ASLEF Power to the people - Labour in Brighton - The ASSOCIATED SOCIETY of LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & FIREMEN J
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ASLEF
JournaL
The ASSOCIATED SOCIETY of LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & FIREMEN NOVEMBER 2017
Power to the people –
Labour in Brighton
The train drivers’
union since 1880
railway enginemen’s tax free saver plans
tax free savings plans for
Resource Managers, Roster Clerks, Driver Assesso ors,
Driver Team
Team Managers, Customer Service Assistants,
Assistantts,
Driver Instructors, Drivers, Customer Service Managers,
gers,
Train Managers, Conductors, Retail Sales Managers, s,
First Class Hosts, On Board Cleaners, Controllers, Guar
G ds,
Revenue Protection Inspectors & Senior Conductorrs
and anyone we’ve missed out who works
on the railways or for train operating companies!
for further information call u
us on freephone 08
800 328 9140
visit our website at www.en nginemens.co.ukk
or write to us at Railway Enginemeen's Assurance Society Limited,
727 Washwood Heath Road, Birm Birmingham,
mingham, B8 2LE
@RailwayEnginemens
Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 2
ASLEF
JournaL
NOVEMBER 2017
Published by the ASSOCIATED SOCIETY of LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS & FIREMEN
Mick: ‘Comments at the Conservative conference
raise more questions than answers’
No scab force here 5 7
UCH has been made of recent
M comments made in or around the Tory
Party conference in relation to rail,
particularly in the media. But they raised more
questions than answers. The announcement of
News
£300 million for connectivity from the Trans TfL axes plan to upgrade Tube lines 4
Thomas the Tank Engine rebooted for C21
Pennine region to HS2, for example. Not sure this
5
is new money? More likely it was made to offset
all the criticism of the culling of electrification Tosh McDonald on Rodney Bickerstaffe 6
11
across the East Midlands and Wales. Young Workers’ Forum, new driving school 7
Nicholas Hourigan on the Tolpuddle Martyrs 8
After the second announcement, of a national
train drivers’ school, some said it’s an initiative for
full employment, which this trade union has
strived for decades to achieve. More sinisterly,
though, others saw it as a strike breaking entity
based on the very poor and redacted Gibb
Features
Report. The truth is that the DfT and the TOCs Matt Wrack of the FBU on Grenfell and
have not delivered the establishments we agreed, Andy Hourigan on a joint D3 & D8 council
10
12-13
and demand, for a safely operated railway. If we
do agree a national school, then it will be based Brighton rocks: ASLEF in action at the 11
on agreed requirements and because the trainees Labour Party conference on the south coast
Mick Whelan, Tosh McDonald and Andy 12-13
will get the route training at the company. There
will not be a scab force to hand. More
Botham speak up for ASLEF at conference
importantly, they will, of course, be our members
and, as trainees dedicated to the company, will Partying at conference; Rachael Maskell; 14
be balloted in accordance with legislation. But if Kelvin Hopkins; Mick a model for the NEU
Richard Leonard: Why I’m standing to be
the government wants to scupper our buy-in to
any proposals they are going the right way and,
let’s be clear, any attempt to introduce the HGV leader of the Scottish Labour Party
15
15
model to our industry will be met with total
resistance.
This trade union was formed on democratic
Regulars
Branch News and 100 Years of Union
principles 137 years ago after splitting from the
Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. Those 16-17
principles still apply today; to use every tool at Obituaries 19
Letters and Classified Advertisements
our disposal to fight and campaign on behalf of
20-21
our members as an industrial and political
pressure group. That is how we achieve our aims Last Word: Gregor Gall on the challenges 22
and have our voice and, after the core work on of unionising sex workers in Britain
On Track, Prize Crossword, ASLEF’s
terms and conditions, safety and wages, we
campaign on all the things that impact on our 23
Legal Services and Change of Address
members and their families. Then we battle for
workers in other industries at home and abroad Cover photos by Andrew Wiard
22
as part of the great trade union tradition we were
established to carry out. Every year more and
more items come to your parliament, AAD, for The ASLEF Journal is published every month by:
discussion to be the policy platform for this
generation to proudly take forward. It is not ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN Tel: 020 7324 2400
enough to affiliate and donate; we have to stand email: journal@aslef.org.uk website: www.aslef.org.uk
up for what our members tell us to do.
Yours fraternally Editor Mick Whelan l dEsignEr Michael Cronin l PrintEr TU Ink, 5 Wythburn Place, London, W1H 7BU
advErtising ASLEF Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 0207 324 2407
Mick Whelan, general secretary or richmondk@aslef.org.uk l CLassifiEd ads journal@aslef.org.uk or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a
display or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of that product or service by ASLEF
ChangE of addrEss Please post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN
November 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 3
news
cannot afford to return
TfL axes plan to to the decades of
stop-start investment
Buggy rolls into
upgrade Tube that did so much
damage in the past. If
we are to have a safe
freight train
and efficient public
HE next example of making transport system,
T planned
upgrade
medium-term savings
that damage the long-
these cuts need to be
reversed.’
phase for the term ability of the finn fears the
● ASLEF has
Northern and Jubilee Tube to cope with northern line will,
suspended its strike
lines on London London’s growth. As once again, become
action on LU. Finn
Underground has TfL board papers the misery line for
explained: ‘I am
been cancelled. The make clear, any delays millions of
pleased to say that our
plans – originally said to this project weaken Londoners
negotiating team
to be vital to the the business case and new trains, believes we have
success of the make outright overcrowding will get made sufficient the pushchair rolls into the freight train
network – involved cancellation more worse and the progress in talks at
buying more trains to likely.’ Northern line risks ACAS to recommend Dramatic CCTV footage of a child’s buggy
increase capacity. The upgrade returning to the days to the EC that the rolling across a station platform, being sucked
Now, officially, these involved the purchase when it was known to strike be suspended. into the slipstream of a freight train passing
plans have been put of 17 trains so the millions of Londoners We have always been through, before smashing into the side of one
on hold. They have, Northern line could as the “misery line”. prepared to keep of the wagons, has been released by the RSSB.
publicly, in the run a 30 trains per ‘The removal of talking to resolve this No child was in the buggy on Nuneaton
euphemism hour service. The LU’s operating subsidy dispute but ASLEF station in July but the RSSB says it’s a stark
employed by LU, been Jubilee line would by George Osborne always has, and always warning to parents to keep a tight hold of
‘paused’. But senior have had 10 new and the continued will, insist that pushchairs at all times.
