Aslef Journal

ASLEFPubLIshed by The AssocIATed socIeTy of LocomoTIve engIneeRs And fIRemenJOURNALAPRIL 201082012 OLYMPICS: It's theFRANCHISING: The uniontraining that counts 12enters the gameMore thanjust a union

ASLEFPubLIshed by The AssocIATed socIeTy of LocomoTIve engIneeRs And fIRemenJOURNALAPRIL 2010Railways stilltake a kickingOne of the reasons the Tories gave forprivatisation was to ‘stop the railwaysbeing used as a political football’. Theargument went that the government would awardfranchises and then leave private firms to run theindustry like any private business - free of politicaldebate and Treasury interference.how massively wrong that was! Railways havebeen a central focus of political discussions all thetime I’ve been general secretary.Politicians across the board have used therailways to try to make themselves look dynamicand energetic – people of vision, ever coming upwith fresh initiatives. but how much are theseundertakings worth ?It’s rather like me announcing that I havedecided to give every single member of AsLef aJaguar XJ. A new one, mind. no cheapskate stuff.‘how kind of good old Keith,’ I hear you say. ‘Whenwill I be in receipt of said vehicle?’If I said sometime in 2050, depending on mebeing re-elected every five years until then, youmight feel a little cheated.something similar has been going on recentlywith politicians and high-speed rail. both partieshave looked busy and dashing as they’ve drawnlines on maps and quibbled about how far norththe new track should run – but there’s no chance ofseeing a new train for at least 15 years – or threegeneral elections.And far from taking rail out of the political arena,it has been centre stage. Labour invited the Toriesto discuss the proposals with them, but they wereturned down. clearly a political argument is of morevalue than a new track. Then the party tit-for-tatcontinued with the Tories saying they’ll start workon the line quicker than Labour. It’s more akin toplayground banter than infrastructure planning.never mind the football. Pass the rattle.Keith Normangeneral secretary4 19News4 AsLef head office hosts Women’s daycelebration 4 franchises ‘cost uk railways £25 million ayear’ / company news 5 Legal: fit notes take over from sick notes 6 It’s all about you: members’ survey 7 AsLef at Westminster 9 Regulator ‘concerned’ about nR cutbacks 14Features 2012 olympics on track 8 Tunnel vision: London round-up 11 What’s the right way to run a railroad?Let’s buy one and show them! 12 cuba: the people behind the politics 22Regulars816 branch news 16 Keeping Track 17 Letters 18 obituaries 21 Prize crossword/Legal services for members 2316822AbOUtASLEFAslef Journal published monthly by AsLef 9 Arwright Road London nW3 6Ab ☎ 020 7317 8600 020 7794 6406 journal@aslef.org.uk www.aslef.org.ukASLEF JOURNAL l EDITOR Keith norman l PRINTED BY Tu ink, London ec2A 4Qs l GRAPHIC DESIGN michael croninADVERTISING Ten Alps Publishing, 9 savoy street, London Wc2e 7hR l ADVERTISING CONTACTS contact steve.rackham@tenalps.comTel: 020 7878 2361 (display) or joe.brooks@tenalps.com Tel: 020 7657 1801 (classified)MEMBER SMALL ADS contact sfrancis@aslef.org.uk or call sarah at headquarters. The acceptance of an advert does not necessarily implyendorsement of that product or service by AsLef. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please post your details to AsLef, 9 Arkwright Rd, nW3 6Ab.More thanjust a union

4 news The ASLEF JOURNALAsLef head office hostsWomen’s day celebrationtHE union opened its ballroom tomembers and friends for a lively,entertaining and thoughtfulcelebration of International Women’s’ Day on8 March.Our Women’s Representative Committee(WRC) organised an evening of pink bubbly,interesting speeches from the children’scharity Plan International, Wendy Hurst andthe general secretary and an energetic andjoyful set from a vibrant drum band calledDrumjam.‘I’m grateful to the WRC for putting on thisevent,’ said Keith Norman. ‘It’s good to have aspecial day to mark the achievements andprogress of women’s struggle for equality.’Cheers! ASLEF women raise their glasses to InternationalWomen’s DayThe General Secretary paystribute to the work of womenmembers in ASLEFWomen making a difference at ITfthe theme of the second ItF Women’s Conference inLondon was ‘Making a Difference – Women transportWorkers in the 21st Century’ reports Debbie Reay ...one session concentrated on ‘developingWomen Trade union Leaders’. Three womenwho had done just this - Arlette gay, of thechilean LAn union (Lcccu), beena Trivedi, thenational council coordinator of self employedWomen’s Association in India (seWA) andsharan burrow, President of InternationalTrade union confederation (ITuc) - all gavedetails of the positions they hold andexplained the work they did to get there.The conference opened as it closed – quiteliterally on a bright note with songs from theAfrican delegates. After an introduction fromthe ITf Women’s committee chair dianaholland, gloria mills, President of the Tuc,spoke about recruiting young people intounions. ‘If a worker is encouraged to join aunion from day one, they will probably remaina member all their entire working life,’ shedeclared.during the report on the activities of the ITfWomen’s committee since the last conferencein 2006, delegates from the Transport Workersunion America (TWuA) told conference oftheir struggle with duram (which is part ofnational express). They stressed the need toshare company information across nationalborders, as the employer did.This is why the ITf is important. It hasaffiliates in 751 unions from 154 countries andkeeps transport unions informed aboutdevelopments in other parts of the world.ASLEF women go international at LondonconferenceThe global downturn has had a devastatingaffect on some industries, especially civilaviation, but many reports stressed that manyemployers, whether affected by the crisis ornot, have used it as an excuse to cut workerspay and conditions, renegotiate contracts andin extreme cases to make redundancies. bPrecently got rid of their final salary pensiondespite announcing profits of £8.5 billion!Wendy hurst and myself, the AsLefdelegates, both felt that meeting women fromall over the world made us realise howfortunate we are in this country – but also thatwe can’t afford to be complacent. employersdon’t just hand out good pay and workingconditions – they need to be fought for, bothto obtain and retain them.RMS bACK 10 APRILPENSION RALLYmembeRs of the union’sRetired members section arebacking a national march andrally organised by the nationalPensioners’ convention inLondon on 10 April – and theywant you to come along andadd your voice to protestsagainst cuts in state pensions, health care,education and other public services.section secretary Tony West says, ‘The statepension is totally inadequate, leaving at least 1in 4 older people to live in poverty. We believethe welfare state and public services are anessential part of any civilised society. We willseek to protect that principle on 10 April.’The rally will also serve to highlight that 7m households have a child living inpoverty - and existing benefits provide avery limited safety net unemployment now stands at over 2m -and workfare offers no solution 10m adults are disabled and face hugebarriers to escaping financial hardship the nhs is slowly being privatised behind asmokescreen of choice and competition –while patients suffer as a result our public services are now facing massivecuts and further privatisationIt is timed for April in order to stress towhichever party wins the general election thatmost people in the uK don’t want to seefurther cuts and privatisation of our welfarestate.The march will assemble at noon for 1pm atTemple Place on the embankment and get toTrafalgar square for a 2pm rally with speakers,music and entertainment.

news 5April 2010franchises ‘costuK railways £25million a year’A QuesTIon in Parliament on 3 february revealed that the railfranchising system could be costing the industry over £25 million a year.‘over the last four years over £100 million that could have been used toimprove our railways has been utterly wasted and lost to the industryforever by rail franchising,’ says AsLef general secretary Keith norman. ‘Itis incredible that anyone still clings to this profligate and discreditedsystem.’In response to a question from Liberal democrat norman baker mP,transport minister chris mole conceded that in the four years between2005-09 the department for Transport spent £33.8 million to ‘designand tender’ rail franchises.This was made up of £15.3 million for departmental staff,administration and advisers to ‘review documentation’ and £18.5 millionin fees paid to ‘external advisors.’In addition to this, each company bidding for a franchise spendsbetween £1million and £4 million. given that eight franchises were let -southeastern, greater Western, south Western, London midland, eastmidlands, cross country, Intercity east coast and southern – and thateach attracted three or four bidders, franchise expenditure rockets toover £100 million.‘It is the policy of both the Labour Party and the Tuc that railfranchising is ended. The information we now have proves that it needsto be done urgently before more millions are haemorrhaged from theservice,’ Keith concludes. ‘It is a scandal that necessary improvements torail – like upgrading carriages - are being held back on cost groundswhile millions are lost by a foolish and inefficient system that benefitsno one in the industry.‘franchising might be good for accountants and consultants – but itis a disaster for passengers and staff.’CompanynewsPAY SEttLEMENtSSOUTH WEST TRAINS DEPOT DRIVERSour depot driver members in south West Trains voted in favour ofthe depot drivers 2009/10 Pay offer which consists of a two-year paydeal with an increase of 1.5% in year 1 and in year 2 an increasebased on RPI plus 0.5 or a 1.5% increase if greater.FIRST GREAT WESTERN LTV DRIVERSThe executive committee (ec) accepted a two year pay offer for firstgreat Western (LTv) drivers – 1.5% in year 1 and 2% or RPI plus 0.25%WREXHAM, SHROPSHIRE & MARYLEBONE RAILWAYThe ec accepted a pay offer for 2010: a no strings pay award of 3%or the february 2010 RPI whichever is the greater, from 1st April 2010anniversary date.HEATHROW EXPRESS 2010 PAY REVIEWThe ec accepted a pay offer for 2010 of 2.5%.GATWICK EXPRESS – PAY HARMONISATIONgatwick express became part of the southern franchise inseptember 2009 and members have agreed a salary increase to£36,366 with effect from 1st december 2009 and a further increaseto £38,500 with effect from 28th february 2010. The offer equates toan increase of 9.25% and reduces the pay differential between thetwo sets of drivers to £285.00.RESt DAY WORKINGFreightliner Intermodal free Turn Working is sanctioned until 29mayLondon Midland Rest day Working (RdW) is sanctioned until 29may 2010First Scotrail RdW is sanctioned until 28 march 2010First Great Western RdW is sanctioned until 26 march 2011East Midlands Trains RdW is sanctioned until 27 march 2010First Transpennine Express RdW is sanctioned until 20 march 2010COMPANY COUNCIL ELECtIONSFREIGHTLINER HEAVY HAULbro m mooney, crewe branch was appointed as Local councilRepresentative ~ Western constituencyLUL TRAINS FUNCTIONAL COUNCILbro f brennan, east finchley / golders green and bro T cashman,West brompton branch were elected to the LuL Trains functionalcouncilFREE tRIP ON tRANS-SIbERIAN EXPRESSEVER wanted to experience the Trans-Siberian Express? Thegood news is that you can, for free. The bad news is that it’s a‘virtual’ journey you can take on your computer. If you type‘Virtual Trans-Siberian Express’ into Google, you can go on avirtual tour of the 5,752 mile route, looking out of the window inreal time as you check the train’s progress on maps. It dependswhether you’ve got six days to sit in front of your computer!63% IN bRItAINSAY tROOPS HOMEbY CHRIStMASA PoLL by the bbc last monthrevealed the level of unpopularityof the war in Afghanistan,showing that 63% of the britishpublic want the troops home bychristmas. more than two-thirds(69%) also think the governmenthas not done all it can to supportforces fighting in the country.In germany opposition to thewar has risen to 69% while thedutch government was broughtdown because of its support forthe war.

