CONFERENCE CALLS: - Aslef

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0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:55 Page 5CONFERENCE NEWS■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The ASLEF Journal July 2006ASLEF conference votes toextend London SWT strikeTHE dispute between traindrivers’ union ASLEF and SouthWest Trains looks as if it will bestepped up in the comingmonth. Delegates at the union’sconference in Scarboroughresolved to ballot all memberswho work for the company forindustrial action. Up to now onlytrains out of Waterloo have beenaffected by the action, whichconcerns the breaking of a localagreement about the use of taxisto get drivers to work.The escalation of the disputecomes because of union angerat trainers and managers takingout trains to break the strike.‘There are clear rules for timesmanagers will drive trains – andthey have been broken,’ saysGeneral Secretary KeithNorman. ‘The dispute beganbecause management arbitrarilywithdrew a local agreement toprovide transport to work for ourmembers. Now they haveescalated it by breaking a furtherSUPPORT for the action even comes on crutches!agreement. It is industrialrelations folly.’Delegates condemned this‘blatant use of managers forstrike-breaking’. There areagreed conditions for managersdriving trains, which are basicallybecause of health, safety or thethreat of civil unrest.‘Delegates today expressedreal safety concerns,’ KeithNorman said. ‘Certain managershave been seen to driveexcessively long shifts withoutproper breaks. One managerwho has not driven a train in adecade has been identified asstrike breaking in this dispute.’AFTER transportminister DerekTwigg addressedthe ASLEFconference this year, heindicated that he would behappy to answer questionsfrom the floor. He may haveregretted this when PeterGrant from Manchesterdecided to press him abouttrain companies who are indispute with their tradeunions. Was it thegovernment’s policy tocontinue to pay companiesfor losses in thesesituations? Peter wanted toknow. Also, if it was, Peterwondered if the ministerwould ‘afford the sameservice to trade unions’?Strangely for a politician, noclear answer wasforthcoming. Mr Twigg‘knew that we woulddisagree on this’, he saidthe government hadn’t paidcompanies out yet andwould ‘have to consider it’ ifthe situation arose and‘hoped good industrialrelations would continue’.DISTRICT ORGANISER GRAHAM MORRIS REPORTS ON...A taxing time for South West TrainsTHE union found itself in dispute with South West Trains overtwo issues last month. What began as a local dispute about abroken agreement has taken on wider implications aboutmangers driving trains.Four days of strike action at Waterloo – each of which wassupported 100% – was the result of SWT’s management tryingto limit the use of taxis for drivers to travel to and from workoutside of normal public transport hours. In 1997 the unionnegotiated an agreement at Waterloo providing taxis for driverswhen no train services were available. This followed thecompany, like a number of others, withdrawing staff trains as acost cutting measure following privatisation.SWT attempted to renege on this agreement – and in theprocess made travel to and from work difficult and unsafe insome circumstances. First they withdraw staff trains and thenthey sought to withdraw taxis. Nothing had changed – exceptthe desire of a private company to line the pockets of theirshareholders at our expense.I would like to thank our members at Waterloo, and the otherSWT branches who supported their action, for their courageand determination.THINGS CAN ONLY GET WORSE SWT’s reaction to the localindustrial action was to draft in poorly trained managers todrive trains on strike days. Members reported managers drivingwho hadn’t been in the cab alone for years and who thereforeposed a real safety threat.It was also somewhat hypocritical of SWT that they providedmanagers from as far away as Portsmouth to hire a taxi to getthem to Waterloo for their strike-breaking duties – in a disputethat began because of just this issue!The management, who have dragged out talks for over fouryears, seem to think that ignoring the dispute will make it goaway. A senior Human Resources manager emerged from thestation on the fourth day of action, paused to look at the picketline and remarked, ‘What a lovely building!’ before scuttlingback inside. It sums up their attitude better than I can expressit.This is not the first time we have had an issue with SWTregarding managers driving trains. In 2002 we were heading fora potential dispute over this very issue – but it was avertedwhen I made an agreement with the company’s OperationsDirector. That detailed the restricted circumstances in whichcompetent managers could drive trains. This most certainly didnot include undermining legitimate strike action – and hencethe situation we find ourselves in today.I hope we will give the Waterloo drivers the support theydeserve in the company-wide ballot ASLEF is organising. IfSWT can walk away from agreements without a second thought,then every single condition of service is at risk for every driverthroughout the company. ASLEF will not tolerate bad faith andbroken agreements from any managers, anywhere.5

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:55 Page 6CONFERENCE NEWS■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The ASLEF Journal July 2006Trade unions deservetheir freedomsays Carolyn Jones, the Directorof the Institute of EmploymentRightsIT WAS an honour to addressthe ASLEF Conference – andeven nicer to get a letterafterwards from a BranchSecretary thanking me for mycontribution and taking out asubscription to the Institute ofEmployment Rights!.So what’s our call for a TradeUnion Freedom Bill (which hasthe support of the TUC andLabour Party conferences) allabout?It has five basic principles:● Better protection for strikingworkers● Simpler and fairer industrialaction ballots and noticeprocedures● Restricted use of injunctionsby employers● Allowing solidarity action incertain circumstances● Preventing the use ofreplacement labour duringstrikesThere’s nothing too revolutionaryhere! These are basictrade union freedoms, enshrinedin international law and enjoyedby workers throughout Europe.And yet the proposed bill hascome under criticism from threemain areas.The media and the CBI claimthat the Bill would take us backto the 1970s. But the world ofwork has changed and our lawsneed to catch up. We needeffective, independent tradeunions to prevent suchexploitation as outsourcing workand sacking employees by textmessage – ludicrous things inthe fifth richest nation in theworld in the 21st century!The second critics are thosewithin our movement who sayour demands are too modest.We agree – but we see this Billas a first step on a long roadback to healthy trade unionism.The most disappointing criticsare those who say this TradeUnion Freedom Bill will neverhappen. Some believe ourcurrent laws produces the rightbalance and that there is noneed for change. Others say ourdemands are too controversialand if we dare to speak of theright to strike the country willvote Labour out. Yet others say ifonly unions would becomepartners with employerseverything would be OK.Such critics fail to face up tothe realities of the modern worldof work. Current UK laws fail tomeet international standards ontrade union freedoms. Labourwas elected promising to deliverfairness at work - but fairness atwork means freedom for unions.Without union freedoms,individual rights remain beyondthe reach of too many workers.So over the summer, JohnHendy, QC will be working withthe TUC in drafting a Bill wehope will be presented inDecember, the 100th anniversaryof the Trade Disputes Act, 1906,which gave unions the freedomto organise action in support oftheir members. Many nowbelieve the time is right to asktoday’s politicians – which sideare you on?That’s why the Institute ofEmployment asks you to do twothings.● First, get your MP to supportEDM 1170.● Second, become a TradeUnion Freedom Bill Sponsor.You can do both by visitingthe IER’s website atwww.ier.org.uk6