managers admit, trains to operate a 36 government squeeze management stick to
privately, that the TPH service. on TfL’s budget is agreements they TWEETS OF THE MONTH
project has been ‘The Northern line having a devastating make with us. Our
‘disbanded’. is one of the most impact on future ballot remains live and Excellent speech by JC. The centre
Finn Brennan, overcrowded parts of investment. Short- we will not hesitate to ground has moved and is being
ASLEF’s organiser on the Underground and term savings damage call action in the shaped by Labour. Great platform on
London Underground, passenger demand is the long-term future future if needed to which to build.
said: ‘It is deeply projected to grow by of the Underground ensure all the Ed Miliband
disappointing and a further 25% by 2023,’ and risk the prosperity commitments made
looks like a classic said Finn. ‘Without of our capital city. LU are fully delivered.’ Huge blocks of empty seats at the
Con conference, sections closed off
WELSH GOVERNMENT for want of bums on seats. Labour was
COMMITS TO WALES &
BORDER STAFF
hopes and dreams packed.
Kevin Maguire
the gs has welcomed the Welsh Socialism & Hope (Luath Press,
government’s commitments to As general rule Foreign Secretaries
£12.99) is a cracking political
rail staff in Wales and called for should not be egomaniacal, lying,
and personal memoir of the
similar consultation across the puerile, disloyal, total twats. I suggest
turbulent last six years, since
industry. Mick said: ’We @theresa_may finds a new one.
neil findlay, a good friend of
commend the Welsh Alastair Campbell
asLEf, was elected to
government for recognising the holyrood as MsP for Lothian in
importance of consulting with Hi @BorisJohnson, I gave Theresa her
2011. a review will appear in
the rail unions. our members P45 just like you asked.
the Christmas Journal but you
are the people who deliver the Simon Brodkin
can get a copy now by visiting www.luath.co.uk
service on a daily basis and
their voice must always be She’s been given a P45 and a cough
heard when deciding how the sweet. She’ll get a pizza delivered
■ RADIO ON soon. What a mad conference speech this
industry moves forward.’
GS Mick Whelan appeared on The Week in Westminster on is. #CPC17
Radio 4 talking with Alison McGovern, Labour MP for Wirral Pete Wishart
asLEf's 2017 South, and Sam Coates, deputy political editor of The
poppy badge is Times, about the implications of Brexit ahead of the Labour CWU members vote massively for
now available - Party conference. strike but Royal Mail still obtains high
price £5 (inc court injunction! Ludicrous!
p&p) - just ■ VIRGIN SOLDIERS Tony Burke
email info@aslef.org.uk or Richard Branson has never been short of chutzpah but this
visit our online shop at takes the custard cream. Rail staff got a message saying Judge Supperstone also found
www.aslef.org.uk. all ‘Virgin Atlantic needs your help in the fight to cut air against ASLEF in #SouthernFail
proceeds will be donated to passenger duty.’ Of course they do. But, funnily enough, no dispute. British judiciary anti-union non-
the royal British Legion's one was killed in the rush to make a multi-billionaire – who shock.
poppy appeal. plunders the public purse with VTEC and Virgin West Coast Simon Weller
and pays as little tax as possible – even richer.
4 The ASLEF Journal l November 2017
news
Thomas gets a refit off the rails
for the 21st century MEL THORLEY, Longsight legend, fondly
LL change recalls a warm Sunday evening in Greater
A for Thomas
the Tank
Manchester, in 1991, his first summer as a
driver. ‘I was working 2K22, the 18.19
Engine. The popular stopper from Stockport to Crewe. I’d tipped
children’s TV series off a few mates who would be enjoying a
based on the books pint in Cheadle Hulme. It was lovely to see them on the up
by the Rev W Awdry – tarmac as I ran in. They’d even brought their pint glasses onto
condemned by the platform to remind me how un-social this turn was.
parents and teachers Around 7pm my guard and I rolled into platform 1 at Crewe.
for being sexist, Not due to leave until 22.30, working 2H29 back to
irredeemably middle- Stockport, we made our way to the chip shop. Consuming
class, and the contents of our greaseproof paper bags, sitting on a wall,
environmentally we then retired to the Royal Hotel on Nantwich Road for two
unfriendly – is being and a half hours of story sharing about football matches we’d
brought bang up to seen. Whilst my mates back in Cheadle Hulme were shelling
date with two new out for their beer, my three pints of cider were “paid for” by
female engines. nia, one of the new locos, is ‘an adventurous London Midland Region! Cracking little job that, mixing
The new series, to and fun engine who teaches thomas the business with pleasure…’
be broadcast next tank Engine a lesson in the meaning of
year, will feature Nia, friendship’ according to makers Mattel ANGIE DOLL, head of service quality and
an orange engine the 26 episodes will never goes anywhere.’ passenger service director at GTR – it’s a
from Africa, and take place abroad. The Fat Controller bit like being head of values at the Beeb in
Rebecca, a bright ‘We’ve listened to stays, but is to W1A – does not suffer from shyness and is
yellow engine, in parents, carers, and become ‘less gruff and not burdened by an excess of humility.
place of Henry (the children’ said series more endearing’. She’s upset other senior managers by asking minions, much
green engine) and producer Ian McCue. There’s a lesson, there, too loudly and much too frequently, ‘So what are we doing
Edward (the blue ‘They said trains can for Chris Grayling, the for Brand Angie today?’ And at a recent presentation she
engine) and half of go places but Thomas DfT, and the TOCs… chose to write just three words on the whiteboard before
getting up to speak: ‘Fuck the unions.’ With this sort of
attitude, it’s no wonder passengers, other TOCs – and even
Theresa the human sandbag the DfT – all refer to the company as Southern Fail.