6 Legal The ASLEF JOURNALfit notes take over from sick notesHow many times do wehear of bad managersbullying our colleaguesback to work before theyare fully recovered frombeing sick? asks AndyViner. those managers willbe looking at a recentchange in the law andhoping the new legislationwill help them. they willbe disappointed...FRom the 6 April there will be anumber of changes to the sickcertificate that employees get fromtheir doctor when they are off sick. Previouslya sick note simply stated what was wrong andindicated that they should not be at work. Thenew medical certificate will either indicate thata person is not fit for work, or that they mightbe fit for work under certain circumstances.The doctor will also be able to suggestchanges that would assist a return to work.There is no requirement for the gP to writeanything apart from that the person is not fitfor work and how long the person is ‘signedoff’ for.many managers think that they know morethan the doctor. In future they will not be ableto insist that you get the gP to write what youcan do. There is no change to the basicpurpose of the certificate for employees toconfirm their illness.equally there is no change to the processthat a medical certificate will normally not berequired until the 8th calendar day of sickness.Any occupational sick pay scheme you havewill not be changed and that includesstatutory sick Pay (ssP).tWO OPtIONSThe new certificate will have two options. Itwill say either that the patient is ‘not fit forwork’ or that the patient ‘may be fit for worktaking account of the following advice’. Thenthere will be four types of alterations listedwhich the gP can tick. These are a phased return to work, altered hours, amended duties, workplace adaptations (which includes aprovision that any such adaptations willneed to be risk assessed).There will also be space on the form for thedoctor to provide more information on themedical condition and how it may affect whatthe patient can do. In most cases there will benothing to recommend and, as at present, youwill go back to work once the gP feels you areready.Any disputes over sickness will be resolvedas now - using the employer’s grievancesprocedure.further information is available athttp://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-17591-f0.cfm http://www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote/driver’s family compensated for mesothelioma deathTHE family of a South West London man who died from asbestos related disease hasreceived compensation of £89,000. ASLEF member Alan Terry, 76, died just seven monthsafter he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma – an incurable disease caused by exposure toasbestos.Alan, a driver at Victoria, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in July 2008 after attendinghis GP complaining about loss of energy and breathlessness.Sadly Mr Terry and his partner died leaving his brother Michael Terry, 64, to pursue theclaim. Michael said, ‘The compensation was less important than making sure Terry’semployer recognised the lives they had ruined by exposing him to asbestos.”Keith Norman said, ‘Asbestos was commonly used as fireproofing in locomotivesresulting in many of our members being exposed to a risk of fatal disease. Many, like DriverTerry, were unaware of the dangers.’COMPENSAtION FORREDUNDANt DRIVERSAN ASLEF member who was refusedredundancy pay when he was forced toleave his job working as a train driverhas won more than £12,000 incompensation.Stephen Morgan from Newport anda colleague were told they were beingmade redundant from their jobs astrain drivers for DB Schenker in 2008.The pair were offered lesser roles asdriver operators - which would haveseen them take an £8,000 a year paycut.After a four week trial in the lesserrole they both handed in theirresignation because they weren’twilling to accept lower pay and lessresponsibility.ASLEF’s lawyers, ThompsonsSolicitors, argued the men wereentitled to redundancy pay as theyhadn’t been offered suitable alternativeemployment and were within theirrights to turn down the driver operatorroles.Cardiff Employment Tribunal agreedand awarded Mr Morgan over £12,000in damages and the other unionmember £8,000.Both men have since found new jobsas mainline train drivers for First GreatWestern.Driver Morgan said he was pleasedat the outcome which had involved amatter of principle. ‘As far as we wereconcerned we hadn’t been offered arealistic alternative role,’ he said.

news 7April 2010It’s allabout you:members’surveyAT THE end of last year we includeda readership survey in an edition ofthe ASLEF Journal, writes NationalOrganiser Simon Weller. Many thanks tothe many of you who responded – over 8%which is well over the percentage normallyreturned in magazine surveys. It turned upsome interesting facts, all of which will beused to try to improve our services andcommunication with members. Below arethe main findings of the survey.qHOW DO YOU GEt YOUR UNIONINFORMAtION?The AsLef Journal continues to be far andaway the union’s major communication tool,with local reps being the second mosteffective way of disseminating information.branch meetings and branch secretaries arethe next significant and it is encouraging tosee that the website (www.aslef.org.uk)continues to grow as a source of information.qDO YOU AttEND bRANCHMEEtINGS?Less than half – 42% - of those returning asurvey form said they attended branchmeetings regularly (as opposed to frequently).qWHICH AGE GROUP DO YOU FALLINtO?The largest part of our membership is in the45/60 bracket but a third are in the 30/45range. only 3% are under 30.qDO YOU HAVE AN E-MAILADDRESS?In a major change since the survey weconducted five years ago, 99% of our membersnow have access to emails and 70% haveregular access to the internet.qCAN YOU DESCRIbE YOUR REGULARLEISURE ACtIVItIES?sport features high on outside interests, with aquarter playing them and 57% watching. notsurprisingly, travel is high up the agenda witheating out and walking both popular (which israther a nice balance!). Just over half enjoyreading, the same as those who consider barsand pubs a regular activity. 40% enjoy film butonly 9% consider the arts a regular pastime.half the respondents said they enjoyed euroTravel, the same number who put music as aregular interest.qWHICH NEWSPAPER DO YOU READREGULARLY?Apart from the splendidly high ‘write-in’ votefor ‘Whatever I find on the train’, I’m afraid thesun and the mail just pipped the mirror. someway back, the Times is the most popular of the‘heavies’ with the guardian showing ratherlow.qWHICH bIt OF tHE JOURNAL DOYOU tURN tO FIRSt?The order in which people read the Journal isnews, letters, features and branch newsqWHAt SORt OF tRAINING SHOULDtHE UNION OFFER?There was a resounding call from both activereps and lay members for more training incommunications. This was the most-requestedarea, followed by courses on employment law,negotiating and people skills. I have beenprogressing this and will ensure it is central toour revised training programme, along withlegislation, advocacy and negotiating skills.‘I’d like to thank everyone who took thetrouble to return a survey,’ simon says. ‘We willuse the information to try to put resources intothe most effective ways of communicatingwith our members.’Newsinbrief LILLE FOCUS FOR ItF DAY OF ACtIONRail unions across europe will converge onthe french town of Lille on Tuesday 13 Aprilfor a 1100 rally and demonstration callingfor ‘Rail safety before Profit’. Lille is thehome of the european Railway Agency.Keith norman says the purpose of theevent is to protest at ‘dangerous eu ruleswhich open up rail to competition, and bydoing so threatens safety and jobs’.If you are interested in joining the AsLefcontingent, please contact your branchsecretary or national organiser simonWeller. SCOtLAND AGAINSt VIOLENCEAt WORKThere will be a rally on 19 Aprilat 1230 in the city councilchambers in dundee to ‘backthe bill to end violenceAgainst Workers’ – the bill inquestion being hugh henry’sefforts in the scottish Parliament totoughen sentences for those who assaultpublic service workers. called the Workers(Aggravated offences) bill (scotland), weencourage all members who can make it tothe rally to attend. for further informationcontact AsLef’s officer in scotland, KevinLindsay. DON’t RELAX ZIMbAbWESANCtIONS, tUC tELLS ZUMAAs south African President Jacob Zumabegan a state visit to the uK last month, theTuc urged him not to relax eu sanctionsimposed on Zimbabwe’s ruling elite forhuman rights abuses over the last decade.Tuc general secretary brendan barbersaid, ‘despite the formation of thegovernment of national unity, humanrights violations have not stopped.’ £2 bILLION ROLLING StOCKGRAVY tRAINAsLef has expressed dismay at the newsthat hsbc bank is planning to sell its rollingstock company hsbc Rail for £2 billion,possibly to a consortium of private equitybidders. The bank purchased the trainleasing company for around £700 million in1997 and owns around 4,000 trains,approximately one third of the uK’s totalrolling stock.‘We’ve always known the rolling stockcompanies have been the cash cows of railprivatisation,’ said general secretary Keithnorman ‘but profits of £1.3 billion for hsbcin just over a decade show just howscandalous the mismanagement of publicassets was.’