C O N F E R E N C E N E W S ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The ASLEF Journal July 2006‘Democracy isexpensive’ –finance reportWHILE the union’sfinances are makingsteady progress, itsauditors areconcerned thatmore efforts mustbe made toreduce deficits.There have been‘unexpected’expenses, including problemswith the staff pension fund,but, as ASLEF finance headTony Yates-Watson points out,‘Deficit is a worrying trend.’The union has a responsi-‘I OPPOSED the war in Iraq fromthe very start – but that ishistory,’ Dave Anderson, MP forBlaydon told delegates toASLEF’s conference. ‘Our tasknow is to truly liberate thepeople of that country byhelping them to organisethemselves in strong, effectiveand independent trade unions.’Dave, a former coal miner andmember of the TUC’s generalcouncil, led a delegation of 8trade unionists to Iraq in Marchthis year – and admits that hehad not expected to be toldsome of the things he heard.‘Some Iraqi trade unionistswelcomed the invasion of theircountry because of the tortureand repression they hadsuffered under the Saddamregime.’However, there is strongcriticism of the new Iraqigovernment – which is distinctlyunhelpful to union organisation.‘The new Iraqi governmenthas issued a decree - 8750 –establishing a ‘committee ofinvestigation’ to see ‘under whatremit a trade union shouldorganise’ – and in the interim thegovernment will control all unionfinances and activities.ASLEF’s Head of Finance Tony Yates-Watsonbility to manage its financesresponsibly, because, as KeithNorman said, ‘This is not ourunion. We are just lookingafter it for the next generation.’The consensus was that weneeded to tighten belts wherethis proves possible – butwithout cutting back onservices to members. Analternative is to generate moremoney, a theme that sits wellwith a new determinedrecruitment campaign.However, the essentialproblem, as Tony points out, isthat ‘democracy is expensive’.The general secretary saidthe staff pension fund is beingrevalued, and that the objectiveis to ‘provide good terms andconditions for employees whichare sustainable by the union’He added that there would beno cut-backs in educationservice to members beforesome questions were raisedabout the level of union fundingfor the Labour Party. .‘We’ve invaded Iraq – now let’sliberate it’ demands MP‘Also, the new governmenthas failed to repeal decree 150 –which was introduced bySaddam and makes it illegal forpublic sector workers to belongto a trade union.‘This includes workers intransport, energy, welfare andlocal services.’Dave also reported moves inthe south to encourage theforming of sectarian trade unionsbased on religion. ‘This is both aformula for disaster and anaffront to the ideals of unionism.’Dave wants unions to committhemselves to supportingtraining programmes for Iraqiunionists, and individuals todonate surplus mobile phonesand computers through theTUC.‘It is terrible to see deprivationin a country that is rich inminerals and oil and hasmassive tourist potential.‘What it lacks is investment.’This is why Dave works hard –especially through LabourFriends of Iraq - to organisepolitical pressure that will makeit easier for Iraq to attract capital- without strings - to rebuild itseconomy and provide jobs forordinary Iraqi citizens.PERRY CALVERT chairedthe conference with amixture of good humourand good sensePensionscampaignTHE union campaign for fairpensions in the rail industrysecured the approval of the2006 conference despite somecriticisms that it had notsecured all its objectives. Somedelegates argued that whileunder current proposalsemployee contributions wouldnot rise over 10.56%, this hadbeen secured for a limited timeand not in perpetuity. However,the majority accepted that thecampaign so far hadsuccessfully protected thefunds and offered scope tocontinue and improve themwith the proposed RailPensions Commission.Most criticism was reservedfor the appalling waste that theprivatisation process hadcaused – leading to theformation of some 103 pensionschemes instead of theprevious one when rail was inpublic hands. It meant forexample that the cost of everyactruarial valuation is nowborne by the members of thescheme - and not the employer,as was the case previously.The Brady erais overASLEF conference delegatesdeclined to debate a propositioncalling for former generalsecretary Mr Brady to addressconference, coupled to efforts toconsider his reinstatement. Theyfelt it was pointless to discuss ‘apassed era’.One compelling reason wasthat the Certification Officer hadruled the previous week that MrBrady had legitimately beenexcluded from ASLEFmembership. Therefore, as he isnot an ASLEF member, he is noteligible within the union’s rulesto be general secretary.It was also pointed out that MrBrady could not be reinstatedbecause the union already hasa properly elected generalsecretary – who wouldpresumably have to bedismissed to bring Mr Bradyback.7

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:55 Page 8CONFERENCE NEWS■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The ASLEF Journal July 2006A first time ASLEF delegateRON PEGLER from Three Bridges Branch was a delegate for the firsttime this year. These were his impressions of conference:‘The first couple of days are daunting and you feel a great weight ofresponsibility when you realise all the issues you will be dealing with.When the General Secretary says you will be making decisions thatcan affect our 18,500 members, it puts it into perspective.You have to start thinking about issues that concern other people,outside the things you talk about in your own branch or involve yourown company.It is a responsibility and an honour – but by the end of the week you realise what apleasure it has been to meet and talk and share problems at work with other driversfrom across the country.’an old hand …RAY JACKSON, the chair of the Retired Member’s Section (RMS), was delighted toreport that it now represented 1,461 people – which he said was a tribute to everyoneon his active committee. He praised ASLEF for the lead it has taken on occupationalpensions, but stressed that there was much work to do on the state pension – whichstood at a miserly £84.25 a week, and was still subject to means testing.‘It’s very telling when a Labour Chancellor thinks a CBI man (Turner) is too radical!’Ray declared. ‘Last year 30,000 pensioners died of cold-related illnesses and 87% ofwomen get no pension at all!’We will be hearing more from the RMS in the future, as delegates agreed to theirsending a delegate to AAD conferences.…a pensions expert …FORMER EC President and now pensions expert Dave Tysonoutlined the role of a trustee director and examined some of thecauses of the pensions crisis. He pointed to employers who werereluctant to pay their share (including some companies who had putillegal proposals); the Chancellor who had cost the schemes over£80 million by a change in the law and the financial meltdown afterthe Twin Towers attack.But it was not all bad news, he said, as he referred to onecompany which had reopened its scheme – ‘a remarkableachievement’. Dave was confident that railway pension schemes were safe, but pointedout that they have no control over markets and warned that a range of actions may haveto be taken to protect final salary schemes.…. and a president!ALAN DONNELLY, the EC President, opened his address to conference by saying, ‘Wemust never forget that our major task is to look after and protect our front-linecolleagues – and to fight for those who are being harassed for standing up forthemselves and their mates’.His central message was that the union existed to represent and protect all those atthe ‘sharp end’: the ordinary train driver. But he was also proud of everything the unionas a whole had achieved over the previous twelve months.Alan had special praise for the ‘unrecognised efforts of our retired members’,especially in the area of pensions – but he had some harsh words for government.‘I will not let the government away with the fact it raised the retirement age for workingclass people,’ he said. ‘That is something I would not like to be remembered for.’He stressed that our financial problems are not over – but, he said, they are beingaddressed, and he welcomed a new era of openness and transparency, somethingsymbolised by the electronic voting system used at conference.Alan highlighted industrial problems where progress had been made, and made apoint of thanking ‘all our LUL members for their loyal support and solidarity – just as wethank all other ASLEF who have been involved in industrial disputes’. He also spoke ofthe on-going challenge of harmonisation talks.He congratulated members on their support for union campaigns – especially freighton rail, corporate manslaughter and company pensions and felt progress was beingmade on Specially Monitored Drivers. He also congratulated Pauline Cawood on beingthe first ASLEF woman elected onto the TUC Women’s Committee.Looking overseasASLEF’s vice-president Tosh McDonald said hewas delighted that ASLEF’s agenda items oninternational matters at this year’s conferencehad been put forward by branches rather thancoming from the top table. ‘It is a mark of thematurity of our union and a welcomedevelopment,’ Tosh told AAD delegates.The conference● condemned attacks against gay people inColombia, Jamaica and Iran● pledged itself to defend the democratic andprogressive government of Venezuela● condemned the continued illegal imprisonmentwithout trial of US prisoners inGuantanamo Bay● offered its continued support to the campaignfor Justice for Colombia.The union will also call on the Prime Ministerto review his appointment of Ruth Kelly as hisequalities minister in view of her membership ofOpus Dei, an organisation which is anti-gay, antiwomen’srights and opposed to a woman’s rightto choose to have an abortion.Delegates also called for ASLEF to applyethical and fair trade policies to garments andother products used and sold by the union.The union also registered its concern forBritish soldiers in Iraq and other countries. ToshMcDonald pointed out, ‘Ordinary soldiers areworking class people. The problem is not thesoldiers but politicians who make irresponsiblemilitary decisions from their safe and comfortablehomes.’Thinking about a moveASLEF is to review whether the union’s HQcontinues to be suitable to the need of the unionand will consider moving to more modernpremises which would comply with theDisabilities Discrimination Act 1995 and be lessof a drain on union finances. However,assurances were given that the Arkwright Roadheadquarters would not be sold as a short-termmeasure to counter immediate financialproblems.The general secretary confessed to his ownattachment for theHampstead building,home to so muchASLEF history – buthe remindeddelegates that it wasnot the union’s firsthome and that itsroots lay in Yorkshire.He was also adamantthat the union neededto get its financesright before takingany action. ‘Our firstduty it to balance thebooks – but it isuseful to carry out thereview,’ he said.A delegate loses hishead in ArkwrightRoad debate!8