Tim Shipman, political editor of
DAVID LAWS, the investment banker turned
the Sunday Times, in his new
Liberal Democrat MP who lost his seat in 2015
book Fall Out: A Year of Political
and is now executive chairman of the Education
Mayhem, quotes a former
Policy Institute, a neoliberal right-wing think
member of Theresa May’s staff
tank, recalls a Conservative-Lib Dem coalition
moaning: ‘It’s like the scene in
theresa May: What the f? cabinet debate about the honours system, with a
that Bruce Willis movie when the
presentation by Bob Kerslake, head of the civil service. ‘Even
terrorist who’s already been shot point B. That is what the Bob Kerslake must admit that civil servants get far too many
is used as a human sandbag to Conservative Party is doing with honours,’ complained Nick Clegg. The official glanced up. ‘It’s
help him get from point A to Theresa at the moment.’ Sir Bob Kerslake, actually,’ he said.
slogans around the Labour Party conference hall summed ARMANDO IANNUCCI, the man behind On the
up what this year’s bash was all about. they included: Hour, The Day Today, Alan Partridge, The Thick of
extending democracy; healthcare for all; a more equal It, and The Death of Stalin, thinks we’ve forgotten,
society; creating an economy that works for all; and, of collectively, about the importance of voting. ‘It’s
course, for the many, not the few. not a telly game,’ he says dryly. ‘That came home
with Brexit. Which is why a lot of young people voted at the
last general election. They didn’t vote in the EU referendum,
CONFERENCES & RALLIES and then woke up thinking, “Ah, I see. It does matter. Can I
The scottish Labour Party conference is at the Caird Hall in Dundee vote, please?” Er, no. That was yesterday.’
from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 March. The Welsh Labour Party conference
is at the Venue Cymru in Llandudno from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 March. NO L? Time to put our cards on
The scottish trades union Congress is at the Macdonald Highlands the table or, as Brucie used to
hotel, Aviemore, from Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 April. Workers’ say, play your cards right.
Memorial day is Saturday 28 April. asLEf’s annual assembly of Because the Old Ship left a card
delegates is at the Marriott Hotel, Liverpool, from Monday 21 to Friday on every guest’s bed during
25 May. The durham Miners’ gala is on Saturday 14 July. The conference asking: ‘Can we help
tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival, near Dorchester, is from Friday 20 to you whist you’re here?’
Sunday 22 July. The 150th trades union Congress is at the Manchester
Central convention complex from Sunday 9 to Wednesday 12
September. The Labour Party conference is at the Arena & Convention 500 CLuB: D Piggott, with number 117, won the October draw,
Centre in Liverpool from Sunday 23 to Wednesday 26 September. scooping the RMS prize money jackpot of £390.
November 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 5
news
A giant of our
movement
EC president TOSH McDONALD pays
tribute to Rodney Bickerstaffe, left-
wing firebrand and general secretary
of the National Union of Public
Employees (1981-1993) and then
Unison (1993-2001) after NUPE
merged with NALGO and COHSE rodney Bickerstaffe (1945-2017) as a young
man; with tosh Mcdonald; and accepting
ODNEY Bickerstaffe, who honorary membership of asLEf earlier this year
R died on 3 October at the
age of 72, was a great Whelan, a patron of the IBMT.
friend, comrade and inspiration. Rodney was a great friend of QUOTE…
He was, in fact, an inspiration Jack Jones (also an honorary ‘What was supposed to be
before I even met him because ASLEF member) and veteran of a triumph turned into the
trade unionists in Doncaster were the Battle of the Ebro and we will most humiliating 65
so proud to have one of our own commemorate the 80th minutes of Theresa May’s
leading the fight for workers, not anniversary of that fight next year. career.’ – Gordon Rayner
just locally, but on the national Jack’s son Mick painted the ASLEF in the Daily Telegraph
and international stage, too. triptych that hangs in reception at …UNQUOTE
As a young rep I first met groups with words that would head office and, when Mick died a
Rodney in the 1980s and, from make serious points with passion, few years ago, Rodney sat with
then, he would always make time always championing the cause of him in hospital to the end. spent time with each group,
to talk if our paths crossed, either working people. Our RMS had Rodney as a captivating all around the tables
at meetings, rallies, or a chance Rodney was GS of Unison speaker at their weekend forum and others in the pub, as well.
encounter at Doncaster station, when it was the largest trade two years ago and they were Rodney was also a good friend,
outside the Cumberland (our local union in Britain and, prior to that, captivated by his contribution. from childhood, of former ASLEF
pub) or in town. GS of NUPE. On the international Not one to rush off, he stayed to president Martin Samways. He
He often joked he was the only stage he showed support for watch the Ken Loach film The was a freeman of Doncaster and,
person in the world with a holiday workers around the world. He had Spirit of ’45 with us and talked on the day of Rodney’s funeral, all
home in Doncaster and this was a real passion for the brave men about it afterwards. Next morning the public buildings flew their
typical of his sense of humour as and women who went to Spain to RMS members were buzzing that flags at half-mast. Our thoughts
anyone who had the privilege of fight fascism in the 1930s and was Rodney joined them in the village now are with his widow Pat,
hearing him speak will know. A a founder member of the pub in Scalby. Our contingent was always a tower of strength for
fantastic orator who could International Brigades Memorial in two groups on different tables him. We have lost a giant of our
captivate large crowds or small Trust and, like our GS Mick and, Rodney being Rodney, he movement. No pasaran!
■ LORRY PLATOONS NOT THE ANSWER
NR’s top 20 firms Philippa Edmunds, manager of freight on rail, has condemned
proposals to give lorry platoons the green light. she said: ‘it’s hard
Network Rail has revealed where it spends most of its money, listing
not to be sceptical about the marginal pollution benefits of lorry
the top 20 companies that get their private snouts in the public
platooning when rail freight is so much cleaner and greener. Lorry
trough. They include Costain £541 million; Carillion £372m; Siemens
platooning, with driverless rear trucks, might cut costs for road
Rail Automation £291m; EDF Energy £287m; ABC Electrification
hauliers but putting more freight on the railways would bring
£206m; Colas Rail £204m; Balfour Beatty Rail £204m; AMCO £184m;
bigger and quicker reductions in congestion and pollution.’
J Murphy & Sons £175m; Amey Rail £174m; Alstom Transport £143m;
BAM Nuttall £133m; Babcock Rail £131m; Morgan Sindall £110m;
■ SNCF SELLS 50% OF ORIENT EXPRESS
AmeyInabensa £100m; Capita Business Services £95m; Geoffrey
snCf has sold half its stake in the orient Express to french firm
Osborne £90m; Atkins £83m; VolkerFitzpatrick £83m; Skanska BAM
accor hotels. announcing the deal 134 years since the first trip was
Nuttall JV £79m. These 20 firms together account for 50.1% – £3.6
made between Paris and istanbul, the state french railway said it
billion – of Network Rail expenditure.
was time for fresh ideas to develop ‘this historic brand’.