8 olympics The ASLEF JOURNALoLymPIcson TRAcKConstruction is well underway and eitheron time or ahead of schedules but are allthe targets being achieved forgettingabout safety and training? Alf Martininvestigates ...WITh the marathon of theLondon 2012 olympicsnow on the homestretch with sir sebastian coetaking delivery of the olympictorch after the canadian Winterolympics, passengers and railwayworkers are benefiting from thetransport investment made by theolympic delivery Authority (odA)with a number of projects alreadydelivered.RECYCLING tHE RAILWAYThe first major transport projectwas ahead of time and withinbudget. The odA relocated theold railway sidings depot – usedto ‘park’ extra trains only neededduring peak hours to make wayfor venue construction. It built areplacement 12-track facility tothe olympic Park’s north-east atorient Way. Receiving an awardfor sustainable construction: 99per cent of demolition materialTrains in railway sidings at thenew Orient Way depot. Thesidings are used to 'park' excesstrains outside peak hours thatare not used during the day.from the original site was recycledor reused including 2,970m oftrack.‘We needed to move thesidings,’ said Richard Johnson,odA transport, ‘because theywere originally in a part of theolympic Park called Thornton’sfield stabling yard. The decision tomove the facility was taken inearly 2007. construction tookapproximately a year, and the lasttrain rolled out of Thornton’s fieldby 29 may 2008 and the followingmonday they all turned up atorient Way.‘during the construction thewhole of the existing depot wasrecycled and reused. Thebuildings were taken down,crushed, and used in thefoundations for the track. All trackwork was lifted, cleaned and thenput back.‘on the new site there is awelfare building for the traincrews. Whilst the drivers move thetrains backwards and forwards inand out of Liverpool street to theeast of england.’bY RAIL AND WAtERmaximising the use of rail freightto deliver construction material tothe olympic Park in a sustainableway set a target of at least 50 percent (by weight) of material by railor water.‘We felt, as a project, that it wasreally, really important to try tofind more innovative ways oftransporting materials to the Park,’said dan epstein, odA head ofOlympic Park freight deliveries arrive on site by rail and are thentaken to individual sites across the Park, including the OlympicStadium in the background.sustainable development andregeneration, ‘so we set ourselvesa stretch-target to deliver 50 percent of our materials by rail orwater. We exceeded that target byrail alone.’‘The materials which we aremoving to the site by rail,’ claimsRichard Jackson, odAenvironment manager, ‘aregranite from Leicestershire,recycled glass from the Londonboroughs, sand from the northsea and limestone from themendips. The recycled glass weare using is in the production ofconcrete for the building of thevenues. This helps us to reducecarbon emissions.’ON tRACKWith £80m investment in thedocklands Light Railway (dLR)and co-funded by the odA, 22new railcars are in service to runthree-car instead of two-car trains.Work to convert the formeroverground platforms at stratfordRegional station for its newextension is on course. A secondcrossing under the River Thamesto Woolwich Arsenal opened inJanuary 2009.domestic trains at stratfordInternational now go over a 36mlongbridge that forms a newentrance and exit at the stationthat aims to operate by thesummer of 2010.‘our job is to enable spectatorsto get to the venues with ease,whether they’re watching footballin manchester, tennis atWimbledon or going to theolympic Park,’ says Iain coucher,chief executive of network Rail.‘We also have to make sure it’sbusiness as usual for millions ofpeople who use the railway. That’swhy our work is well underwayplanning the train timetables,preparing the London stationsand making improvements in thecapital and beyond.’NEED FOR SPEEDThe high-speed Javelin service,which will use domestic highspeedtrains to run from stPancras International into theolympic Park during the games,beat its estimated seven-minutejourney time during its first timetrial. It arrived in six minutes and45 seconds.Paul chapman, managing

Westminster 9April 2010 ASLEF At ASLEF backed General Electioncandidates in your District ...District : 4Constituency: KeighleyCandidate: Jane thomasOlympic gold medallist James Cracknell and Team GB diving hopefulTom Daley. The athletes travelled to the Olympic Park by Javelin®train in under seven minutes in its first time trial between St. PancrasInternational and Stratford Internationaldirector of high speed 1, whichoperates high-speed lines tomainland europe, is a strongsupporter of the 2012 games.‘We’re pleased to be a central partof the transport success story,’ hesaid.FINE LINESWork to upgrade the northLondon line, operated by Londonoverground, has started, with thefirst of the new air-conditionedtrains already providing a breathof fresh air. meanwhile, testrunning is taking place on theextended east London line.Improvements to the victoria andJubilee lines, through new trainsand better signalling are allunderway.tHE WORRIESAlthough work on the transportlinks, new trains and greenconstruction seems to be going toplan or ahead of it, steve grant,Aslef district organiser, hasworries.‘We all want a successfulgames,’ says steve, ‘but we haveconcerns about some of theupgrades. There are delays on theJubilee and northern lines, thereare issues over communicationswith the proposeddecommissioning of the oldsystems leaving no back up, andwe have worries about automaticdoors and some of the fittings inthe cab on the trains.‘The time constraints causesafety issues, particularly notenough practical training for ourmembers and, of course, we don’twant to end up like dLR with nodrivers.‘The Aslef general secretary,Keith norman and I, are due tomeet mayor boris Johnson in afew weeks to discuss these andother concerns plus the £400mshortfall in funds. We don’t wantto see fare or tax increases tocover this shortfall. The PPPstructure was imposed on Londonunder the principle that it wouldtransfer risk from the taxpayer tothe private sector.‘We believe that the arbiter ispreparing to leave the door openfor TfL to cut back or delay theupgrades which could affect thenorthern and Piccadilly lines.’‘If it all works well then it willcreate jobs for our members andthat’s one of the positive things.’As the Journal went to press,the first of the olympic stadium’slighting towers were successfullylifted into place, taking the venueto its full height – 60m above thefield of play. A 650-tonne cranelifted the 28m-high lightingtowers into place, on top of theinner ring of the cable-net roof.The lighting towers will light upthe field of play and are neededfor high definition televisionfootage. They are located abovethe stadium roof to ensure thebest lighting angles and to avoiddazzling spectators,photographers and competitors.Let’s hope mayor boris sees thelight and can assure Aslef that toachieve a magnificant 2012olympic games crucial things likesafety and training are asimportant as meeting schedules.JAne is a former university lecturer who has workedfor a number of not-for-profit organisations. she has long shown aninterested in public transport issues and has used her position onthe national Policy forum to lobby for bus re-regulation. Jane hascalled for more rail firms to be taken back into public ownership andcampaigns for a high speed rail link from London through Leeds tothe north east.Jane says, ‘getting transport links right is crucial to inwardinvestment and the future of the region in terms of jobs andeconomic growth. I look forward to working with AsLef in thefuture to make sure we get the railway system the country deserves- and needs.’Contact to offer assistance: call Jane on 07957 240826 or emailjane@janethomaslabour@googlemail.comDistrict: 6Constituency: Luton NorthCandidate: Kelvin HopkinsI hAve been the Labour member of Parliament forLuton north since 1997, I’m active in AsLef’s Parliamentary groupand I’m the joint co-ordinator of the Trade union group of mPs.Public transport is a passion with me and I have outlined mydetailed plans for a national dedicated freight rail route both in yourJournal and at your annual conference.I support the socialist campaign group, the co-op Party, War onWant, cnd and the campaign for Labour Party democracy. I’m afounder member of Luton campaign for Racial harmony. I’ve alsoworked for the Tuc and unison – and been a semi-professional jazzmusician!Contact to offer assistance: Please sign up to the supporters liston www.kelvinhopkinsmp.comDistrict: 8Constituency: Leyton and WansteadCandidate: John CryerJohn was AsLef’s political officer, organising ourParliamentary group and becoming highly involved in the freighton Rail campaign, before he took up a similar position with unite.John was the mP for hornchurch - a few miles from his presentconstituency - from 1997 to 2005. he was recognised as anindependent-minded and assiduous mP, voting against both theIraq war and top-up fees. he only narrowly – by 400 votes – lost hisseat in a constituency the Tories expected to win comfortably.John was ‘born into the Labour movement’ and has spent mostof his adult life in east London. he says, ‘I aim to be accountable andaccessible in Leyton and Wanstead and to be an effective voice inParliament on behalf of 60,000 voters.’Contact to offer assistance: Please phone John on 07966 589833 or email john.cryer@unitetheunion.com