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:55 Page 9CONFERENCE NEWS■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The ASLEF Journal July 2006Conditions in cabs: ‘offensive,insulting and often insanitary’ONE issue that united every ASLEFrepresentative at this year’sconference was the need for drasticand speedy action to improveconditions in the driver’s cab. Thislooks like becoming one of the majorcampaigns for the coming year after a procession of delegatescondemned excessive noise levels, inadequate heating, nonexistentventilation, hazardous seating and ever-present dirt.The Class 66 type locomotive came in for special mentionwhen noise levels were discussed but the message was clear:cabs – our member’s working environment - need afundamental and comprehensive overhaul. Minimumstandards as currently expressed clearly need to be raised.‘Air conditioning is not some brave new world,’ the generalsecretary insisted as he summed up the debate. ‘You get it incars and taxis – and you certainly get it in offices.‘Yet the driving cab is, for our professionals, their place ofwork – and what do they have to put up with? Cabs that aretechnological deserts and cooling systems that involve drivershanging out of an open door. Instead of clean air, we’reoffered a bottle of water now and again.‘We wouldn’t accept these conditions in an office – and weare not going to tolerate them in the cab. We all have a right toa clean environment in the workplace.’Drivers complained that they used to be compared withairline pilots – but that the comparison these days was quiteludicrous.KEY WITNESS‘I WORK for a company which prides itself on being innovative,professional, and wanting to be the 'best train operatingcompany to work for' – yet their driving cabs are a disgrace.‘The norm is warped cab doors creating turbulent sounds wayabove the legal decibel limit. (Regulation of Noise at Work Act,2005). It’s quite absurd that we’re not allowed to play music orlisten to radios as they could distract us – but we’re providedwith 88 decibels of pure, monotonic, ear-busting wind noise.We have filthy, clapped out, dysfunctional driver’s seats, withbroken armrests and worn out seat cushions, making you feelyou’re sitting on a hard surface. (Our company recently offeredadvice to drivers on how to adjust the driver’s seat in order tosit comfortably!) This is without mentioning damp, smelly,rusty, shabby and filthy cab decor. (Does the ManagingDirector’s office look like this?)‘Our company recently issued a staff pack, containing a listof words which supposedly reflect the company’s values. Hereare some of them: Caring, clean, efficient, enjoyable,comfortable, modern, innovative. What exactly are these wordsapplicable to? Because they certainly do not apply to HSTdriving cabs.‘ASLEF must share blame with the TOC for allowing theseconditions to deteriorate, and for allowing its members to workin these appalling conditions. It’s no use having ‘Proud to be aunion’ as our motto when the reality of the job is so radicallydifferent.’Greg Burton PaddingtonCONFERENCESHORTSINDUSTRIAL ISSUES Theconference called for:● the extension of free travelfacilities to all rail workers● a national qualification for alldrivers which would enablethem to carry over promotion,transfer, redundancy and longservice awards if they moved toa new employer● smaller differentials betweennewly qualified and longerservice drivers; and● an extension of flexibleworking – for both women andmenDelegates also agreed achange to the Driver’s Charterso that the union should aspireto a 32-hour working week overfour days with a maximum shiftof no more than nine and a halfhours a day. There wasopposition from delegates whoargued that it was not realisticin freight - but the change wasadopted on the basis that theCharter was aspirational ratherthan compulsory.NEEDLESTICK INJURIESNeedlestick injuries havebecome a matter of realconcern for drivers who havesome cleaning duties writteninto their job descriptions.Reference was made to arecent incident on theHeathrow Express where oneof our members went through ahighly stressful period afterbeing injured by a hypodermicneedle while emptying a bin.The union is charged withworking with companies todraw up company polices thatwill ensure safer working.WORKING TIMEDIRECTIVE The WorkingTime Directive, which isenforced across most ofEurope, has made little or nodifference in this country. It wasreported that in EWS, 26 driversregularly work more than 48hours a week and it is believedthat this figure is not unusualfor many other companies.CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS Theunion conference has called onall railway and tram operatingcompanies to ensure thatemployees entering a CivilPartnership are given the sameemployment and pensionbenefits as married couples.ARE THESE TESTS FAIRTO ALL? The union hasserious concerns that psychometrictesting could be biasedagainst women and ethnicminorities and has demandedan independent examination ofhow they work in practice,leading to a ‘best policy’ guidefor employers. There is littledoubt, delegates said, thatdrivers seldom reflected the sexor ethnic origins of thepassengers they carried.ONE UNION, ONE RATEFOR ASLEF ‘FAMILY’Proposals for a reduced rate forASLEF membership duringtraining were rejected at thisyear’s AAD.Andy Botham (Derby)insisted, ‘We are one ASLEF –so we can’t have differentrates,’ and Ian Smith (Glasgow)said, ‘It’s not about money – it’sabout representation. It’s ourjob to make sure people getwhat they pay for.’The consensus was thatASLEF provides excellentservices for members, but thatsometimes we fail to trumpetour achievements as weshould. ‘We need to be the lionthat roars,’ declared AngelaButler from Birmingham as theconference concluded that weshould mount a membershipcampaign based not on thegrounds of cost – but on qualityof representation. ‘We will sellthis union on its reputation andits integrity,’ declared onedelegate. ‘We are a family.’9

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:55 Page 10ASLEF DISMISSES RMT POACHING EFFORTSWhile ASLEF delegates were at conference discussing major issuesaffecting UK train drivers, the RMT was skulking in London drawingup plans to take over our members.'They are annoying - like insects on holiday,' says Keith Norman.'They tend to be noisy and fly around without direction.'If I could offer the RMT some counsel, it would be to get its ownshabby house in order before it tries to take over the stately homethat is ASLEF.'Delegates reacted with a mixture of disbelief, annoyance and humourto a pamphlet produced by the RMT at national level whichcontained such gems as, 'The have been told they are potentialscabs'. Still, delegates decided that some reaction was needed, evento publications of this calibre.The union has referred the matter to the TUC - who oversaw anagreement between the RMT and ourselves on 21 Februaryundertaking that membership poaching would cease and we wouldwork together 'to achieve full membership of all railway workers in aunion within our traditional spheres of influence'. Three months laterthe RMT at national level broke their undertakings.'When managers break agreements we condemn them as untrustworthyindustrial anarchists acting in bad faith,' Keith Norman pointsout. 'The same rules apply to unions.'One delegate pointed out that the RMT has been ejected from theLabour Party, and that it now seems intent on completing itsisolation by being expelled from the TUC. 'These are the actions of adesperate organisation.'NO STOOPING! However, delegates didn't want the union to stoop toRMT levels. It called for a more positive approach and directedheadquarters to produce literature that would remind existingmembers of the advantages of ASLEF membership, make theunion's benefits more apparent to potential members and stress theadvantages of an independent skilled craft union which looks afterthe interests of a single group of members.'The impetus might have come from an unwelcome source - but it isa reminder that our union should advertise our achievements moreeffectively,' Keith Norman said. 'How many of our members know,for example, that last year the union secured £1,961,714 in legalcompensation for our members and that already in 2006 we haveachieved £1,075,739? We need to strive to constantly improve ourcommunications.'Meanwhile National Organiser Andy Reed is putting the final touchesto a membership drive and an organisational review that will begin tobear fruit over the summer and autumn months. 'The response tothe Membership Survey in the June edition of the Journal wasoverwhelming - we're still inputting the data,' Andy says. 'Itwill play a major part in enabling us to provide you withthe services you want from your union.'That is our objective. I don't want a spat withsome outside organisation. I want peopleproud to be a part of a union that isprofessional and directed. I want peopleproud to be ASLEF members.'The General Secretary has written to the General Secretary of theTUC about RMT's poaching activities. This is what he said:Brendan Barber, General SecretaryTUCCongress House, Great Russell StreetLondon WC1B 3LSWhich rep? Your choice26 June 2006Dear Brendan,Unfortunately I find myself again writing to you on behalf of myselfand ASLEF Executive Committee to complain formally to you withregards to the RMT's behaviour. As you are aware ASLEF and theRMT met with yourself under the auspices of the TUC in September2005 to discuss inter-union relations. It was at this meeting bothASLEF and the RMT agreed to ensure that neither union producematerials which was of a negative or derogative nature.However it appears that the RMT has broken this agreement - Ienclose a copy of a document that the RMT is circulating widelyacross the country. I do not believe when the names and mobilephone numbers of Senior Officers for the RMT are plastered overthe document that the General Secretary of the RMT knows nothingof its production which contains numerous half truths and slursagainst my union.Both my executive and I have grown tired of the numerous assurancesfrom our sister trade union with regards to their involvementin the production of literature of this kind. I find the RMT'sbehaviour targeting literature at ASLEF members obscene whenthey are thousands of non members that work within the RMT'sgrades within the Rail Industry.As trade unions if we spent more time recruiting and winning overnon members instead of attempting to poach other trade union memberswith the tactics of the gutter press, then the trade union movementas a whole would be in much better position.Yours sincerelyKeith NormanGeneral Secretary10THERE ARE SEVERAL EASY WAYS TO JOIN ASLEFCALL US ON 020 7317 8600 EMAIL info@aslef.org.uk OR VISITwww.aslef.org.uk and we’ll give you more than just a welcome

