postcode ...... Telephone...... South America. The expedition was Branch...... Membership No...... interrupted because we met Fidel Castro in Mexico. That day changed history.’ Please return coupon to: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN Keith richmond

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

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