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underground 11April 2010 LONDONdiscipline anyone for being in licensedpremises in uniform even though they are notdrinking. management quickly changed theirmind and will respond in due course.It has been minuted in this meeting thatstaff allocated to ‘valuing Time’ should do sowithin their rostered hours – so Trainoperators should not attend ‘valuing Time’ ondays when rostered hours are shorter than thehours of ‘valuing Time’ (inclusive of travelingtime).on the other hand management hasproposed that ‘Team Talks’ will no longer berostered, so they can cut 35 Train operator jobsand save £1.9 million. They’d still like us to do‘Team Talks’ if we happen to be spare. nochance.TunneL vIsIon:LONDON ROUND-UPOne constant theme developed last time the union’strains Functional Council met London Undergroundmanagement for formal talks: that it makes nodifference if the issue under discussion is right, moralor reasonable. the significant question for managersis, ‘Will it cost LUL money?’ this, allied to doublestandards, are the management approaches that runthrough all sections of this report …UPMINStERAgreement was reached locally at upminsterthat a snack machine would be bought andinstalled, confirming that facilities outside arepoor. In the 21st century this is the veryminimum that should be expected when on ameal break, staff side believes a canteenshould be provided at every location wherewe take a break. Rather than honoring theagreement all management could say was, ‘We(the royal ‘we’, presumably) have to save £2.4billion and this would cost too much money.’clearly unsatisfactory, the issue has beenraised to higher level in the machinery.INStRUCtOR OPERAtORSmanagement is trying to renege on theagreement we have that any Instructoroperator who falls short of the required abilityto coach others would be given additionaltraining to reach the required standard. Itcould only be agreed that he or she revertedto becoming a Train operator with protectedearnings if, following this additional training,they still did not reach the standard required.management wants to change this.If in their view an Instructor operators doesnot meet the standard they want to use thedisciplinary procedure to reduce them ingrade.tRUStWhen negotiations take place withmanagement there has to be some element oftrust. so the staff side was shocked atsomething that happened after discussionshad taken place on duty schedule guidelines.When management sent the changes theytried to slip in other changes that had notbeen agreed. And then they expect us to bereasonable!DOUbLE StANDARDSdouble standards appear to be another themeof industrial relations at LuL. on the centralLine ‘valuing Time’ meetings - wheremanagement explain how wonderfuleverything is - are held on licensed premises.but we’re not allowed on licensed premises inuniform!Personnel argued that ‘the rule book in thisinstance is not applicable as staff are not onoperational duties’. oK, we said. but it mustalso mean that management could not2009 AGREEMENtA section of the meeting was taken up withbreaches of the 2009 agreement – includingmoving staff to neasden, which could haveconsequences for staff already there. Thewhole purpose of the agreement is tomaintain minimum numbers of Trainoperators. We want to make sure staff arerecruited/ transferred to depots that could beunder minimum numbers – and to ensure thatupgrade pool operators are on the waiting listfor their home depot.LILLIEbRIDGELilliebridge, a local depot to earl’s court on thedistrict Line, has come back under theumbrella of LuL and management want to usethe depot to keep the new ‘s’ stock. newwalking routes and times have still to beagreed as management, to AsLef’s frustration,cancelled the arrangements to do this at thelast minute. As the depot will be used by LuLthere is no reason why Train operators cannotuse it to park cars – after all, office staff do andthey do not work our extreme shifts. We arealso determined to change the situation wherethere is no parking provided at earl’s courtdepot.HARROW ON tHE HILLmanagement have added to the agenda theheading ‘harrow on the hill’s accommodation’.do they have underhand plans? They told usthat the canteen will be ready when thesecond stage of moving Train operators takesplace later this year. but as we already knewthat, why do they want to raise it? Watch thisspace!FUtURE PLANSWe know that management have ideas to putforward, or plans to propose changes to anumber of agreements. We’re pretty sure theseinclude how we measure walking times, fixedlinks, syndicate guidelines, a review of the roleof ssTo’s and the discipline procedure. We’llkeep you informed.Compiled by Andy Viner

12 How to run a RAILROADThe ASLEF JOURNALWHAT’S THE RIGHT WAYLET’S BUY ONE AND SHIF there is one thing ASLEF members have learned over the 130 years of ourexistence it is ‘How not to run a railway’. We’ve seen mismanagement that hasclosed vital lines, produced ludicrous rosters, overcharged passengers,undermaintained track and undersold a national treasure and a vital service.We’re experts in ‘how not to do it’.Now we’re going to take a more positive attitude. We’re going to say how itshould be done. We’re going to buy a railway.Well, to be more precise, we’re going to take part in the franchising processfor the East Coast Main Line. And as we do so we’re going to draw up amanifesto that will examine what passengers, employees, business and freightusers want from a railway - and explain how it can be delivered at a reasonablecost. Our aim is to show how can we improve a railway’s services withoutspending more money.By applying to buy the franchiseThe government intends to sell tgive us time to make a strong case fneeds of its passengers rather thanThis is the start of the process. Inlook at how partnerships can workcould work in our industry.We’ll be asking you for your viewchallenges and the solutions. Let’s band that can become a model for thRAIL IS A GOOD CASE FOR EMPLOYEE OWNERargues Nigel Mason,the Policy Directorof the EmployeeOwnershipAssociationIF WE have learnt anything from the financialmeltdown and the recession of the last twoyears, it is that diversity matters. That includesdiversity of ownership. In the modern globaleconomy, most big businesses are now ownedby anonymous investors and fund managerswho care little for the social impact of abusiness; they just want short term “shareholdervalue”, whatever the social cost.It is a fact, incidentally, that in the UKindividuals held over half of UK shares in 1963.Today they own one eighth. Foreignshareholding has risen from less than a sixth ofshares in 1993 to 50% in 2007.But it doesn’t have to be like this. Ownershipof businesses by employees is on the increase,not only because it is fairer, but also because ithas been shown to lead to better businessperformance from more motivated staff, bettercustomer outcomes and stronger businessesthat take a responsible, long term view.A FEW GOOD EXAMPLESTake some examples. You can hardly open anewspaper these days, or turn on your TV,without hearing about the John LewisPartnership, the famous employee-ownedretailer which continues to out-perform itscompetitors. Arup, the employee-ownedstructural engineering firm which designed themain Beijing Olympics stadium and the Gherkinin the City of London, continues to expandinternationally from its UK base, now employingover 7,500 people. On a smaller scale, the 800employee-owners of Central Surrey Healthprovide community health services to theresidents of that county. There are hundreds ofother examples, adding up to a sector nowrepresenting 2% of the economy.These businesses all follow a simple butpowerful logic. Their highly committedemployee-owners are motivated to provideexcellent customer service, so customers keepreturning, the businesses make good profits, theemployees share in the rewards leading to highlevels of engagement, and so the virtuous circlecontinues.WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE?Of course, these businesses are not run ascollectives or co-operatives. They hireprofessional managers and are run with thesame discipline as all big businesses. Butultimately, those managers are accountable tothe shareholders – the employees – who aremore knowledgeable and care more than thefaceless institutional investors who sell out at

13April 2010 How to run a RAILROADTO RUN A RAILROAD?OW THEM!, we can do this in the public eye.he franchise at the end of this year. That willor a not-for-profit public service serving theits shareholders.this feature we asked a couple of experts ton the UK today, and specifically how its and I hope you will respond. We know theuild a picture of a railway that people want,e future .Keith Norman, General SecretarySHIPA useful model for a better railway?the first sign of difficulty. A rail franchise seemsvery well suited to employee ownership. Afterall, success depends on serving customers well,being flexible and responsive, going the extramile. We wish ASLEF success in its campaign,and hope that the employees of the East CoastMainline will blaze a trail that others will follow.WHAT ABOUT A MUTUALEAST COAST MAINLINE?THE effects of the credit crunch have hit homeacross the real economy, and the rail industry isno exception. The country’s premier railway hasbeen taken back into state ownership and theowning groups and train operating companieshave publicly wrung their hands about thereduced margin that their shareholders arebeing forced to operate under as a result of thecontracts they have willingly entered in to.At the same time, more than half of allpassengers surveyed by Passenger Focus feelthat they are not getting value for money out oftheir journeys. One thing’s clear – something’sgot to give in the rail industry.The basic problem is a gap in ownership andaccountability. Across the majority of thenetwork there is little competition, and privatecompanies are only taking a small amount ofthe risk involved in running and investing in therailway. The privately run TOCs provide a vitalpublic service and receive large sums of publicmoney, but when it comes to the toughdecisions that need to be taken, the shareholderis king.A CO-OP IS A GOOD SOLUTIONThis is why we believe that there is a need for aco-operative train operator, and fully supportASLEF’s bid for the East Coast mainline. Thedifference between a co-operative and privateoperator would be simple – it would exist toprovide a service for its members rather thangenerate profits for shareholders. This meansthat any profits made would be reinvested intoproviding better services for passengers andreward employees for their efforts.Run democratically, on a one-member-onevotebasis, it would give real power to users andworkers – building services on the experience offront line staff and the needs of passengersrather than the interests of city investors.PRACTICAL MEASURESSo how would this work in practice?If a co-operative bid were successful, the EastCoast mainline service would be run by aThe author, Michael Stephenson, is GeneralSecretary of the Co-operative Party. Heworked at 10 Downing Street for Tony Blair,has been the Labour Party’s Policy Officer andworked in Australian politics as Chief of Stafffor both the Premier and Minister of Educationof the State of Queensland‘community benefit’ co-operative. All employeesof the co-operative and passengers on the EastCoast would be given the right to becomeindividual members of the organisation. They,and other stakeholders, would then elect aMember’s Council, which would be responsiblefor approving the strategy of the organisationand have the power to hire and fire theorganisation’s directors.The East Coast co-operative would bestructured so that all of its members had a voice.It would provide a genuine forum for informingand consulting with members of the public andemployees. It would provide information thatwould ensure that passengers and employeescould remain fully informed of progress made,as well as a means through which they couldshape the services offered.Moving to a co-operative model wouldtransform the way that services are run, andprovide a benchmark against the privatelyowned TOCs. Let’s call time on shareholderculture, and make the East Coast mainlinemutual.