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0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:55 Page 13INSIDE THE COMPANY:ONE RAILWAYSIntroducing this new ‘Inside the Company’ feature, National Organiser Andy Reed says itsobject is ‘to highlight the work and the key issues facing company councillors and to explainthe affect their work and decisions have on you, the members’. This first report is from the‘One’ Railways Company CouncilTHREE INTO ‘ONE’DOESN’T GO Failedattempts to harmonise thepay and conditions of thethree former companies istestament to uncertainindustrial relations. A JointWorking Party has been setup to address industrialrelations difficulties and toensure consistency. Amongthe issues it will address areMFA, SMD and disciplinaryprocedures.PROMOTION, TRANSFERAND RESETTLEMENT(PT&R) We are pursuing acompany-wide PT&R whichwill negate drivers having tore-sign from one part of theorganisation in order to joinanother. We await a finalmeeting to conclude anagreement that can beplaced before the EC forapproval.2006 PAY CLAIM TheCouncil has rejected aninitial offer of 2.9% acrossthe board. Further meetingshave been arranged inconjunction with the NationalOrganiser, Andy Reed.ESTABLISHMENTFORMULA The DivisionalCompany Council hasendured four months ofunproductive talks on robustestablishment formulas. Wenow see no alternative toplacing a report in front ofthe EC.PENSIONS ASLEF’sCompany Council andPensions Committeerepresentatives havereached an agreement whichkeeps contribution levels ata reasonable level, protectsexisting benefits – and reopensthe former AngliaSection. The company hasalso agreed to supportmoves towards one TOCsection.FIRST CLASS TRAVEL INONE ANGLIA Thecompany is resisting anextention of First ClassTravel to drivers who haveattained 25 years servicesince 1 April 2004. This hasbeen referred to theAvoidance of DisputesProcedure.OTHER ISSUES Otherissues include● DOO look backprocedures on West Anglia● Class 317 DroplightWindows● Uniform issues● Proposals by Network Railto re-signal the ClactonBranch● Driving cab simulatorsbeing introduced at theStratford Training Academylater this year.● Driving Van Trailers beingintroduced on Norwich toLondon Inter-City services.THANKS TO ANDYCOTOGNO We would liketo thank former DistrictOrganiser Andy Cotogno forall his help and assistanceover the years. Andy’srecord in representingdrivers at disciplinaryhearings was second tonone. He also oversaw themany changes during thedifficult times after privatization.We wish Andy andSue all the best for a longand happy retirement.Andy Morrison – ChairmanSteve Wright – SecretaryMick BradburyAlan EdwardsGET THE COMPENSATIONYOU DESERVEASLEF’S PERSONAL INJURY SERVICE PROVIDES TOP PERSONALINJURY LAWYERS FREE TO MEMBERS AND THEIR DEPENDANTSIf you’re suffering because someone else cut corners, contact ASLEF’s Personal Injury Service now. Our serviceis free, and even covers non-work accidents for your dependants. We’ll make sure you get the maximumcompensation you deserve – and bring the people who allow dangerous conditions to exist to justice.FOR FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE, CALL THE HELPLINE NOW0808 100 80 09THE VOICE OF BRITAIN’S TRAIN CREWS13

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:55 Page 14District Report The ASLEF Journal July 2006REPORT FROM DISTRICT 2 (SCOTLAND)By District Organiser KEVIN LINDSAY14I RECENTLY met Tavish Scott, MSP, Scottish ExecutiveMinister for Transport on the subject of indemnification forFirst Scotrail. As you will all be aware either the Departmentfor Transport or the Scottish Executive pay train operatingcompanies compensation if there are any disputes. This is atotal abuse of the tax payer’s money. Mr Scott said he wasunwilling to change the present franchise agreement but heagreed that in the event of a dispute he would meet directlywith the trade unions before deciding if the Scottish Executivewould pay compensation to First Scotrail. Whilst this is notthe outcome we had hoped for it is a start – and the ministeralso said he would review the issue of indemnification forfuture franchises.On a more positive note the minister insisted that therewould be no line closures as long as he was transportminister.STUC ASLEF once again played a leading role at this year'sScottish Trade Union Congress - but a number of the smalleraffiliates are concerned about the organisation's future –especially as unions account for around 70% of itsmembership. We argue that the voice of all unions must beheard – regardless of their size.LABOUR IN SCOTLAND The Scottish Labour party isgearing itself up for next year's Scottish parliamentaryelections. The mood of the party in Scotland is more buoyantthan in the rest of the UK but we need to ensure that theviews of trade unions are the cornerstone of the manifesto.We union representatives on the Scottish Policy Forum mustinsist on a manifesto based on social justice and meeting theneeds of Scotland’s people.UP IN SMOKE The Executive’s flagship policy of a total banon smoking in public places has been a success but withinthe railway industry certain companies have tried to enforcethe law without giving due consideration to their employees.We have demanded designated smoking areas at all depotsand stations and that companies provide support foremployees who are trying to stop smoking. Some companieshave even tried to get our members to enforce the 'NoSmoking' ban – but we don’t see policing the stations as ourresponsibility.PAY TALKS We will soon begin negotiations with FirstScotrail on the 2007 pay claim. As usual, the companycouncil and myself will consult as many members as possibleabout what should be included in the claim. We aim tocontinue our record of gradually improving conditions and wewill insist on the company re-negotiating the out-datedManaging for Attendance policy. I believe that any policy thatfails to differentiate between certified sickness and casualabsenteeism is flawed – and needs to be changed.● It was a great relief to hear that there would be noredundancies at Virgin’s West Coast depot at Polmadie. Themembership should be congratulated on the campaign theyfought to secure their depots long term future.● In a busy and exciting year for ASLEF, we have openednew branches at Perth, Dundee and Grangemounth as wellas re-establishing Stirling Cale. We are a progressive unionand need to look to the future – we must learn from ourmistakes and move on.● Finally, after nearly five years as the District Organiser forDistrict 2, I would like place on record my appreciation to allbranches and reps who have supported and assisted me inrepresenting ASLEF during my current term of office – and Ilook forward to their continued support.RETIRED members bring a lively debate to Battersea branchBATTERSEA LOOKS TO THE FUTUREAT THE most recent meeting of the Battersea branch,held as always in the delightful Grouse and Claretpublic house in Belgravia, the regular attendees weretreated to a visit by some VIPs.Not only did we have a very informative presentationfrom our District’s Executive Committee member, SimonWeller, but we were happy to welcome two repesentativesof the Retired Members Section.Tony West, the National Secretary and his erstwhileassistant PJ Smith gave us all a very uplifting talk onthe benefits of being a retired member.We learned that not everything stops when oneretires, and that for only £10 per year, a driver whohangs up their EP key can still enjoy privileges andbenefits that are available to active members.We were told that their members are active in otherways and regularly attend rallies and lobbies ofparliament. They have their own Constitution, standingorders, AGMs and meet with the General Secretarythree times a year.As a branch we voted to affiliate ourselves to theNational Pensioners Convention, who are seeking toimprove state benefits for all this nation’s pensioners.The talk given by Tony and PJ ceretainly showed howone can still be active when retired! (I think I saw ourSecretary, Graham Hoy looking at his diary and tappingon a calculator as he left the meeting!)ST PANCRAS THANKS ITS LOYAL MEMBERSTHE St Pancras branch would like to thank the GeneralSecretary Keith Norman for attending our May branch meetingand giving us an informative address, as well as presentingvarious Aslef badges to those due.The evening was billed as a special badge presentationmeeting to thank and celebrate members' loyalty to Aslef, andwas well attended. To those staying after the meeting,celebrations continued, and there was ample opportunity formembers to chat to the General Secretary, as well as theNational Organiser, our District Organiser and our EC member.Our thanks go to them as well for attending.Rebekah Peterson Secretary - St Pancras Branch