Carry all your stuff – papers, keys, ■ TRUMPETING THE PRESIDENT
sandwiches – in style with our smart black donald trump, unimpressed by media coverage of his presidency,
documents bag. Price £10 (inc p&p); email has launched his own news service to trumpet his triumphs. ‘Want
info@aslef.org.uk or visit our online shop to know what President trump did this week?’ asks his facebook
at www.aslef.org.uk page. ‘Watch here for real news!’ a list of his achievements follows
from his daughter-in-law, Lara trump.
6 The ASLEF Journal l November 2017
news
All the young dudes
SLEF set up a Young O’Grady. ‘It’s an opportunity for
A Workers’ Forum in
January – with one
reps to reach out and inform
young workers about unions and
elected member from each of our ensure there are sufficient
eight districts – to promote the opportunities for young people to
voices of our younger drivers and get involved and play an active
encourage them to get involved, role in shaping the movement.
industrially and politically, in our ‘It’s also a chance for unions to
union. demonstrate to young people that
‘Given that the age we are campaigning on the issues
demographic of train drivers is, they care most about and are
typically, older than in most relevant to their lives – in the
industries, ASLEF classes anyone workplace and beyond.’
aged 35 or under as a young ASLEF is holding its first young
member, in line with International members’ conference at the
Transport Federation organising International Transport Workers’
structures,’ said Lee James, ASLEF’s Federation offices in Borough antony holdsworth (d6 and
equalities officer. ‘About one in Road, London SE1, on Tuesday 28 London Midland), tom taylor (d7 QUOTE…
eight – 12% of the ASLEF November. Speakers include and gWr) and Matt france (d8 ‘Throughout speech after
membership – fit this category.’ Danielle Rowley, who took and London underground) lethargic speech, the hall
November has been Midlothian from the SNP in June at the Tory Party
designated Young Workers’ Month and is, at 27, the youngest Labour giant that likes to pay employees conference was devoid of
by the Trades Union Congress. MP; Craig Dawson, chair of the as little as possible. energy, of spirit, of life.’ –
‘The purpose is to promote trade TUC’s Young Members’ Forum; ‘Every young member has Michael Deacon in the
unions to young workers and to Deniz Akdogan of the ITF; and been sent an invitation to attend,’ Daily Telegraph
highlight the issues they face,’ said some of the McStrike workers who said Lee. ‘It would be great to get …UNQUOTE
TUC general secretary Frances organised to take on the fast food a good turnout.’
■ DFT TO TRAIN DRIVERS
The Department for Transport, with the help of the National Skills Academy for Rail, the Rail shadow Chancellor John Mcdonnell
Supply Group, and the Rail Delivery Group, is to set up a new national driving school for train got a standing ovation when he told
drivers. The college will establish an apprenticeship equivalent, according to the DfT, of an A- delegates at the Labour Party
level, that will offer ‘basic tuition in the skills needed to drive a train’. Classroom courses using conference that the party, in
simulators will be followed by on the job training at one of the train operating companies. The government, will bring Britain’s
DfT has briefed journalists that the failure of the TOCs in England, Scotland and Wales to recruit public utilities and public services
enough drivers has forced it to act. back into public ownership. ‘rail,
water, energy, royal Mail – we’re
■ BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE OFFICER RAPPED taking them back!’ he said.
A British Transport Police constable has been found guilty of gross misconduct and given a final
warning after BTP officers attacked a peaceful demonstration by South Yorkshire Freedom Riders
on 23 June 2014. ‘PC Stefan Money was in breach of standards of professional behaviour and tea and coffee tastes
discreditable conduct’ and a statement he provided was ‘misleading and inappropriate’. better in a red and white
asLEf mug! Price £3.50
■ ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN (inc p&p); email
A Network Rail whistleblower has described the Wallows Lane level crossing near the Bescot info@aslef.org.uk or visit
stadium in Walsall where a 14-year-old schoolgirl was killed on 26 September as ‘an accident our online shop at www.aslef.org.uk
waiting to happen – it dates back to Victorian times and there is no safety system in place.’
What can you get for
your new, shiny £1 coin?
TBF membership...
just £1 a week covers you, your
partner and dependent children.
0300 333 2000 www.tbf.org.uk
Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901, and Scotland, SC047016.
November 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 7
news
By the light of a
the lively festival held annually in
their home town of Tolpuddle – or
Tolpiddle, as they knew it – but
you would be forgiven for not
thousand candles knowing the full story of their
struggle. The men – and they
were mostly men, then – who
NICHOLAS HOURIGAN reviews They were sentenced at owned the land, and the MPs they
a new book about a key moment Dorchester Assizes to seven years’ controlled in Parliament, and the
in labour movement history transportation for having the magistrates and judges who
temerity to stand up for represented their interests in the
LAN Gallop’s new book themselves – for standing courts, were determined to make
A Six for the Tolpuddle
Martyrs – the title is a
together and forming a Friendly
Society of Agricultural Labourers
an example of the six agricultural
labourers who had the brass neck
line from the subversive left-wing – to fight against poverty and to challenge the status quo. That’s
folk song Red Fly the Banners, O austerity and to argue for better why they were arrested, found
sung to the tune of the old terms and conditions. guilty, and sent to the other side
English ballad Green Grow the Gallop vividly describes their of the world in 1834.
Rushes, O – gives us a detailed and years as farmworkers and the the tolpuddle Martyrs – george Their story is inspiring and,
fascinating account of the lives destitution to which they were Loveless and his brother James; here, entertainingly told, with
and the legacy of the six men reduced by the rich and powerful thomas standfield and his son illustrations used to aid our
from Dorset whose names are people who owned the land, their John; James hammett; and understanding of the lives and
now synonymous with the fight decision to form a trade union James Brine the legacy of those six radical
for justice for ordinary working and ‘swear an illegal oath’, their Dorsetshire farmworkers that we
people in England. arrest and sentence to the arrest of the martyrs, the have come to affectionately call
They were charged by the transportation, the fight for their Swing Riots and Luddite the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
authorities with making an illegal liberation and justice, their release movement, and the fear which
oath but their real crime was and return home, and how their these events inspired. ● Six for the Tolpuddle Martyrs: The
forming a trade union to protest efforts live on in the labour The Tolpuddle Martyrs is a Epic Struggle for Justice & Freedom
about their pay being cut from movement in the 21st century. He name which still resonates in the by Alan Gallop (Pen & Sword,
nine to six shillings a week. also gives us the background to minds of trade unionists. There is £14.99).