14 News The ASLEF JOURNALREGULATOR ‘CONCERNED’ ABOUTNR CUTBACKSThe rail regulator, the Office of Rail Regulation(ORR, last month raised ‘significant concerns’about Network Rail's maintenancerestructuring plans which ASLEF claimsthreatens safety and could cost 1,500 joblosses.The ORR said that on the London toScotland West Coast Main Line not all the‘technological and procedural changesnecessary to support the new maintenanceregime had been implemented’. It added thatclassifying vital safety roles and tasks as ‘nonproductive’means there is a risk of localmanagers cutting back on site lookouts andsafety briefings.ASLEF general secretary Keith Norman said,‘The rail regulator has joined staff and unionsin condemning the Network Rail cuts. That isbecause we are concerned with safety. Thoseapplauding the cuts - basically thegovernment and Network Rail itself - areconcerned with money. Who do you thinkLATE ARRIVAL FOR NEW CARRIAGESASLEF is concerned that the governmenthas postponed a £7.5 billion contract toupgrade the rolling stock on the EastCoast and Great Western lines followinganxieties over the state of the publicfinances until after the election.Transport Secretary Lord Adonis hasordered an independent review of thedeal for 1,400 new carriages.passengers will side with? Or don't they matterin today's rail industry?'TRAIN CRASH IN BELGIUMThe union sent a message of support andsolidarity to our sister unions in Belgiumexpressing our sympathy and support forthem in the wake of the crash near Halle whichlast month claimed the lives of 18 peopleincluding one of the train drivers. The otherremains in a critical condition.Keith Norman passed on ASLEF’s deepestsympathy to all those having friends, relationsor work colleagues involved in the crash atHalle earlier this week, saying, ‘At times likethese our nationality is unimportant. Thenames on the sides of our trains areimmaterial. The uniforms we wear are of noconsequence. We are part of a global family oftrade unionists and rail workers.’SECURE FUTURE FOR UNIONLEARNING PROJECTThe future of the ASLEF ‘Proud to Educate’ lifelonglearning project is secure followingsuccessful bids for financial backing.Last month the union secured £150K in Wales to set up a unionlearning project obtained an additional £35k in Scotland towork within the freight companies; and had news of a successful bid for £525Kfrom the English Union Learning Fund(ULF).It was also decided to change the namefrom ‘Proud to Educate’ to ‘ASLEF – Education’to reflect our objectives more clearly. For moreinformation on ASLEF learning projectscontact Shirley Handsley by phone on 07739473 174 or by email atshirley.handsley@aslef.org.ukASLEF SCOTTISH LEARNINGASLEF in Scotland has recently opened itseighth workplace learning centre, inEdinburgh Waverley, making a total of nine ifwe include the main hub at Stow College inGlasgow.CHINA HASFASTEST TRAINCHINA has unveiled the world's fastesttrain – which can reach speeds of245mph. The new system connectsGuangzhou and Wuhan at an averagespeed of 217mph - and it took just fouryears to build.The super-high-speedtrain reduces the 664-mile journey to justa three-hour ride and cuts the previousjourney time by more than seven-and-ahalfhours. The average for high-speedtrains in Japan is 150mph while in Franceit is 172mph.The Rail Union Learning Centre in InvernessRailway Station has provided education forwell over 100 rail union members, says JimBaxter. The most popular have been twostages of computing, a literacy course ran aspart of a ‘Earn as You Learn’ scheme in whichScotRail staff are paid overtime for theirattendance, and more recently a ‘Spanish forBeginners’ course. ASLEF is now taking thesame learning model to Fort William, Obanand Mallaig.PROGRESSIVE LONDONCONFERENCE 2010ASLEF had a prominent presence atProgressive London’s 2010 Conference as asponsor of the event and the union led asession on ‘Cut Fares Not Investment’ withAssembly Member Valerie Shawcross andSteve Hart from Unite.Progressive London was initiated by KenLivingstone in 2008 as a ‘cross-party, multicommunityforum involving politicians, artists,trade unionists, and campaigners to promotesocial progress in the capital.’Don'tletitcostyou your job!✗

ASLEF's Open Freight ForumsADVANCE NOTICEThe union is organising two open freightforums to discuss, debate and informASLEF's freight strategies.Join fellow members atDoncaster Trades and Labour Clubon Wednesday 31 March 2010 at 11 amBristol Marriot Hotel, Lower Castle Streeton Wednesday 7 April 2010 at 11 amMore thanjust a union

16 Branch News The ASLEF JOURNALPresentations atGidea ParkWE had the pleasure of the company ofdistrict organiser Andy Morrison and ECmember Nigel Gibson at our well attendedBranch meeting on 28 January.Andy and Nigel spoke on various subjectsimportant to the membership and Nigelonce again thanked the membership fortheir support during last year’s pay strike onNXEA.After a question and answer session it wastime for a presentation to Bro Doug Tilburywho had taken retirement at the end of along career.Andy Morrison presented Doug with adigital TCV, an engraved tankard and aretirement certificate. We will miss Doug’sbanter and sense of humour and he has allour best wishes.Andy also presented our health and safetyrep Bro Khalid Rana with a Working LifeExcellence awards. He thoroughly deserves itfor all the hard work he has done sincebecome our rep. Khalid’s tutor at HaringeyCollege, Jonathan Jeffries called him ‘anexemplary learner’ and said his portfolio ofwork was ‘of the highest standard’.We then retired to the bar to drink toDoug’s fond farewell.Steve Meredith, Secretary, Gidea ParkbranchAndy presents Doug with a retirementcertificate and the union’s best wishesWALES LABOUR PARTY2010IN HIS inaugural address as Welsh Labourleader Carwyn Jones said the Party faced the‘fight of its life’ in the upcoming election whilePrime Minister Gordon Brown attackedConservative plans to cut public spending.The union’s motion on Welsh RailInfrastructure welcoming the announcementof the electrification of the Great Western Lineand calling for greater investment in Welshrailways was unanimously accepted byConference. The delegation attended fringemeetings and raised the plight of the railfreight sector in South Wales with MPs andAMs in addition to handing out copies of theWelsh Journal supplement to delegates whichwere enthusiastically received.STRATFORD: A WARMREUNION ON CHILLY NIGHTTHE annual reunion of the Stratford Social andWelfare Club was held in the Railway Tavern onSaturday 30 January, and was well attendeddespite it being a bitterly cold evening. It gaveretired and current members an opportunityto reflect on past glories when Stratford Depotwas the largest in the world.Today it is an intercontinental rail link aswell as a major construction site housing thestadiums for the 2012 Olympic Games.Thanks to Chris’ daughter for running theraffle, to the landlord and landlady Tom andJan for laying on a delicious buffet and to allthe bar staff for making us most welcome, asthey always do.P.J. Dodgson, Secretary, StratfordbranchASLEF’s delegation to the 2010 Welsh LabourParty Conference at the Brangwyn Hall,Swansea consisted of Stan Moran, DistrictOrganiser, District 7 and John Boreham(Camarthen)Khalid’s presentation moved from gravityto giggles!KINGS CROSS RAISESMONEY FOR NEEDYCHILDRENTHE King’s Cross retired section heldits final social gathering of 2009 in theLucas Arms just around the cornerfrom our old work-place.Once again it was well attended,and a good time was had byeverybody.Very special thanks to Roy Spellor,the best waiter at King’s Cross, and hisgenerosity with the loose change -which went to 90 needy children.H. Connally, retired section,Kings CrossWE found this photo in the union’s archives, andwondered what on earth was going on! It’s an imagefrom 1958 showing the crew of the‘Elizabethan’ -Driver Edward Turner of Ilford and Fireman FredFoister – being given‘capillary pens which are leakproof,write unaffected by changes in temperatureand atmospheric pressure and fill themselves whenthe nib is dipped in ink’. The accompanying pressrelease also says the King’s Cross stationmaster F.W.Goring (in the topper)‘filled the footplatemen’s penshimself’. It’s always been a busy and challenging lifefor management!

Track 17April 2010 KeepingWHAT THE UNION WAS DOING100 AND 50 YEARS AGO100 years ago the Journal reporteda disappointing meeting inLondon – only 800 turned up! And50 years ago there was a ceremonyto name the last steam loco …ASLEF’s support for Labour extended to an opera recital!District 6: ASLEF’ssecret LabourParty donorsA NUMBER of ASLEF activists attended aconstituency Labour Party dinner on 18February. The event was hosted by the Chairof Parliament’s Transport Select Committee,Louise Ellman, who is MP for LiverpoolRiverside.It started with a bang for ASLEF as myASLEF colleague Gary Boyle and I were luckyenough to win first prize in the raffle. In lightof the upcoming General Election we gaveback the £100 prize to support the Party. Ihope this won’t lead to Gary and I beingexposed as secret Labour Party donors!The entertainment was 'A Night At TheOpera'. I was looking forward to renditionsof ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Radio Ga Ga’ –but how wrong I was! We were treated to anumber of operatic renditions, though notmy 'cup of tea', were quite mesmerising andextremely well received.Guest Speaker Lord Andrew Adonis, theSecretary of State for Transport, spoke wellwith the railways at the top of his agenda.He mentioned the East Coast Mainline andits government ownership which led to afew cheers from the ASLEF table. He alsoexpressed his appreciation of our union andhis support for our ideals and vision.After the meal we had the opportunity tomix with our political and trade unioncolleagues and to promote the work of ourunion. I spoke to Lord Adonis about the roleof Health & Safety in our industry and tradeunion.It was an excellent evening and I thinkthe ASLEF delegates made a positive impactand impression on those present. On apersonal note it was a pleasure to meetMichael Shields, the Liverpool Footballsupporter who was wrongly imprisoned inBulgaria, and was only released thanks to avigorous campaign which included LouiseEllman. He was finally granted a RoyalEating for victory! Colin Smith, LordAdonis and Louise EllmanPardon in September 2009.Many thanks for a wonderful eveningto Colin Smith, our District Organiser andto my other ASLEF colleague. It was anhonour to represent the union at theevent.Alan Moss, Longsight BranchUpcomingevents LONGSIGHT REUNIONSThe next Longsight Reunion will beheld on Wednesday 12 May at PeakRail, Rowsley and will include theprivate hire of the railway and Stanier8F 48624 with train. There will be abar/buffet. All ‘Black 8 drivers andfiremen are welcome. Contact MelThorley on 07778 556760 or Ray Bullenon 07952 686495.All Manchester area men andwomen are welcome to the NavigationRoad Club at 1300 on Thursday 14October for the next Longsight event. DIDCOT REUNIONThe Didcot ASLEF reunion will takeplace on Saturday 1 May at the RailwayStaff Club at Didcot from noononwards. All present and associatemembers are welcome.100 YEARS AGO‘A.E.T’ gave this account of a public meeting inthe April 1910 Journal …“A “mass propaganda” meeting, under thedirection of the London Branches, was held at theNew Bedford Palace of Varieties, Camden Town,on Sunday evening, February 20th, when Mr. A.Fox, Mr. W. Warwick and Mr. J. Bromley addressedthe audience, supported by Brother W. Clarke (lateE.C. member for North London), BrotherStevenson (E.C. member for South-East District)and several branch secretaries. Unfortunately theweather which prevailed, and which no one willforget in a hurry, told against us considerably, yetthe muster, over 800 persons, was an indication ofwhat might have proved a record meeting undermore favourable climatic conditions. Nor was italtogether comfortable for the speakers; doorsslammed, curtains swayed and rain pelted themfrom above, whilst from without the unmercifulwind shrieked and roared, which must veryforcibly have reminded those present of theliabilities and responsibilities of those on the roadfor whom, and the whole of the fraternity, thespeakers were ardently emphasizing the need ofprotection and just recognition, which couldonly be secured by the consolidation of alllocomotive-men in their own Society, to wit, theA.S.L.E.& F.”50 YEARS AGOThe Editor’s Notes included these words on‘The End of an Era’ …“March 18th, 1960, at Swindon (WesternRegion) took place the formal naming ceremonyof the last steam locomotive to be built by BritishRailways...Mr Hanks (Chairman, Western Area Board)made fitting reference to this in his openingspeech, in the course of which he said:“I am sure it has been truly said that no otherproduct of man’s mind has ever exercised such acompelling hold upon the public’s imagination asthe steam locomotive. No other machine, in itsday, has been a more faithful friend to mankindand has contributed more to the cause ofindustrial prosperity in this, the land of its birth,and throughout the world.“No other machine, somehow, is so human andso gentle and yet, when unleashed, is capable ofsuch prodigies of strength – nothing quite sograceful in action and nothing quite soromantic.” Extracts selected and edited byJane Pimlott