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:56 Page 15Branch news The ASLEF Journal July 2006WOLVES RETIREMENTREUNION IS FOLLOWED BY...ON Saturday 15 April theWolverhampton branch heldanother successful retiredmembers reunion at theMolineux football stadium.Around 84 members,including Dave Calfe, who isthe executive committeemember for our district, No6, attended the event.Members receiving badgesincluded R. Asbury (15years) R. McMillan (15 years)J. Dummellow (15 years) R.Earlam (15 years) R. Whiley(15 years) G. Thorne (15FORTY people attendedWolverhampton Branch’s‘Pension Education Evening’on 18 May in the GreatWestern. Our guest speakerswere Dave Tyson (one,Norwich) Len Sidebotham(Central, Birmingham Newstreet) Ian Clark (Virgin CrossCountry, Saltley) and BillGoode (Central, BirminghamNew Street). The meetingwas open to all employeesregardless of grade andunion membership.Pensions are a major topicOUR Euston May branchmeeting was graced bybrothers Tony West and PeterSmith of the ASLEF RetiredMembers Section (RMS). I amsure these stalwarts were aninspiration to the encouragingnumber of newer memberswho came along. They are theproof that retirement no longermeans an end to ASLEFrepresentation or activity.Tony and ‘PJ’ outlined thevital function of the RMS inchampioning the pensioners’cause, and pointed out thatpensions, which are actuallydeferred wages, concern bothyoung and old alike – soultimately we all have a vestedinterest in the pensioner’scampaign.It was interesting that bothduring and after the meetingthe questions and debateyears) and R. Hodson (40years).A special presentation alsotook place to Bro D. Calfe forthe ASLEF museum at HeadOffice which was a LimitedEdition Wolverhamptonbadge celebrating 125 yearsof ASLEF. The badge isnumbered 1 of 125.I would also like to say‘thank you’ to D. Andrews,my assistant branchsecretary for stepping intothe breach after my nonavailability.soon diversified into widerpolitical discussions. It onlyserved to prove again howimportant politics is to ourlives, and how vital it is forASLEF to maintain anddevelop its links with otherpolitical and campaigningorganisations.The governmentannouncement that a solutionto the supposed pensionscrisis is to raise the retirementage should be of particularconcern to us. How manydrivers get to 65 without somemajor health problem – nevermind 68? It is clearlyunworkable in our profession.The government spends halfits time saying that the UKeconomy is booming – andthe rest arguing that wecannot afford dignity inretirement for our pensioners.Members receiving service badges: back row, left to right, DaveAndrews (assistant secretary) Roy Goodhead (branch chair) Dave Carfe(EC member) Bob Hodson (40 years): back row, left to right, BobMcMillan (15 years) John Dummellow (15 years), Bob Asbury (15 years)… A PENSION EDUCATION EVENING FOR MEMBERSat present and the speakersgave frank insights andanswered very complexquestions during the latter partof the debate.Firstly, despite the deficit,the RPS is in good shape andthe problems can beaddressed. Secondly, thescheme currently remainsopen to all employees atTOCs and FOCs and is adefined benefit scheme. It isguaranteed by the 1995Railways Act, the integrity ofthe Trustee Board and thecovenant is guaranteed bygovernment. Those facingfranchise changes wereassured that pensionobligations must be taken onby new operators. Thequestion of employer contributionholidays wasaddressed at length.The vote of thanks wasgiven by Bob Hodson, Chairof the VWC company council.ASLEF representativescannot give financial advicenor predict the future but amessage needs to go out loudEUSTON WELCOMES STALWARTS AND FRESH FACESCould it be that someone isbeing ‘economical’ with thetruth!?At the end of the meeting,branch secretary CliffHolloway proposed a vote ofthanks to the RMS colleaguesand the branch agreed toaffiliate to the Greater LondonPensioner’s Committee.and clear to ALL drivers andrailway employees. The RPSranks as one of the bestpension schemes in thecountry; the scheme is assecure as possible: employeecontributions are tax efficient;everybody should join andnobody should considerwithdrawing. Currently,membership of the RPS isoptional; it is our duty toencourage 100% membership.Let’s do that NOW.R.W. McMillan Vice Chair –Wolverhampton BranchIt was good to see so manybranch members inattendance but there is alwaysroom for more. So any Eustondrivers taking the time to readthis – please come along toour meetings to listen, learnand above all, have your say.Suart Hammond AssistantBranch Secretary15

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:56 Page 16KEEPING TRACKWhat the union wasdoing 50 and 100years ago100 years ago …In this month’s look at the union 100years ago we find that pride in the joband stress at work are by no meansnew concepts. Here are the words ofthe editor on ‘The Importance of ourEngine Drivers’‘It is sometimes assumed that all wehave to do is get the right machineryand everything will go right. Thevarious mishaps have many timesproved that something other thanmachinery is necessary; and whilst theeconomic changes continually made alltend to do away with human labour–not because machinery is alwaysbetter, oh dear no! but because it isdumb, and does not in any way attemptto have a voice in the conditions, andthus leaves the dividend hunter free.When any slight mistake is made by adriver he is worried by officials, andany commonsense person must knowhow worry will work mischief in themind, and render a man who isnormally sound and level-headed quiteat sea in his judgement at a criticalmoment. The moral is that worry, andespecially unnecessary worry bypeople who think they are paid for thatpurpose, is dangerous. ‘...The moral isthat in the last resort everythingdepends on the condition of someindividual. We go on a long trainjourney, and however good may be themachinery, if there is anything thematter with its driver we are in perilevery moment, though we may neverknow it.’50 years ago …W.T .Bagnall, who chaired the 1956union conference, offers a report withthe familiar elements of good humour,hard work and unusual procedures …!‘From the unrestrained merriment whena delegate was trying to explain howGood Friday could fall on a Sunday, tothe tense silence when one of the Irishdelegates was relating the curse ofredundancy, due to dieselisation, plusloss of traffic to the roads; from thelong discussion that took place onwage rates, just about the longest ofthe Conference, to the swift machinelikeprecision that accounted for manyof the lesser items; among it all it wasevident that this Conference knewwhere it wanted to get.‘To the Chairman it portrayed abusiness-like purposefulness thatmeant that given the lead it would “geton with the job” and finish “on time”,for that is a worry that becomes theChairman’s alone......'Procedure at Conference issomething of an ordeal to the firsttimer,and it is usually well into themiddle of Conference before he “getsthe gen”. In the early stages hewrestles with it, seeks informationwhere he can, but nothing does moregood than an early practicaldemonstration, which was forthcoming;this undoubtedly did a deal of good inclearing up one point at least – that it isfar better to be careful than sorry!’16

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:56 Page 17Obituaries The ASLEF Journal July 2006OBITUARIES‘STALWART’ GEORGESAVILLE, FORMER ECMEMBERThe Society has lost a greatstalwart with the passing of79-year-old retired ExecutiveCommittee member GeorgeSaville on 23 April. He servedon the EC from 12 April 1966until the end of 1980.I last met George at theAAD held in Hereford when Iwas able to pay tribute to himfor his outstanding servicesto ASLEF and to the Labourmovement.George had a very familiarstyle, always walking with hishands behind his back. Hewas the ExecutiveCommittee’s representativeon the leading body of theAnti-Apartheid movement andspent many a lunch breakdemonstrating outside SouthAfrica house in TrafalgarSquare.Nobody was more pleasedthan George when NelsonMandela was released fromprison and the terrible regimewas brought to an end. I sawGeorge several times after hisretirement and he was oftenseen at Head Office creatingthe museum. A member ofASLEF for more than 45years, George more thanproved his commitment tothe movement.George worked for Labourin Ilford and Leytonstow atevery election – local andnational – from 1945. He wasa member of the GreaterLondon LP, active on his localtrades council and instrumentalin setting up Leyton’sworkers’ centre.He was at various timestreasurer and chair ofRochford and Southend Eastparty and served as secretaryof the local governmentcommittee. He was alsosecretary of theShoeburyness party, adelegate to the Essex partyand an active member of theCo-op Party. At the mostrecent meeting of this body itwas agreed to donate £100towards the cost of a benchto commemorate George’smemory.When he did find time torelax, there was nothing heliked more than working onhis allotment.On behalf of all the Officersand EC Members may Iextend our deepest sympathyto the familyKeith NormanBROTHER RAY TAYLORFROM WATFORD: A GOODFRIENDIt is with sadness that I reportthe passing of Brother RayTaylor.Ray started at WatfordDepot aged 15, and spenttime at Charing Cross beforereturning to Watford. He wasan ASLEF local representativefor many years beforetaking on the CompanyCouncillor’s position at theirinception in the 1990s.Suffering from emphysema,he took ill health retirement in1966.Ray’s passions were DIY,Chelsea football club, rock ‘n’roll, Glenfiddich whisky,talking about trains of allkinds (although he never losthis love for steam) and, mostof all, his family.He was a good friend tomany at Watford and a loyalmember of ASLEF all his life.He only recently gained his40-year ASLEF badge. Heleaves a wife, two daughtersand two grandchildren. Wesend our heartfelt sympathyto his family.Neal Cooper CompanyCouncil rep – WatfordSORROW AT ‘WARDY’S’PASSINGIt is with regret that I reportthe death of Paul E. Ward(‘Wardy’) aged 49.Paul started his career as aSecondman at Hitchin in1973. He was a likeablecharacter, fond of practicaljokes. There are manyamusing memories of him –ALAN THOMAS BIRCH: LEFT US TOO EARLYIt is with the greatest sadness that I write this obituary for Alan Birch, who died of canceron 6 May this year, just a month after his 59th birthday.I worked for many years with Alan on the LDC at Marylebone he was a joy to work with –I couldn’t have had a better tutor than Alan. It was with his encouragement that I firststood for the LDC. With his usual dry wit he informed me just before the vote that he wasnominating the other candidate! He was a man of few words in meetings but had theknack of saying just enough to get his point over.It was no surprise that so many turned out at his funeral, which is always so nice for hisfamily to witness how much he was loved. His father spoke bravely and proudly of hisson, sentiments shared by his sons and daughter.As Tessa invited us all back to the flat after the funeral, it was nice to see Alan’s ASLEFmemorabilia on display. His collection of badges, retirement section badge and card andhis appreciation certificate were displayed prominently. Alan was a true trade unionistwhose belief in helping others never wavered. He even gave some children a home forChristmas during the miners strike, seeing it as his duty as an active union memberfighting for the rights of the working man.Alan is a sad loss to ASLEF. As our company councillor for the past few years hishonesty and integrity could never be questioned. He had time for everyone and becauseof that I would like to simply say, ‘Thank you, Alan,’ on behalf of everyone at Marylebone.When he took ill-health retirement I still envisaged seeing him at Christmas and Branchreunions. Sadly, he left us too early. I will really miss you, buddy.I also wish Tessa and his family the best in the coming years. Alan was really loved byso many, and nothing can take away the happy memories he left us.Ian Neeve Chair – Marylebone BranchKEITH NORMAN ADDS: On the 19 May 2006 I attended the funeral of Bro Alan Birch. Webecame friends when we became involved in Driver Restructuring talks on the ChilternRailways.Alan was a man of few words but he was always listened to when he spoke. He was avery good negotiator who also possessed a quirky sense of humour. He loved his familyand ensured that they always came first. He was a very traditional union member andthere was no more loyal a servant to the cause than Alan.Alan certainly had the ability to progress to higher office but he preferred family life andwanted to spend as much time at home as possible. I knew he had been unwell for sometime but his passing at the age of 59 years came as a shock. I will always remember himfor fine his negotiating skills especially when he alone secured the Driver –In -Chargeallowance on the opening of the then new depot at Tyseley. His quirky sense of humourand wry smile will live on in the memories of all who met him even those who on times didnot like what he said after all he was not a man to suffer fools gladly.The funeral was very well attended with older and younger colleagues all turning out topay their last respects to Alan. On behalf of the Officers and EC Members of ASLEF may Iextend our deepest sympathy to Tessa and Family.17