CHARITY NIGHT IN DONNY
Crossrail named and shamed in blacklisting storm A great evening of entertainment is promised
by EC president Tosh McDonald at a cancer
Workers are still being blacklisted at one of charity night in the concert room of the Trades
Britain’s largest construction sites – but & Labour Club in Doncaster from 7pm on
ministers refuse to hold a public inquiry. Chuka Saturday 11 November. Tickets are just £5 per
Umunna, Labour MP for Streatham, said he has person and available from ASLEF reps Mark
‘compelling evidence’ that blacklisting is ‘still Wright (07825 955831) and Andy Rowley
going on’ between ‘Crossrail and three of its (07709 156360). ‘Everyone is welcome,’ said
contractors.’ Tosh. ‘It’s a good cause and is going to be a
Chuka told MPs emails proved that workers very good night.’
had been ‘closely watched’ and sub-
contractors had been discouraged from MARK IN THE MONEY
Crossrail is running a blacklisting operation,
employing union activists. He said the ‘very
says streatham MP Chuka umunna Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne is set
strong inference’ of the documents was that
to pocket a bumper bonus this year despite
the companies were operating ‘some kind of more than 3,000 workers. Some files ran to
the company’s poor punctuality record over
vetting operation.’ dozens of pages and included personal details
the past twelve months. He’s in line for a
Last year a raft of major construction that Chuka said had clearly been gathered
£50,000 bonus, on top of a £683,000 salary,
companies were forced to apologise in the with ‘the collusion of the police and/or the
according to the company’s annual report. This
High Court for using an illegal database of security services.’
despite NR admitting it must up its game with
so much dissatisfaction from commuters.
LORRY DRIVER JAILED FOR CROSSING CRASH
tencho hristov, 30, a lorry driver from immingham in ISIS SUPPORTER JAILED FOR
QUOTE…
Lincolnshire, has been jailed for eight months after PLANNING TO BOMB RAILWAY
‘Vince Cable, as
crashing through the barriers of a level crossing near Zahid Hussain, 29, a supporter of the radical
Business Secretary,
roydon station in Essex – causing £23,000 worth of Sunni group the Islamic State of Iraq and the
introduced the Bill
damage – and then fleeing the scene. he was found Levant, has been jailed for life for planning to
raising tuition fees.
guilty of obstructing an engine or carriage using the blow up railway lines in Birmingham.
Videos of him making
railway, wilful omission or neglect, and failing to report that speech in
a road accident. Parliament will kill any
chances of the Lib Dems
INFRASTRUCTURE SURVEY ‘GAME CHANGER’ breaking through to the Our woolly hat will keep you
Plowman Craven says its revolutionary new drone-based young.’ – Bagehot in warm this winter. Price £5
Vogel R3D rail survey system will prove to be a ‘game The Economist (including p&p); email
changer’ for the rail industry as it can comprehensively …UNQUOTE info@aslef.org.uk or visit our
examine the busiest and most inaccessible rail infrastructure online shop at www.aslef.org.uk
safely during traffic hours.
8 The ASLEF Journal l November 2017
The government is trying to take
away your right to free or affordable
legal representation if you’re injured
at work or anywhere else.
Why? They’re prioritising
If government plans go ahead, nearly one million people will lose their right to free legal representation.
Meanwhile it will cost the NHS and the government at least £150 million of your taxes every year
and fat cat insurers will be rewarded with multimillion pound profits.
Visit www.feedingfatcats.co.uk to take action and stop the government #FeedingFatCats.
#FeedingFatCats is a campaign run by Thompsons Solicitors. Thompsons is proud to stand up for the injured and mistreated. @feedingfatcats
Platform
Grenfell – the fire that should
never have happened
MATT WRACK, general secretary of the We demand a vigorous, thorough, and
Fire Brigades Union, who electrified robust public inquiry with the survivors,
the Labour Party conference when he victims and local residents all involved to hold
spoke about the fire at Grenfell Tower, to account the people who made the
decisions which allowed this atrocity to occur.
says the tragedy was the result of
They say don’t politicise this fire, but behind
political decisions made by people in Grenfell lies a chain of political decisions made
power locally and nationally by people in power, at local and national level,
who deregulated public housing and the fire
EDNESDAY 14 June 2017 is a dark and rescue service, creating a perfect storm for
W day in modern British history. A
nightmare date of death and
the atrocity we now call simply ‘Grenfell’.
Firefighters were sent to fight a fire that
destruction. I am sure everyone reading this should never have happened. The normal
will share my sense of horror at the appalling procedures they would follow for a tower
loss of life at Grenfell Tower that night. block fire, developed over decades in order
The accounts of the victims are painful to that firefighters can deal professionally and
read and listen to. Accounts of loved ones effectively with this kind of fire, could not be
speaking to their families for the last time put into practice as the magnitude of Grenfell
this is what
knowing they could not escape the flames are was unprecedented.
trade unionists
heart breaking. The terror of people not Firefighters became split from their
look like, says
knowing whether their friends and family teammates whilst navigating the burning
Matt
made it out of the building in time. building, with fire crews re-entering the
But how was this atrocity allowed to burning building multiple times, breaking
happen in one of the richest boroughs in the procedure at great personal risk to themselves. by the press and politicians for the audacity of
heart of the capital of one of the richest They did this to save as many lives as possible. asking for a fair pay rise, we need to remind
countries in the world? We appear to be a I am proud that practically every firefighter people of the queues of firefighters in
country unable to keep people safe in their who responded to Grenfell is a member of the breathing apparatus waiting to be sent into
own homes. Now it’s time for the tough FBU and I am honoured to represent them. Grenfell Tower. Because that is what a trade
questions. The next time trade unions come under attack unionist looks like.
This could be Rotterdam or anywhere
EC3 ANDY HOURIGAN reports on a
joint D3 and D8 council meeting in
Manchester on 4 September
NA Manchester and
O predictably
grey and
Salford.
The museum is a
Joint council
delegates; Mick
Whelan (left); and
wet day in monument to the
afzal Khan (above)
Manchester, two history of working
district councils who people in the UK. It singer Paul Heaton, McDonalds; and GS Mick Whelan
have never highlights how we no stranger to Afzal Khan, Labour gave his speech with
combined before fought for socialist politics. The MP for Manchester the passion and
met in a unique democratic rights, bar staff were Gorton, spoke about verve we have all
event and location. and for equality, and saw ASLEF’s first outstandingly Brexit, Jeremy come to expect.