18 Letters The ASLEF JOURNALThese are the pages where you talk to us. We welcome yourletters, either by mail to the ASLEF Journal at 9 ArkwrightRoad London NW3 6AB or by email to journal@aslef.org.ukBecause of our space constraints, please try to keep yourcontributions as short as you can. This month we continueour STAR LETTER feature. The immensely lucky winnerwill pocket a rich range of ASLEF regalia!GENEROUS GESTUREI am writing to express my deepest thanks toall the officials and members of theMarylebone branch for the help and assistancethey gave me as I recovered from surgeryfollowing a serious leg injury. In particular, I’mvery grateful for the collection they arrangedand the addition from branch funds to helpme and my family in the very difficult financialtimes resulting from being on half pay.I was truly shocked at the amount on thecheque and very moved by the support Ireceived within the branch and union.I would also like to thank the LDC reps,John Shaw and Ken Goldsmith, for all theirhelp and assistance in getting me back to workon light duties, and back on full pay. It’s a greatrelief to know I’m earning my keep again.I know the branch and union will continueto offer me support during my efforts to regainmy fitness so that I can make a return todriving duties and I look forward to seeingeveryone on a more regular basis!Dave Kentish, Driver, MaryleboneMORE TALES OF TORAMI REFER to your article in the March Journalin regard to Toram Beg. I knew him as asteam driver when I worked at EastfieldDepot. He came there to turn hislocomotive to work his return train fromGlasgow Queen Street to EdinburghWaverly. We regularly had to assist himbecause he always had a large ‘Pacific’ classloco.Last month’s article says he was born in1924, but this must be wrong. In theForward to ‘The Lighted Flame’ it says he‘began his railway career on the old NorthBritish Railway in 1910'. This is moreaccurate as the NB was amalgamated intoLNER under the 1921 Railway Act.It follows that he could not have beenborn in 1924 because had this been so hecould not have been employed on therailway until 1939/40. The most likely dateof his birth is 1893.Some of the very good members andfootplatemen at the now-closed HaymarketDepot might raise this matter with you.However there might not be too many leftwho, like me, can remember thesethings.WISE WORDS AND THANKSAT THE beginning of this year I passed asignal at danger. The incident includeda breach of cab discipline for which Iwas (quite properly) disciplined. Otherdrivers will know of the effects of beingsuspended and removed from drivingduties but I was surprised at the impactthat this had on me.Consequently I would like to recordmy thanks to my colleagues ofSouthampton Northam branch, and myfriends of Bournemouth branch fortheir kindness and support at thisdifficult time. Also my special gratitudeNeil Milligan, Polmadie Branch andformer ASLEF General SecretaryBLECHLEY BACKEDON FLYERI MUST agree wholeheartedly with the articleon page four of the March ‘Journal’ regardingthe proposed conversion of the St AlbansAbbey branch to a tram-style operation.This branch line needs the reinstatement ofthe passing loop at Bricket Wood and theprovision of a through connection at WatfordJunction on to the Euston main line.The first will enable the service on thebranch to be increased to two trains per hour,which will make it more competitive with busservices. A train every 45 minutes just doesn'tcut it! I don't think the Abbey branch will everbe a truly equal competitor with the Watfordto St Albans buses, due to the inconvenientlocation of Abbey station, at the foot ofHolywell Hill - but two TPH would help redressthe balance somewhat! Maybe the branchcould be extended to City station, in the sameway that the Bletchley to Bedford branch wasextended from St. Johns station to Bedford!The advantages of a through connection toEuston hardly need explanation. With it, thebranch could be operated in the same way asTfL's Chesham branch of the Metropolitan Lineto our LDC Alan Loughlin for hisdedication and determination whilstrepresenting me. He has been a creditto ASLEF.Happily I am now back at work,which is easily the best outcomeimaginable. And if I’m a little wiser it isin the sense of how important ourunion is to us. We all make mistakes,after all, and my experience is that weneed our representatives and fellowmembers to help us through thesetroubles.Nigel Hockley, Southamptonwith probably only two through trains in eachdirection per day: two ups in the morningpeak and two downs in the evening.Rodney Salter, Retired driver,Rickmansworth branchLABOUR UNION FUNDINGHE’S at it again. David Cameron says he will‘move to scrap automatic union funding ofthe Labour Party’.If the ‘floating voter’ read this it couldcost every union and their membershipdearly. We need positive action now beforeit is too late.Kevin Christie, Retired DriverARTHUR GRIFFITHSI SUBMITTED an obituary for Arthur Griffiths inlast month’s Journal and a paragraph was cutthat I know Arthur would have wanted me toexpress.I’m sure he would have wanted to thankour General Secretary, Executive Committeeand all the branches who supported ourappeal on behalf of Arthur when times werehard for him. Arthur was genuinely moved bythe response you showed.Thanks are also due to our DistrictOrganiser, Stan Moran, for his help and workwhen it was needed, to Kevin Gale, First Great

April 2010Letters 19PERFECT TIMING, USEFUL TRAININGNew officials made up the Grantham courseIN January, I volunteered to be Secretary of the Westbury branch, rather earlier thanI’d planned. I’d been thinking of applying in a few years when my three children hadleft school, but fate often changes plans and the job needed doing.With perfect timing I received an ASLEF circular about the Branch Secretariescourse for the beginning of March, at Stoke Rochford Hall, Grantham.I secured my place and all too soon departure day arrived. I knew little aboutGrantham (apart from it being the birthplace of ‘She who must not be named’!) - oreven where it is.The sumptuous setting of Stoke Rochford Hall was easily surpassed by thecamaraderie and friendship of my 17 fellow students. During the 3-day course welearned about our role from the tutor and guest speakers - the most popular I’m surebeing Tony from Finance.I now feel more confident about my abilities, especially as we know help andadvice is only a phone call away if we need it.Thanks to everyone on the course for making it a pleasurable and rewardingexperience and a big ‘thank you’ to all at ASLEF HQ for arranging these valuablecourses.Biddy Watson, FGW driver and Secretary, Westbury branchWestern’s Operations Director and to our localDriver Managers at Swansea for their help andunderstanding during Arthur’s long hard fightagainst cancer.I know Arthur was truly grateful for thekindness shown to him and would want it tobe expressed publicly.John Rossiter, Secretary, SwanseabranchPLEASING TRIBUNAL WINMAY we take this opportunity to thankASLEF - and in particular, Stan Moran, NickWhitehead, Brian Corbett along with ClaireAnthony at Thompsons Solicitors in Cardiff -for the help and support they haveprovided over the last 12 months regardingour fight for a redundancy claim which wassuccessfully upheld at a recent IndustrialTribunal.We were freight train drivers for DBSchenker based at Newport in South Wales,and as ‘junior men’ we faced the threat ofredundancy as our depot was identified asbeing one of the ‘at risk’ depots. We weretold that we would be ‘put back’ to DriverOperators and faced a substantial drop insalary and affected pension rights. Someground-staff members would also bedisplaced, as we would be doing their work.With the threat of redundancy loomingwe were fortunate to be offeredemployment as mainline drivers with FirstGreat Western based at Bristol. With this inmind we put in for our redundancyentitlement. However, this was refused onthe pretence that we had been offered jobsas Driver Operators with DB Schenker andwere therefore not being made redundant.We believed all along that we werejustified in seeking a redundancy paymentand with the support of ASLEF our claimhas been successfully upheld.Steve Morgan and Peter Little, FGWDrivers, Bristol WestTHE DIRECT LINENXEA depot drivers felt their views were notbeing listened to at local level, so they got onto ASLEF direct. On hearing our concernsASLEF swiftly organised a meeting solely forthe depot drivers. Very unusual, but withfeelings running high and safety issuesinvolved there was little time to waste. Themeeting took place on 1 March and thesupport from the depots was fantastic.We were all pleasantly surprised by thepresence of so many union reps who came tolisten to us. They seemed genuinely shockedby some of our concerns and asked as manyquestions of us as we did them. Our spiritswere raised and we believe with the help ofour union we will be recognised as animportant cog in the smooth running of ourrailway.Special thanks to N. Gibson for arrangingthe meeting and his colleagues who attended.Leo Paul, Depot Driver, SouthendBranchGONE - BUT YOU’RE NOTFORGOTTENI AM writing to express my sincereappreciation and thanks to members of theASLEF family all over the country for theselfless generosity you have shown to merecently.I was diagnosed with an illness in 2009which forced a reluctant decision to retirefrom the railway. Following a nationalappeal around the ASLEF depots adonation was forwarded to me and myfamily which left us overwhelmed by thekind response and support shown by myfellow brothers.I was a driver for 24 years and 3 daysexactly. And despite many of those workingdays when I would rather have been off, Icertainly miss the banter and company ofsome fantastic people I worked with.My heartfelt thanks go to all the loyalmembers in Yoker and Queen Streetbranches in Glasgow. The intervention andeffort by Council members and brothers IanSmith and Andy Ferguson, together withbranch secretary John McCue, needs an