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:56 Page 18Obituaries The ASLEF Journal July 2006FOND FAREWELL FORBRISTOL DRIVERSBernard Kennedy, Secretaryof ASLEF’s Bristol branchhas sent the followingobituary notices formembers in his area, all ofwhom worked at Bath Road:JIM MILLARD: A RAILWAYFAMILYIt is with great sadness that Ireport Jim Millard passedaway on 5 May. Jim isremembered as a verypopular and jovial characterby his former work matesfrom Bath Road, where hespent most of his railwaycareer. Jim was the head of atraditional railway family, hisson Ken is also a driver andgrandson a train managerwith FGW. Jim retired in 1995after over a 40-year railwaycareer. He will be sadlymissed by his wife, family,friends and colleagues.ALEC WATTS: WELL LIKEDIt is with great regret that Ihave to report retired driverAlec Watts passed awayearlier this year. Alec was awell-liked personality duringhis 40-year railway careermostly spent at Bath Road.He will be much missed byfamily, friends, andcolleagues.JIM GOLDING: FORMERBRANCH SECRETARYIt is with great sadness that Ireport that Jim passed awayon 9 April. He did much of hisearly years as fireman anddriver at Barrow Road depot.He transferred to Bath Roadin 1965. Jim was branchsecretary for 9 years between1976 and 1985. He had alsobeen on the LDC for manyyears. Jim was a loyal tradeunion member and activist.He will be much missed byfamily, friends andcolleagues.HARRY DAGGER: DIED INAUSTRALIAThe sad news has justreached us that Harry Daggerpassed away earlier this year.Harry retired in 1984 after along railway career. Soonafter he retired Harryemigrated to Australia. Weunderstand that Harry diedpeacefully in his sleep ofnatural causes. He had beenliving in a nursing home inrecent years. He was aged86. No more details areavailable at this time.JACK JAMES: 48 YEARSSERVICEIt is with great sadness that Ireport Jack James passedaway on 10 March after along illness. Jack hadsuffered many complicationsas a result of renal failure overthe last two years, resulting inhim having his footamputated. Jack started hisrailway career in the SouthWales Valleys. Like manydrivers at the time he wasmade redundant in the mid1960s and moved to BathRoad. He retired in 1993 after48 years service. He will bemuch missed by his wife Rita,daughter Jacqueline, family,friends and colleagues.BERNARD RUGMAN: WELL-ATTENDED FUNERALIt is with great sadness that Ireport Bernard Rugmanpassed away at the beginningof March 2006. Bernard was avery popular personality aswitnessed by the attendanceat his funeral on 21 March.Bernard had suffered withcancer in recent years. He willbe sadly missed by family,friends, and colleagues.including the time he passedround a packet of biscuits inthe messroom. When severaldrivers, clutching theirstomachs, asked him wherehe had got them, he replied,quite casually, ‘From the topof the lockers!’ Fortunately(for him!) they were unable tocatch him to administer theappropriate punishment!Paul, who passed out fordriving in 1979, must be oneof the few people to catch ahorse that was roaming thetrack, put it on his train andtake it to the next station. Helater transferred to KingsCross, where it is alleged hebecame the author of theinfamous ‘bitch board’. Hereturned to Hitchin inDecember 1998 where heremained until his death. Hewill be sadly missed by us all.Paul is survived by this wifeWendy and two sons – Cainand Marcus. We send themour heartfelt condolences.Pete Newbury HitchindepotK.V.J. OWENS: EXPERIENCE, GOOD HUMOUR AND ABILITYOn Friday 26 May 2006 I attended the funeral of Bro K. V. J. Owens, former Chairman ofthe Western Region Sectional Council ‘B’. The church in Carmarthen was full of peoplefrom all walks of life as well as former ASLEF colleagues.I served on the old Sectional Council with Ken for seven years and a finer man I haveyet to meet. He saw footplate staff through all the hard times following depot closuresand there are plenty out there to this day who do not know about the help that Ken gavethem both in front and behind the scenes.His working knowledge of the then PT&RA was unsurpassed and he used thisknowledge on countless occasions to the benefit of our fraternity. Many a meal we hadtogether in Micky’s fish bar at Paddington - usually followed by a few beers in theBeehive near Edgware Road tube station.Although the era he served in was one of uncertainty due to numerous depot closuresincluding Severn Tunnel Junction and rationalisation of the network and Valley Lines,Ken was never found wanting. His experience, good humour and ability - which he hadin abundance - always came through with the goods for the benefit of the members. Hisability and talent was formally recognised when he was awarded the B.E.M. for hisservices to the Trade Union MovementHe could on occasions be the epitome of stubbornness, but it was rare that he waswrong. Above all he had the ability to laugh at himself. He never took himself tooseriously. Kendrick Vivian Josceline Owens B.E.M was laid to rest at Narberth followingthe service in Carmarthen aged 79 years. I know he was looking forward to celebratinghis 80th birthday in August of this year but sadly it was not to be.Ken is survived by Janet, his wife of 54 years, who he met when he stole her scarf andrefused to give it back until she agreed to go out with him! He was father to Graham andSusan, father-in-law to Allison and Malcolm and Granddad to four grandsons. On behalfof all who worked with Ken during a very distinguished career may I extend our deepestsympathy to all of his surviving family.Keith Norman18