District 3, who traces the rise of LGBT flags on the friendly as our group Corbyn, and what a The occasion was
usually have council trade unions in the top floor of the gathered to escape privilege it is to be a huge success –
meetings in 19th century. The museum. the weather. Shadow Immigration thanks to the hard
Liverpool, and museum has proud After the After lunch in the Minister in the work of the two
District 8, who meet displays about the museum tour, we King’s Arms, DO8 Shadow Home district council
in London, met at Peterloo Massacre, walked across the Finn Brennan spoke Office team. secretaries, Darran
the outstanding the women’s bridge over the about how much he Both Matt and Brown and Debbie
People’s History suffrage and co- Irwell into Salford to had enjoyed his visit Afzal stayed behind Reay, who organised
Museum on the operative the King’s Arms to the museum; Matt after speaking and it all – and it was
bank of the River movements. And which is owned by Collins of Hope Not spoke to everyone suggested that, next
Irwell which divides there was a feeling of ex-Housemartin and Hate spoke about individually. And our year, District 3 visits
the cities of real pride when we Beautiful South the strike at very own evergreen District 8.
10 The ASLEF Journal l November 2017Labour Party
Brighton rocks
for Mark, dave
Brighton beat Calfe, tosh, andy,
Mick, Marz,
SLEF sent four delegates – Mick Collette, Phil,
A Whelan, general secretary; Tosh
McDonald, EC president; Andy
simon, Ed, Julian
and dave Bowen
Botham of Derby branch; and Mark Daniels of Conference
Barking main line – to the Labour Party photos by
conference in Brighton from Sunday 24 to andrew Wiard
Wednesday 27 September. Simon Weller,
assistant general secretary; Dave Calfe, EC vice-
president; executive committee members
Marz Colombini and Howard Kaye; district
organiser Dicky Fisher; and local reps Tom with the ‘widest possible participation’.
Corbin (Salisbury) and Julian Vaughan The mood at conference – the biggest in
(Northern Line North) attended as visitors. Labour’s history – was distinctly upbeat after
Dave Bowen was a delegate for Henley-on- the gains at the general election in June and
Thames constituency Labour Party; Phil delegates were delighted that the signage was
Graham for Islington South & Finsbury CLP; in iconic socialist red rather than the washed
Andy Hudd for Bristol North-West CLP; Becky out pink – optimistically described by Labour
Kaye for South West Surrey CLP; and Nikki Party press officers as a ‘contemporary
McDonald for Doncaster Central CLP. Ed colourway’ – we have seen in recent years.
Mayne, of Waterloo Nine Elms, attended as ex-
officio Labour councillor for Hounslow.
Collette Gibson of Shenfield branch, who QUOTE…
works for Crossrail, and Angela Geddes-Brown, ‘What a difference a year makes. Labour wants to fight the Tories, not each
of Birmingham New Street, who works for East other. The general election dramatically changed the mood among Labour
Midland Trains, attended the Labour Party MPs. Jeremy Corbyn isn’t going anywhere. Alongside the traditional fish and
women’s conference in the Oxford room of the chips, the sea front cafés of Brighton ought to be serving up large helpings of
Hilton Metropole on Saturday 23 September humble pie to Labour MPs.’ – Jon Craig of Sky News in Politics First
where Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he …UNQUOTE
wanted a ‘more open, more democratic, party’
Changing the world GS elected
to the NEC
tosh Mcdonald made a typically Mick Whelan – who
passionate speech on the steps of is already chair of
the Friends Meeting House at the TULO – was elected
Campaign for Labour Party to the national
Democracy fringe meeting on executive
Saturday night. ‘Hasn’t it been an committee of the
amazing couple of years?’ he Labour Party on
asked rhetorically. ‘Haven’t we Monday in a sign of
come a long way? When I joined the growing
the railway in 1979 I looked up to ‘If one could but go to
importance and who supported me,’ Brighton!’ observed
a comrade in ASLEF called Bill influence of ASLEF said Mick. ‘It’s a
Ronksley who told me, “It can take Mrs Bennet.
in the Labour Party great privilege for – Pride and
a long time to change the world and the labour me, and my union,
but, when change comes, it tosh, in Prejudice by Jane
davey movement. ‘I want to be elected to this Austen
comes very quickly.” And he was to thank all those position.’
right!’ Tosh, wearing a ‘Davey hopper tee-
Hopper working class hero’ tee- Tosh up! They
shirt, was asked to entertain all
those who couldn’t get into a
said he was
still talking 35
Tory austerity is so last year
venue packed to the rafters. Steve minutes in…’ tosh Mcdonald
Turner, assistant general secretary More seriously, NEC member Pete spoke at a Labour
of Unite, also came out to talk on Willsman said, ‘We want this Assembly Against
the steps and began by joking, ‘I conference to be a success for Austerity rally in the
was told I was coming out to shut Jeremy. The right wants it to be a Charlotte room of
the Grand Hotel on
Sunday afternoon.
He was on a panel,
russell Brand, speaking at Momentum’s chaired by Unite
grassroots the World transformed festival on AGS Steve Turner, Abbott; Shadow Justice Chris Williamson; and
the fringe of this year’s Labour Party conference, which included Secretary Richard Cat Smith, Shadow
observed: ‘in a way, addiction is just amplified Shadow Chancellor Burgon; Shadow Minister for Voter
consumerism. the idea that you can make John McDonnell; Business Secretary Engagement and
yourself feel better by buying something…’ Shadow Health Rebecca Long Bailey; Youth Affairs.
Secretary Diane Shadow Fire Minister
November 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 11agenda
Power to the people
ICK WHELAN set out the importance of
M the Labour-trade union link at the
annual reception given by TULO, the
Trade Union Group of MPs, Unions Together and
Thompsons solicitors in the Viscount room of
the Hilton Metropole on Sunday night.
The GS said: ‘The trade union movement has
always been an anchor for the Labour Party –
the party grew out of the union movement –
and I believe Labour’s affiliated unions should
and will remain an anchor for the party.
‘Because the link between the Labour Party
and the trade union movement is one of our
Proud to be union – Jeremy Corbyn, Mick Whelan, and Jo stevens
most precious assets. It’s the channel through
which the views and experiences of millions of Others speakers included Labour leader
working men and women are heard across the
party. From the branch to the GC to the shadow
Jeremy Corbyn – who said, to cheers, ‘I am proud Too frightened to travel
to be a trade union member!’ – Ian Lavery, MP
cabinet to the leader. The Labour-union link for Wansbeck; Eleanor Smith, MP for NDY BOTHAM
keeps all of us rooted in the issues which matter
to working people.