20 Letters The ASLEF JOURNALacknowledgement of appreciation.Brian Connelly, former driver,GlasgowNO REST DAY AGREEMENTIN CROSSCOUNTRYTHE CrossCountry Company Council wishes toset the record straight regarding Rest DayWorking. John Hay’s report for the Scottishsection of the March Journal was wronglyedited.In fact, CrossCountry (operated by Arriva)has decided it does not want a Rest DayWorking (RDW) agreement with ASLEF. It didnot request that ASLEF continues the RDWagreement before the sanction ran out at theend of February. When the Company Councilmet management on 6 January (see theminutes posted on Company Council link onthe ASLEF website) we made it clear that therewere three issues that would need to beaddressed before we would support anyrequest for a RDW agreement effective fromMarch: Driver Establishments - the currentcalculator has not proved robust enoughto allow satisfactory provision of the trainservice without the requirement for RDW. Enhancement for Rest Day Working. Issues relating to link arrangements androute/traction knowledge at the recentlycombined Birmingham depot (comprisedof ex-Virgin and ex-Central Drivers) havenot been dealt with to the satisfaction ofthe Local Reps.The management effectively responded onthese matters with what was considered a twofingered salute.The Company Council is fully aware offreight drivers being made redundant at thistime, and as stated we are seeking to increasethe head-count in CrossCountry. We have notmanaged to achieve this yet, but if this provespossible in ours, and other, TOC’s thenhopefully the number of ASLEF membersforced to leave the industry will be minimised.Regarding enhancements, it is our view that apenalty on a company for requiring RDWwould assist to focus minds into ensuring arobust establishment is agreed andimplemented in an expeditious manner. AtBirmingham depot the Local Reps have beenfrustrated in their attempts to improve theworking arrangements of our members there,and we will continue to support them in theirendeavours to move forward.Since the start of March, management havebeen using every trick in the book in anattempt to maintain the train service. Despitethis, there were several part cancellations inthe first week without RDW alone. TheCompany Council has and will continue toraise every breach of the agreements. Alongwith our full-time officer Colin Smith, we willnot stand by while the company attempts toforce drivers to work outside agreed terms andconditions. Our simple message for all ASLEFmembers is - if you are not sure if you arecompelled to fulfil a request - phone a friend.ASLEF has a comprehensive network oflocal and Company Council reps. Muchinformation can also now be obtained onCompany Council specific links to the ASLEFwebsiteFinally, CrossCountry Drivers have to workwith Traincrew Controllers (the equivalent ofTCS’s) and while everyone has their job to do,and no one wants a poor working relationship,both they and drivers need to realise that it isnot acceptable for any pressure to be put ondrivers to do non-contractual overtime, orwork outside the T’s & C’s. Drivers shouldreport any such instances to their reps as soonas possible.CrossCountry has a 99% ASLEFmembership and by working together we willcontinue to move forward. Unity isstrength!Dave Sullivan, Chairman, John Hay,Secretary, Miles Bidgood, Ian Clarke,Nigel Ryder, CrossCountry CompanyCouncilTHOSE 66s AGAINON behalf of the D B Schenker Traction andTraining sub-committee, I feel obliged torespond to the letter Driver Phil Garner sentto the February Journal.Firstly, I can’t find any evidence of anycommunication between Driver Garner andany member of this committee. It wouldhave been more purposeful if he hadcontacted us rather than whoever.Nevertheless he makes some goodpoints. We have made our concerns aboutCLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTSTo advertise in the ASLEF Journal please contact Sarah Francis on 020 7317 8600 or sfrancis@aslef.org.ukNXEA 2009 STRIKE BADGE commemorating solidarityof ASLEF members. Purchase (£3 plus p&p) from NXEABranch Secretary or District Council 5 Secretary. Contact MSteele on. 07788 153954. Proceeds to District Council 5Education Fund and ASLEF Fighting Fund.KENT AREA NUM-MARYLEBONE ASLEF 25THANNIVERSARY (1984-2009) BADGES £5 each plus £1 p&p. Last tenavailable. All proceeds to Justice for Miners. Contact L. French at 55 MillRoad, Gillingham, Dent, ME7 1HW or phone 01634 576058 for details.INTERCITY ENAMEL BADGES, numbered, only 100 made. £5 eachplus £1 p&p. Email: intercityexpress125@hotmail.co.uk or call 07930-419850DRIVER COLLECTS BR33056 SERIES TRAINCREW /DRIVER MANUALS. Contact Lee on 07919127972 or e-maillippydavies@blueyonder.co.ukGREAT WESTERN CLASS 180 BADGE High qualityenamel badges, only 100 produced, individuallynumbered. Made to commemorate the short-lived Class180 with Great Western. £5 each, £1 p&p. Please contactGreg: 07930-419850 or email:intercityexpress125@hotmail.co.ukCITY OF LONDON BADGES, one 10-yearand one depot badge. Depot badges arenumbered 1-150. There are only 150 of each.Price £5 plus £1 p&p. All profits to City ofLondon branch funds to acquire a branch banner.Further information or orders to Colin Dawson 01689 849 543 or22 Hutchison Road, New Addington, Croydon, Surrey CR0 0BD.LONGSIGHT BRANCH has produced a CommemorativeBadge Limited to 500 Numbered Copies. They are availablefor £5.00 plus £1 p&p from the Branch Secretary FredClarke at 80 Brookfield Avenue, Poynton, Stockport,Cheshire, SK12 1JE. Please make cheques payable toF. Clarke.DIESEL HYDRAULIC ITEMS wanted by collector. Anythingconsidered, especially speedos, power handles etc. Rob 01822 833 921FIRST EDITION of the only recognised Tram/LightRail ASLEF Branch. CROYDON TRAM/LIGHT RAILNo1 (270)Badge cost £5 each with £1 P&P. Chequespayable to: “CTLRNo1” and sent to David Brinkworth, 6Peregrine Court, 47 Albemarle Road, Beckenham, BR35HL or via Paypal david@brinkworth.me.ukASLEF TRAIN DRIVER collects ASLEF/railway badges, signs, shedplates, signalling items, etc. Phone Mark on 01562 746537 or (mobile)07789301551