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:56 Page 19Hugo Chavez The ASLEF Journal July 2006populist leadership.Critics point to the imprisonmentof trades unionists,and the setting up of a pro-Chavez television network assigns of incipient despotism,though the circumstances ofthe union claims are unclear.If Chavez were to be judgedonly by his friends, or those hepicks out for special attention,it would be necessary to weighup the relative meaning of hisassociation with the Pope,Fidel Castro and RobertMugabe.Chavez: radical politics,fresh air, strange friendsLast month when Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez visited London,Tribune editor Chris McLaughlin was one of the few journalists tospend some time with him. Chris has written this balanced andobjective assessment of the man especially for the ASLEF Journal …THE great, but ultimatelyunsuccessful, Latin Americanrevolutionary Simon Bolivarwas warned by his tutor tounderstand the nature of thecampaigns run his enemies.The idea, advised SimonRodriguez, is to destroy themessenger and in so doingprevent the message frombecoming contagious.Two hundred years laterVenezuelan President HugoChavez bides those words ashe is demonised byWashington, castigated by themedia in his own and othercountries and derided by otherworld leaders as he seeks tospread his own infectiousbrand of socialism.Those who heard or metChavez during his recent visitto London as the guest of KenLivingstone were refreshed byradical, straight-speaking blastof fresh air wafting brieflyacross the fetid landscape thathas become British left-ofcentrepolitics. The grandiloquenceof his public speechesthrew into sharp relief howstale and puny is the aspirationalspirit of 'new' Labour.President's Chavez'smessage was indeedcontagious, delivered withcharm, humour, wit, historyand, an increasingly rare thing,an unashamed use of theword socialism in the definitionof clearly stated aims.Privately, he assumes aquieter, more ruminativecharacter that is said to bemore the real person than thepolitical showman.POPULAR APPROACHIt was no surprise that a visit toNumber 10 was not on his listof engagements: Tony Blair'scriticisms of President Chavezin the Commons earlier thisyear and Britain's implicitsolidarity with Washington overthe attempted coup inVenezuela four years ago sawto that.Chavez's success andpopularity among the poorestpeople of his country, and hisinfluence over the northernLatin American region as awhole helped him see off thecoup and he has assumedsomething of a heroic profileamong the Left.But if it is right to applaud forusing Venezuela's oil revenuesto fund an extended antipoverty,literacy, health andeducation programme,denouncing American foreignpolicy and encouraging nationalisation,it would be a mistaketo become blind to thedangers of charismatic,GOVERNMENT IS ABOUTPOWERBoth Human Rights Watch andAmnesty have publishedallegations against hisgovernment's human rightsrecord, there are claims thatopposition has been muzzledwith prosecution and imprisonmentand of brutality by thesecurity forces.Yet it is difficult to gauge theseverity of these breaches ofhuman rights - Britain, after all,is on Amnesty's list of abusers.Chavez is brave in his standagainst the United States; thepossibility of assassination bythe “empire's friends” cannotever be far from his mind.But there is something in thezealously confrontationalpassion, and the almostobsessive frequency, withwhich he denounces the'nasty…brutal…destructiveempire' that hints of the sameautocratic rants of George WBush rather than statesmanship.In a climate in which Chavezis surrounded by lies, falseallegations and media hostility(both the London EveningStandard and, moreperplexingly The Independentfell victim to the mistake ofclaiming that President Chavezfirst came to power by coup), itmay be churlish to raisedoubts.But the essence ofGovernment is power andpower, lodged in humanhands as it must be, will everbe liable to abuse. The test willcome if he wins a third term inDecember's scheduledelection.19

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:56 Page 20LETTERS to the EDITOR20YOU TELL USThese are the pages whereyou talk to us. We welcomeyour letters, either by mailto the Journal at 9Arkwright Road LondonNW3 6AB or by email tojournal@aslef.org.ukBecause of our spaceconstraints, please try tokeep your contributions asshort as you can.This month we continueour STAR LETTER feature.The immensely luckywinner will pocket a richrange of ASLEF regalia!Nice one, FredFRED ROGERS from thisbranch retired early this yearand we would like to thank himfor all his good work for thebranch and ASLEF.Fred started the case for equalpay for women Metro operatorsand after almost three years ofhard work won a great victory.Before he retired he started theequal pay claim for the maleMetro operators which is stillongoing. Well done Fred andenjoy your retirement. You haveearned it.Best wishes from all yourASLEF friends.Trevor Graham Secretary -Tyne & Wear Metro BranchKeep it clean inthe cab!I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agreewith recent comments about thestate of cabs, but I do feel thatthere is some onus on drivers tocontribute to keeping their cabsclean and tidy.I am a driver with First GreatWestern (High Speed) in Exeter,and time after time I climb intocabs where my colleagues haveleft behind their empty cups,cans and the various other rubbishthat they have accumulatedduring their journey.They do not see fit to removeit when they leave the cab, andmerely leave it to someone elseto remove.The smoking fraternity alsocontribute to this unpleasantenvironment. Cigarette ends andash litter most cab floors andother surfaces within these drivingcabs. Do these smokers dothe same thing when they are satin their arm chairs at home – Ithink not!In summary, yes, TrainOperating Companies should domore to improve our workingenvironment, but we as driversshould do our bit as well. Ittakes a few moments to put yourrubbish in a bin, so why notmake the effort, and not leave itto someone else!Richard Hubbard Driver -FGW Exeter DepotGood heavens!I THINK I can help to answerthe question from KeepingTrack (June 2006). The phrase‘fiat justita, ruat coelum’ (moreusually quoted as ‘fiat justitia,ruat coelum’) is not the letterwriter’s name; it is a Latinexpression thought to date fromat least the first century BC. It isroughly translated as ‘Let justicebe done even though the heavensfall’.It has become a maxim ofEnglish Law and other legalsystems. The phrase, or variationson it, has also been widelyused as a motto.Mark Maloney (by e-mail)VRS can make adifferenceIN response to Carl Southward'sletter regarding problems withthe National Radio Network(NRN), I understand we shouldall see improvements around2007/8 as the in-cab VoiceRadio System is introduced.Executive CommitteeMember Dave Calfe invited meto join a ‘Driver Interface Panel’reviewing the new system whichshould become standardthroughout the whole of Europe.This will be a real advantagewhen drivers change employeror traction – because all cabsshould have virtually identicalradios.Whilst it is another new thingto learn I believe there will bebenefits and I came away feelingpositive about the new system:drivers are having input atthe design stage which I trustwill be of value to all.R W McMillan Vice Chair –WolverhamptonA matter of trustI READ with interest lastmonth’s feature about Bro PhilWiggin from Poole and his selflesssupport of the AnthonyNolan Trust. Like too many ofus, I had not given blood forsome time – let alone bone marrow!After reading the article Ithought it was about time I gavesomething back and went to mylocal doctor's surgery to find outwhere I could give blood. Thefollowing week I made my firstvisit to the blood bank whereafter a few nervous moments (Ihave been scared of needles allmy life) and after some supportfrom the nurses, I was able togive my blood - and because ofthe unusualness of my bloodgroup it seems I will be in greatdemand.I have since registered withAnthony Nolan Trust and I urgeall members to do the same andto give a little blood when youcan, as you never know whoselife you could be saving.G Ferret LutonW2 comes to NW3ON BEHALF of myself and themembers of Paddington Branchwho recently attended HeadOffice for our re-arrangedBranch visit, I would like tothank Andy Reed, Stan Moran,Chris Proctor and the membersof the Executive Committeewho took the time to talk to usand answer our questions. Also,thanks to Gary Fabian for thetour of the building and his vastknowledge of ASLEF and thehistory of 9 Arkwright Road.It provided us all with anenjoyable day – but I’m sure thewide smiles that everyone leftwith was probably more to dowith some hot ‘off-the-press’news that came from the ECroom relating to matters facingour branch.Stephen Austin Secretary– Paddington BranchMany many gooddaysIn the early 60s we had a guardat Bletchley who, when askedPraise for the real professionalsI HAVE been a train driver for fifteenyears and am a qualified instructor/assessorand have a degree. Whilst I find thearticles on people coming from differentbackgrounds into our grade interesting,there is no mystery as to why bank managers,chemists or journalists might nowfind our job appealing.By far the most professional drivers Iknow (I certainly don't claim to be one of them) were herebefore privatisation and came to the railways as their first choice– I met many of them during my time at Eurostar. They rarelyhave any formal qualifications but their dedication, knowledgeand abilities are simply outstanding – and they were prepared todo this work when the hours were long and the money was short.I am uncomfortable that the renumeration for train driversseems to outstrip that of people who have undertaken years oftraining and study to the extent that they are willing to changecareer – there is something wrong with our country when ourprofessional classes choose to do this. I also imagine that ourmanagers/directors have a keen eye on this disparity and I'drather we weren't drawing attention to it.Should our pay and conditions revert to pre-privatisation levelsI wonder if our job would seem so attractive to such wellqualified outsiders?Kevin Peat First Great Western

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:56 Page 21how many wagons we had,always replied, 'Many many!'.You can probably guess hisnickname.I was reminded of this when Iwent to the Kings Cross reunionat Hatfield on 12 May. Thehighlight came when 'manymany' drivers were presentedwith their medals marking 50years of ASLEF membership. I'dlike to mention in particularDriver Peter Chaplin who, in hishalf century, never worked a restday. Well done, wee man!Events like these demonstrateeverything that is good aboutour union - so once again,thanks to everyone who attendeda wonderful day.Hughie Connolly Glasgow- retired Kings Cross memberLETTERS to the EDITORDSMs deserve the fullsupport of AslefI HAVE been reading with great interest thedebate over Managers retaining their membershipof Aslef. The latest passionate defence forexclusion by brother Leach seems to miss afew points.Within my area drivers are in three camps;those belonging to Aslef, those in RMT andthose with no representation at all. If strikeaction were called, the company could stillmount a half decent service with the use ofmanagers. If managers were in our union theywould be obliged to strike or receive theappropriate response from their brothers.✰Either way their true colours would beexposed.As for disenfranchising them whilst takingtheir subs (membership but with no vote), Ithought we were a democratic union. Doesbrother Leach really think that there areenough managers in Aslef to sway a vote inmanagement’s favour?Managers’ (certainly at DSM level) still needto drive a train and some will stand up forwhat they believe is right. They deserve thefull support of our union.R Thomas LondonUnion backing aftertragedyI WAS involved in a tragic eventon 19 July 2002, involving thesuicide of a former c2c driverwho I had known for over twentyyears. I’m pleased to reportthat an appeal to the CriminalInjuries Compensation AppealsPanel (CICAP) has concludedsatisfactorily and I want toexpress my thanks both to theunion and to ThompsonsSolicitor for their expertise inthese matters.My thanks also go to JohnLeonard, ASLEF’s health andsafety rep at Shoeburyness, aswell as to my c2c colleaguesand my friends and family fortheir support, especially duringthe initial stages of this incident.They helped me through a verytraumatic time when I wasseverely tempted to resign from‘the job’ even after 28 years service.Finally I’d like to thank mywife, a member of our sisterunion the RMT, for her continuedsupport, especially as shealso knew the deceased.Please find enclosed a donationto an ASLEF charity.T. Snelling Southend-on-Sea21