Wolverhampton South-West; Jo Stevens, MP for
Cardiff Central; and Maria Exall, vice-chair of
A from ASLEF’s
Derby branch
‘Jeremy’s election as leader was a landmark TULO. told the Labour Party
for the Labour Party and for British politics in the conference that more
21st century. It’s led to a re-energisation of ■ Mick is chair of TULO – the Trade Union & and more women are
Labour’s grassroots and a re-alignment of the Labour Party Liaison Organisation – which co- too frightened to travel
national debate. The result of the general ordinates the activities of the 13 trade unions at night because they
election in June gives us a platform on which to which affiliate to the Labour Party – ASLEF; feel vulnerable without
build for the future. Colleagues, we stand here BECTU; the Bakers, Food & Allied Workers’ guards on our trains.
together to secure a Labour victory at the next Union; Community; CWU; FBU; GMB; Musicians’ andy at the podium
Speaking from the
general election, whenever it comes.’ Union; NUM; TSSA; Unison; Unite and USDAW. on sunday morning
platform during the
transport debate on when you have women
Sunday morning, he who are too frightened
Tories always break promises said: ‘When you’ve got
a 12-car train with more
than 1,000 people in
to travel at night
because they feel
vulnerable travelling on
OSH McDonald damned this there, paying the public transport in
T Conservative government – and
previous Conservative administrations
highest fares in Europe
for travelling on a train,
what is the fifth richest
nation on this planet.’
– by telling conference ‘The Tories always break surely we can afford to As well as arguing
their promises.’ have one extra person passionately against
The EC president, speaking from the platform on that train to help us? DOO, and for
on Tuesday afternoon, on a contemporary ‘I concentrate on investment in Britain’s
motion, composite 7, about rail, moved by driving – that’s what I railways, Andy
Doncaster Central CLP and seconded by do – and I expect there slammed the Tories’
Peterborough CLP, said: ‘The Tories always break to be somebody there failure to deliver the
their promises. Talk to people at the Department to help me look after Northern powerhouse,
for Work and Pensions. Talk to people on tosh at the podium on tuesday afternoon the passengers. And and electrification, and
Southern Rail, and talk to people on Northern Tosh also let rip at Chris Grayling, the that’s not only on the condemned the way
Rail. Talk to the people in the north of England Secretary of State for Transport, and the secret train but on the that successive
and the Midlands and Wales who were promised part he is playing behind the scenes in the stations, too, where we Transport Secretaries
electrification and whose economies are Southern Fail debacle. ‘Make no mistake, Chris need station staff, and Patrick McLoughlin and
significantly dependent on an improved, Grayling and his ideology is behind everything in the ticket office, Chris Grayling ‘sat on
electrified, railway network. The truth is they that’s gone on at Southern.’ where we need ticket their hands’ as
lied. And they always lie. You can tell they’re As Tosh sat down the GS tweeted: ‘Tosh raises officers. problems mounted in
lying because you can see their lips moving!’ temperature at Lab17.’ ‘It’s a sheer disgrace the freight sector.
Ethical foreign policy QUOTE…
‘Not for more than 20 years can I
Mick Whelan spoke at a Palestine solidarity Campaign fringe – remember a Labour conference
marking 100 years since the Balfour declaration – chaired by hugh where there was such a sense of
Lanning in the renaissance suite of the Jury’s inn hotel on sunday optimism, and even excitement,
night. Mick said it was time to deliver an ethical foreign policy for among delegates.’ – Nigel Morris,
Labour – and Britain – in the Middle East which recognised the political editor, The Independent
rights of the Palestinians as well as the rights of israelis. …UNQUOTE
12 The ASLEF Journal l November 2017Labour Party
A railway fit for off message
the 21st century LABOUR met this year in Brighton, a place which,
according to the journalist and author Keith Waterhouse,
ICK Whelan, ‘looks as though it is a town helping the police with their
M in a carefully
considered,
inquiries.’ The ASLEF crew stayed at the Old Ship on the
seafront, where our annual assembly of delegates was
thoughtful, and well- held in 2014. In Vanity Fair, William Makepeace Thackeray has his
received speech at the main characters escape from London to what he calls the Ship Inn at
Labour Party Brighton – actually the Ship Tavern when he was writing his novel in
conference, called for 1847 – and now the Old Ship Hotel. Why? Because, as the feisty Becky
joined-up thinking, Sharp tells her husband Rawdon Crawley, ‘A comfortable inn in
long-term planning, Brighton is better than a spunging-house in Chancery Lane.’
and a modern, Mick at the podium on Monday morning
properly integrated DELEGATES played a new parlour game this
transport policy for growth, and national And that is wrong. We year – conference bingo! The idea was to tick off,
21st century Britain. prosperity. need to put the one by one, the conference clichés trotted out by
The GS, speaking ‘The Labour Party is wheels and steel back speakers at fringe meetings as well as in the
from the platform committed to the together and create a conference hall including: thought leadership; cutting edge; starting
during the debate on nationalisation of the vertically integrated the conversation; going forward; fully funded; blue sky thinking;
the economy on railways and that is the railway fit for the 21st connectivity; direction of travel; the digital future; boom and bust;
Monday morning, said: right thing to do. century. Bringing the evidence-led; and addressing the real issues. Bingo!
‘Investing in Because at the railway back into
infrastructure is moment investment in public ownership will JOHN McDONNELL dryly pointed out the difference
essential for the our railways – in mean we have secure between his meetings with City money men and the
economic success of a infrastructure, investment, a secure ‘prawn cocktail offensives’ of Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and
nation. Britain needs innovation and rolling railway, and a secure Peter Mandelson by saying he does not break bread with bankers
significant investment stock – comes from the future. It will be the and hedge fund managers. ‘I’m strictly a cup of tea man, because
because the ability to government. The foundation on which there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But I will accept a cup of tea…’
move people and taxpayer makes the we build our
goods around the public commitment, economic success and GAVIN STRANG, MP for Edinburgh East from 1970 to
country is the way to while the company a country fit for 2010, left the CLPD fringe on Saturday night in no doubt
deliver employment, takes a private profit. everybody. Let’s do it!’ where he stands on nationalism. ‘I’m against Scottish
nationalism, Welsh nationalism, Irish nationalism and
The new centre ground English nationalism,’ he said on the steps of the Friends Meeting
House. ‘At best, nationalism is a political cul-de-sac. At worst, it’s a
stepping stone to fascism.’