April 2010Obituaries 21cab noise and vibration forcefully to thecompany. Extensive tests and monitoringare currently being carried out on Loco66035 and a number of initiatives are beingundertaken to try to eliminate some of theirritating noise and vibration.As a driver I can concur that some of thecabs I have driven in have been littered anddirty. We have been striving to getmanagement to provide each cab withcleaning equipment, but I have to remindeveryone that some of the problems couldbe solved if we were all a little morerespectful of our working environment.I note that Driver Garner believes thenew drivers’ seats are now dated. The firstwere only fitted in March 2008 and the fleetwas completed last year. The generalconsensus appears to be favourable.The state of the side windows is also aBRIAN GARFIELD: A DONNY MANFORMER Doncaster driver BrianGarfield has died aged 71. He died on 2January. I’m grateful to his pal ‘Big Jack’Howsley for passing on the sad news.Brian was a great chap, alwayspleasant, who wouldn’t even let hisfight against cancer hold him back.Indeed we were able to speak to himwhen he made it to last year’s KingsCross Reunion.Born in 1938, Brian joined the‘LEN’ COULSON FISHYTALES FROM AN EX-PARALESLIE COULSON died of pneumonia on 11January aged 77. Affectionately known as‘Tales of the River Bank’, Len, as most calledhim, was a keen fisherman who wouldtravel far and wide in pursuit of ‘the bigone’,Born in 1933, Len never married andlooked after his mum until she died. Afterretirement he faded into the backgrounddespite our efforts to get him to come toour reunions. Unfortunately he ended up ina home, but his memory will live on. I recallspending many an hour in his company inthe days of double manning, as he wouldtell the tales of his life and of his time as aparatrooper. He’s gone, but not forgotten.Peter Smith, Reporter, Kings CrossbranchSADNESS AS FOUR RUGBYDRIVERS ARE MOURNEDIT IS with regret that I have to report thepassing of three Rugby drivers. Anthony Cross, who was born in May 1922and retired on 13 August 1983. Drivergreat concern and in line with the Squashcampaign. The side film did have an effecton reducing cab temperatures, but I feelthat it was perhaps the sliding window thatdamaged it or the bubbling effect ratherthan drivers deliberately vandalising it, aswas suggested.Many of the issues Driver Garner raisedare already being discussed and are stillongoing. We have never been able to solveperceived problems overnight, but we areworking hard to try to improve our workingenvironment.If (as always) any driver wishes to raiseany concern, please contact your localCompany Councillor who will pass it on tothe relevant Sub Committee.Roy Hickman, Chair, and RoyHickman, Secretary, DBS TractionTraining Sub Groupfootplate grade in 1954 and remainedin Doncaster throughout his career. Heremained loyal to ASLEF even into hisretirement.We send condolences to Brian’sbrothers and sister - Ray, Muriel, Davidand all his family, friends and workcolleagues. May he RIP. He will be sadlymissed.Peter Smith, Reporter, RetiredMembers SectionCross died on 21 December last year. Reg Jones retired on 26 September 1987and died on 28 December 2009 at the ageof 86. Ted Hartwell died on 28 December aged70. His passing was a great shock to hisrelatives. Eric Perkins was 81 when he died on 15March. Eric spent his entire working life atRugby, where he began work aged 14.Our condolences go to the families andfriends of our departed brothers.Alex Lakic, Secretary, Rugby branchTHREE BRISTOL DRIVERSPASS ONIT IS with great sadness that I report thedeaths of three Bristol drivers. Ivor SterryIvor passed away in January aged 84. Heenjoyed a long railway career at Evesham,Honeybourne, Southall and Bristol BathRoad depots. Ivor was a popular figure andalways enjoyed a laugh and a joke with hiswork mates. He was declared a hero in hisyounger days when he saved a young boyfrom drowning whilst at work. He will bemuch missed by family, friends and formerwork colleagues. Ivor SmithIvor Smith of Bedminster Bristol, aformer Bath Road driver, passed away on 3January at the age of 90. His funeral washeld on 22 January. He will be greatlymissed by all who knew him. George MailRobert George Mail died from cancer on7 November last year aged 87. He startedworking for the Great Western Railway atBath Road in 1940. We extend oursympathy to all family and friends.Bernard Kennedy, Secretary, BristolBranchFOUR BROTHERS PASS ONFROM BISHOPSSTORTFORDTHE last year has sadly seen the passing of fourretired drivers from Bishops Stortford. Eachwas a staunch ASLEF member - as quite a fewmanagers soon realised! George Dennison could make the worstdiagrams into the most favourable. Heonce put my name forward for the LDC –quite unbeknown to me! Peter Curtis, who loved to recall steamtimes, took part in three steam weekendsof recent years. Mick Handley was known as ‘Bruv’ toeveryone. He could wind up anyone with afew simple words and walk off with achuckle. Jack Root, ex-Branch Secretary, was thedepot’s first Health and Safety Rep. In hisquiet way he persuaded me to replace himin this role, and guided me in the monthsbefore he retired.They were all great characters and they’llwill be missed by everyone who knew them.Alan Swann, Retired MembersSection, Bishops StortfordMICK BLACKBURN ONE INA MILLIONI ATTENDED the Stratford reunion this yearafter a 10 year gap and was deeply upset tohear that my old friend Mick Blackburn hadpassed away.I started at Stratford in March 1971 atthe age of 16 and Mick began not longafter. We became good friends but Mick wasdifferent in the sense that he had a greattrade union brain.He got me to come to my first branchmeeting where I got to know and admiremy other old friend Tony West. I came tolook forward to attending branch meetings.To me Mick Blackburn was one in a millionand I will always remember our happymemories.Martin Gilbert,Edge Hill Branch

22 Opinion The ASLEF JOURNALCUBA: THE PEOPLE BEHINDTHE POLITICSAn exhibition by Cuban-born but UK-basedphotographer Alejandro Gortazar shows that Cubaisn’t a slogan or a left-wing plot – it’s a Caribbeanisland teeming with bright and lively people …IT’S difficult to get a real idea of whatCuba is like. It is discussed as if it werea political debate rather than acountry. Right-wing commentaries give theidea that it’s a poverty-stricken island delugedby constant hurricanes and inhabited by greyand repressed people – while some on the Leftportray it as a paradise on earth that is beyondcriticism.This exhibition presents another vision, aneveryday view rarely seen in the UK. It showspeople like us - young and old, working andrelaxing in communities that are urban andrural, modern and traditional.Photographer Alejandro Gortazar hasproduced 50 images to ‘celebrate the country,its achievements and the lives of its people’. AsCuban ambassador René Juan Mujica Cantelarsaid as he opened the exhibition in Londonlast month, ‘These photographs offer thechance to see behind the blockade, theshortages and the hostility from the US. Therevolution,’ he says, ‘is a personal thing’.PEOPLE LIKE USCubans are not bizarre beings. They are peoplelike us, and in many ways they have madeadvances that we can only envy – like the factthat all health care, including dentistry, is free.Cuban life expectancy is now 78 comparedwith 58 before the 1959 revolution.There is certainly nothing ‘backward’ aboutCuban literacy rates – which are among thehighest in the world. And their educationlevels are much the same as ours – except theytoo are provided free, and that includes preschool,university and adult education.Cuban women are treated with moreequality than most places on earth. Thecountry’s MPs are 42.3% women who alsomake up 62% of university students and 66%of professionals, including 52% of Cubandoctors.A SNAPSHOT OF A SOCIETYThese are some of the achievements of thepast 50 years, but Alejandro’s photographshelp us to get a much clearer picture ofordinary Cuban life.The exhibition is part of the Cuba50initiative, organised by the Cuba SolidarityCampaign. CSC Director Rob Miller says,‘Cuba50 aims to celebrate Cuba’sachievements over the last 50 years andpromote Cuban culture in the UK. We arecommitted to campaigning against the USblockade and defending the Cuban people’sright to determine their own future, free fromforeign interference.‘But, like the Cubans you see in thesephotographs, we also like enjoying ourselves! Ialways say to anyone who has prejudicesagainst the island that the best thing to do isvisit it. I urge everyone to go – it’s a marvellousplace. And for those who can’t at the moment– enjoy these pictures as a taster!’Pioneros (Pioneers) – schoolchildren in Cubadon’t get there in Range Rovers – but theyget there in time all the same!Pictures: Alejandro GortazarLa arrancada (The start) – cycling, and mostsports, form an important part of Cuban lifeLos arrozales (Rice fields) – a beautifulpicture of the demanding task of riceplantingLa Comparsa – Cubans enjoying the carnivalof comparsa music and dance groups whichoriginate from slavery times in Cuba.Bailando en la playa (Dancing on the beach)– there are annual dancing competitions onbeaches to the East of Havana The 50-photo exhibition ‘Celebrating Cuba –50 Years of Revolution’ is available on touraround the UK throughout this year. If youwould like it to be shown at your venue or byyour union branch please get in touch with theCuba Solidarity Campaign. Contact details canbe found at www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk or youcan email or phone the office onoffice@cuba-solidarity.org.uk or 020 8800 0155

April 2010Crossword 23Prize Crossword No. 48 set by TLCCLUES ACROSS3 Watery home of a‘mythical’ Scottish monster(4,4)8 Girl’s name (4)9 Royal London Borough(10)10 Painful eye affliction (4)11 Intentions (4)13 ----- and Grab (5)17 Capital of Turkey (6)18 (See 1 Down) (6)19 She usually works in aHospital (5)22 City in Yemen (4)24 Well ventilated (4)25 Working after dark (5,5)26 Electro-plated-nickelsilver,initially(4)27 Astonish, startle! (8)CLUES DOWN1 (and 18 Across) GeneralSecretary of ASLEF (5)2 Cooked food to be eatenelsewhere (9)4 Water found in the desert(5)5 Many of these make lightwork! (5)6 Additional (5)7 Lack of this is apparent inWinter (8)12 Lunch, dinner or tea (4)14 Food soaked overnight inseasoning or wine (9)15 Wages, income (8)16 ---- Blyton, children’author (4)20 Man’s name (5)21 Go in (5)22 ---- and pains (5)23 Borough of London withan impressive ShoppingCentre (5)Solution to Crossword No 47 which appeared in theMarch edition of the ASLEF Journal. Congratulations toKerry Holton from Alton, HantsACROSS 1 Old Street 8 Restaurant Car 11 Alec 12Habit 13 Cede 16 Leisure 17 Geology 18 Bentine 20Conceal 21 Roll 22 Apart 23 ISBN 26 Pneumatic tyre 27SignalmanDOWN 2 Late 3 Sausage 4 Reading 5 Eats 6 VenetianBlind 7 Made To Measure 9 Early Bird 10 Recycling 14Tulip 15 Round 19 Explain 20Cordial 24 Judi 25 EtnaThe winner of this month’s crossword will receiveMarks & Spencer vouchers to the value of £25Name......................................................................................................Address.............................................................................................................................................................Postcode......................................Thanks for all your responses to the 47th ASLEF crossword in the March edition. If you complete this month’s crossword please sendthe solution to the Editor, ASLEF Journal, 9 Arkwright Road, London NW3 6AB by the 14th of the issue month.ASLEF’S legal services – your rights for their wrongs!FREE LEGAL ADVICE ASLEF also provides first class free legaladvice – both for members and for their dependents. During2009 ASLEF recovered £1,946,190.45 in damages for all types ofcases. Call the helpline on 0808 100 8009EMERGENCIES If you are an ASLEF member who is arrested orbeing interviewed by the police and need legal assistance –day or night – you can call the members' Emergency Hotline on0800 587 7530.SACKINGS OR OTHER PROBLEMS AT WORK Harassment,discrimination or bullying? If your local, branch or districtrepresentative is unavailable, call the Industrial Relationsdepartment at union headquarters (020 7317 8600) or emailinfo@aslef.org.ukMore than just a unionChanged your Address?Name.........................................................Address........................................................................................................................Postcode...................................................Telephone..................................................Branch.......................................................Membership No........................................Please return coupon to: 9 ArkwrightRoad, London NW3 6AB

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