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:56 Page 22LET NO WHEELS TURN:THE WRECKING OF THEFLYING SCOTSMANEighty years ago, onwhat would prove tobe one of the last daysof the General Strike, agroup of angry, desperate andhungry miners set out fromthe village of Cramlington inNorthumberland to answerthe call of miner’s leader A.J.Cook to ‘Let no wheels turn’.Fired up by a stirringspeech from Northumberlandstrike leader William Golightly,they had reacted immediatelyto his call to halt trains andthereby stop coal reachingthe furnaces of industry.‘If you can’t stop them atthe station, stop thembetween the stations,’Golightly had insisted: andthat is exactly what manyfrom the meeting set out todo.The results – both nationaland local - were somethingno one could ever haveanticipated. By the end of theday the Flying Scotsmanhauled by the Merry Hamptonwas lying on its side, derailedbecause strikers had torn outa section of track. Althoughno one died, the reactionfrom the government and theestablishment was hysterical;the local community becamedivided and suspicious andeight miners wereimprisoned. It is a terrible taleof a small village drawn into a22scale of troubles it couldnever have imagined.The author, MargaretHutcherson, wrote this bookbecause of a promise shemade to her grandfather,Richard Brierley, fifty yearsago. A former Cramlingtonminer, he was working as ashopkeeper during theGeneral Strike. ‘With tears inhis eyes he unrolled a wad ofyellowing newspaper cuttingsof that time, saying that oneday I should write this story totell of the desperate actionshungry men will take to fightfor their rights.’Strangely perhaps, thewords of the judge at thesubsequent trial reinforce thebook’s major motivation. Hesaid, ‘How young men likeyou, apparently well behavedand respectable, could haveconceived and put intoexecution so nefarious ascheme has been entirelybeyond my comprehension.’From his position of privilege,his background and his classit would have been beyondhis understanding. MargaretHutcherson looks at whathappened with a differentperspective: unlike the trialjudge, she is desperate toknow what drove ordinarymen to such a drastic action.She is fascinated by howthese men thought and whatcircumstances drove them toso desperate a deed.The conflict of the wholestrike appears within thesepages: the derailed train wasdriven by a regular driver, buthis crew were ‘volunteers’ –including three students andone professional engineer. Atthe side of the track stood thepoor and the needy. And ofcourse there was the tragedyof the arrival of the FlyingScotsman – and not the coalbearingfreight trains theminers had expected.Three miners – Sanderson,Muckle and Baker – weresentenced to four years penalservitude. Two others –Stephenson and Ellison –received sentences of sixyears, while a further three –Harbottle, Wilson and Roberts– were condemned to eightyears penal servitude. Yetyears later they would play infootball matches with menwho had acted as witnessesagainst them: and once againchat with the local policemen,Sergeant Graham, who wasclearly distressed at finding‘his boys’ in the dock.Margaret Hutcherson hasdone much more than honoura fifty-year-old pledge to hergrandfather. She has alsowritten a very detailed, humanand touching book about onevillage’s innocently savagepart in the tragic days of the1926 General Strike.The normal price for ‘Let No Wheels Turn’ is £8.75 includingpost and packing. The book is available to order (usingPayPal) on line at www.letnowheelsturn.comHowever, ASLEF members can have the book deliveredto them for an inclusive total of only £7 by sending a chequeor postal order to Hutch/LNWT, PO Box 450, TorquayTQ1 9AZ

0607a Aslef journal.qxd 29/6/06 13:56 Page 23Prize Crossword No. 3set by TLCEmergency hotlineASLEF has a confidential service if you are sufferingharassment, discrimination or bullying. Call0207 317 8600 and ask for the IR Department from 9 to5pm Mondays to Thursdays, 9 to 4pm Fridays or leave amessage on the answer service for a call back. Leaveyour name, telephone number and your branch.Alternatively, you can e-mail to info@aslef.org.uk markedfor the attention of the Industrial Relations Department.Arrested? Police Interview? Call the membersEmergency Hotline 07980 996159 at anytime day ornight. Any Accident, Anytime, Anywhere Call 0808 100 8009 at anytime day or night.Sacked, in trouble at work. If you cannot get holdof your branch secretary/local representative or districtsecretary ring our Industrial Relations Department 0207317 8600, 9 to 5pm Monday to Thursday or 9 to 4pmFriday or leave a message on the answer service, or email info@aslef.org.uk marked for the attention of theIndustrial Relations Department.the ASLEF JournalCLUES ACROSS1 A former MP for Hornchurch, he's aformer political advisor for ALSEF(4.5)8 He's in charge on the platform (7,6)11 Complimentary review of a book orplay - maybe a magic dragon? (4)12 Inclination to one point of view (5)13 Predatory sea-bird (4)16 To treat or represent as equal (7)17 Did they go to Gretna Green (7)18 Ciao Pat! I'm off to enjoy the milkpudding … (7)20 Dishevelled microns could makeone turn red (7)21 Well ventilated, - first class line (4)22 One of no fixed abode, a free spirit(5)23 Assorted peas found in church (4)26 David Steel was one (7,6)27 Where to register your vote insecret (6,3)CLUES DOWN2 Breakfast cereal for a hungry horse(4)3 Long thin strips of pasta (7)4 Talk extravagantly of love affair (7)5 Relax in comfort - could it be6 Showing courage (5,5,3)7 Exceeding the safety limit (8,5)9 Sapper Ted gets caught up by aPolice camera (5,4)10 He's being taken for a ride! (9)14 Seat without arms or back forperching on (5)15 Oil dispersed in cubic centimetresfor stomach complaint (5)19 Postal service - pigeon post perhaps?(7)20 Legendary seat of King Arthur (7)24 Letter from the Greek (4)25 Briefing for the North AtlanticTreaty Organisation (4)Solution to Crossword No 2 which appeared in the June edition of theASLEF Journal. Congratulations to VERNON NYE from ROMFORDCLUES ACROSS 3 Live rail 8 Cede 9 Thameslink 10 Stet 11 Eden 13Stein 17 Norman 18 Tracks 19 Loans 22 Anon 24 Stop 25 Membership26 Omit 27 Sediment CLUES DOWN Keith 2 Letterman 4 Inman 5Eases 6 Agile 7 Likeness 12 Etna 14 Trainspot 15 Inflames 16 Eton 20Armed 21 Steam 22 Arson 23 BogieWe had twenty entries for last month's crossword competition - which ispretty impressive because it is a very demanding puzzle. If you manageto complete this month's crossword, please send the solution to theEditor, ASLEF Journal, 9 Arkwright Road London NW3 6AB by the end ofthe month to stand a chance of winning a hardback copy of the unionhistory signed by the General Secretary.The solution to the crossword above will appear next month. Honestly -there is one!Name...................................................................................Address.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................Postcode...........................Published monthly by the ASSOCIATED SOCIETY OFLOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND FIREMEN9 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, London NW3 6AB020 7317 8600 Fax: 020 7794 6406 www.aslef.org.uk Theacceptance of an advertisement does not necessarilyimply endorsement by ASLEF of the product or serviceadvertised.A copy of the ASLEF Journal is sent to each member,including members of the Retired Members Section, attheir home address.Forms to enable other subscribers – former members at£5 a year, non-members at £12 a year – to register areavailable from branch secretaries or Head Office. Let usknow of any change of address (with post code) on theform below.Return to the membership departmentASLEF 9 Arkwright Road, London NW3 6ABChange of address formName........................................................................Address...............................................................................................................................................................................................Postcode...........................Phone........................................................................Branch.......................................................................National Insurance No..............................................Employer....................................................................23

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