EREMY centre of gravity of
J Corbyn, in his
leader’s
British politics now. We
are the political
RACHAEL MASKELL admitted she’s suffered ‘a JC
experience’ on VTEC because, ‘on principle, I always travel
speech on Wednesday, mainstream.’ standard class’ and there have been times, on overcrowded
pitched Labour as the As delegates in the trains between London and York, when she has had to sit
party of the ‘political hall rose to give Jeremy on the floor of the carriage.
mainstream’. He told a standing ovation,
4,000 activists in the John Lennon’s top ten CHRISTIAN WOLMAR confessed over a coffee that he’s
conference hall, who Jeremy addresses
hit Power to the People writing a new book about driverless cars and autonomous
gave him a rapturous conference
was played through vehicles – ‘one of the great scams of the 21st century.’
reception, that the was 20 or 30 years ago. the speakers and
centre ground in British A new consensus is activists sang along, SEEMA MALHOTRA, the Labour MP for Feltham & Heston,
politics has shifted, to emerging from the clapping their hands parodied the Labour Party’s love of initials by thanking, for
the left, since Tony Blair, great economic crash, and stamping their their support, ‘the CLPD, the LRC – [and after a Pinteresque
Gordon Brown, and and the years of feet in time to the pause] – MFI, KFC…’
Peter Mandelson austerity, and people music. ‘Well get on
created New Labour have started to find a your feet / And out on BOUTIQUE, a bar just round the corner from the conference centre,
and dragged the party, political voice for their the street / Singing hung a bright red neon sign above its door: ‘No drugs or nuclear
kicking and screaming, hopes for something power to the people…’ weapons allowed inside.’
to the right in the different and
1990s. He said that, something better.
with the Tories in ‘We need to build a QUOTE…
disarray, without a still broader consensus ‘It is not anti- MiCK WhELan wrote an article – under the headline ‘asLEf
majority in the around the priorities Semitic to calls for investment in infrastructure’ – on tuesday in the
Commons, and at each we set out at the criticise Israel.’ – Yellow Pages, a daily conference briefing produced for
other’s throats, Labour election, making the Mike Katz, delegates by the Campaign for Labour Party democracy, Left
is now a government- case for both Jewish Labour futures and Labour Briefing, ahead of the debate that
in-waiting. compassion and Movement morning on investing in infrastructure and the composite
‘Today’s centre collective aspiration. …UNQUOTE motion on rail in the afternoon.
ground is not where it Because this is the real
November 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 13agenda
I walk the line
EREMY Corbyn was in a allowing me to speak, usually
J relaxed mood, among
comrades, colleagues,
soon after I arrive, if only to get rid
of me; I want to thank Tosh, for his
and friends, at the joint passion; and I want to thank Roo
ASLEF/Co-operative Party Botham, for being my personal
reception in the Alfresco train driver chauffeur!’ After
restaurant on Brighton beach on speeches by Mick, Co-op Party GS
Sunday night. The Labour leader Claire McCarthy, and Jeremy,
paid warm personal tributes to delegates danced to Kevin Lovatt,
Mick Whelan, Tosh McDonald and time to party – Mick Whelan, Jeremy Corbyn and Claire McCarthy
aka the Man in Black, a Johnny
Andy Botham, saying, ‘I want to Cash tribute act, who was ‘Because we wanted live rather a singer with a guitar, and Johnny
thank Mick, as general secretary booked, Co-op Party political than recorded music, but weren’t Cash is rather more upbeat than
of ASLEF, and as chair of TULO, for manager Joe Fortune confided, allowed drums, so it was, basically, Bob Dylan.’
Rail at heart of Labour’s transport strategy Peace in our time
rachael Maskell, the on freight because the TSSA, argued,
Shadow Rail Minister, the free market ‘New technology is
says: ‘I believe that approach to freight being used to boost
major rail routes hasn’t worked. There profits and cut staff
should be at the has to be a better and that’s not what
heart of our transport way to meet business passengers want. We
strategy.’ She was demands for delivery want a railway that
speaking at a around our country. meets the needs of
breakfast round table As for DOO, we know passengers, not
discussion on the that a guard is not shareholders.’ Mick prepares to speak at the JfC fringe
future of rail and ‘free market hasn’t just to see the safe And Tony Berkeley
wider transport dispatch of the train of the Rail Freight Mick Whelan spoke at a Justice for Colombia
worked for freight’ fringe meeting in the Wye room of the Hilton
policy chaired by but is what I call a Group, attacked the
Stephen Joseph of morning. passenger champion, DfT, saying, ‘All they Metropole on Tuesday evening. The event –
the Campaign for ‘We will promote to look after the do is give a great deal called Imagining Peace in Colombia –
Better Transport in rail because we know safety and security of of money to celebrated the landmark deal between the
the Kielder room of that rail is so much passengers.’ consultants to tell government of Colombia and Fuerzas
the Hilton Metropole safer than road. We Manuel Cortes, them what they Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (the
Hotel on Monday need to have a focus general secretary of should already know.’ Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia aka
FARC). He was joined on the platform by Tim
Roache, general secretary of the GMB, Jo
Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, and
New ideas Steve Cavalier, chief executive of Thompsons
solicitors.
Mick Whelan told a Campaign for Labour
Party Democracy fringe meeting in the
Queen’s Hotel on Monday night that, under
the dynamic leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, the
party is moving in the right direction. ‘It’s
Theresa May and the Tories who are in disarray,’
said the GS, just ahead of the disastrous
Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
‘While we have a Labour Party responding to Comrades in arms
the real needs of people and the real problems – Mick and Kelvin
of this country with new ideas and the real (left); while Jon
answers and solutions we need.’ trickett waits in
the wings
● Overheard at the CLPD fringe before Mick listening to Mick
got up to speak: ‘This isn’t the Momentum speak (above)
meeting, is it?’ ‘No, it’s CLPD. But you’ll only
be upset if you thought it was Progress…’ niamh sweeney, joint president of
following the election in June, the the national Education union,
party is being taken more seriously tweeted a picture of Mick Whelan
QUOTE… by business than it has been for with a new nEu tote bag: ‘so cool
‘There’s far too much month left at the years. the number of businessmen seeing our amazing new logo all over
end of my money.’ – Unison delegate and women attending conference #Lab17 & #Brighton @nEunion great
…UNQUOTE has leapt by more than 50%. modelling @MickWhelanasLEf’
14 The ASLEF Journal l November 2017You can also read
