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ASLEF JOURNAL
The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen
APRIL 2021
Free to members
Flower of Scotland
Special report: Kevin Lindsay,
Jim Baxter, and Anas Sarwar
on the railway in Scotland
The train drivers’
union since 1880
railway enginemen’s tax free saver plans
tax free savings plans
for anyone who
works on the railways...
we don’t mean just train drivers..!
tax free policies from 70p per day, £5 per week
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Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992
ASLEF JOURNAL
The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen
GS Mick Whelan
We’re on the road
back – to a new
‘I thank you for your
industrial normal support, in re-electing
me general secretary’
AM incredibly humbled to be re-elected, once more, as your
I general secretary. We have, collectively, met many challenges
over the years, and we shall have to be unified, and ready to
meet all the post-pandemic challenges, but I want to thank you all
for your support.
Flower of Scotland: a special four page railway report We continue to be hopeful that the continued roll out of the
vaccination process will take us, as a society, and as an industry, on the
News
path to normality. But it will be a new normal, which will be radically
l Latest news on Castlefield corridor campaign 4 different, economically and industrially, to what we have known.
l Angie Geddes-Smith steps down after 20 years 5 We have a government which misleads Parliament on investment –
as branch secretary at Birmingham New Street;
plus Off the Rails: Mick Jones bunking trains;
which has been cut, not increased – and the commitment to rail
Iain Pattinson; TPE and the Duke; the Journal undermined by announcements in relation to short-haul airlines and
cover is all Welsh to me; and John ‘Scot’ Hay billions of pounds dedicated to roads.
l It’s the best job on the railway but has its risks 6 Simply, we will not see a return of footfall in the short- or medium-
l Franchise system fell at first (covid-19) hurdle 7 term. The recent RPI increase in fares will not help and, as we have said,
l The People’s History Museum in Manchester
publicly sends out the wrong message. The companies being in
8
emergency measures and/or furlough due to no or little income from
Features the fare box leaves the industry in a state of flux.
l As, post-covid, people start to flee the city for
Rightly, we are all dismayed at the government’s 1% pay rise for all
10
the countryside Chris Proctor looks at the state those they regarded, not so long ago, as NHS heroes, and the public
of rural bus services after Tory privatisation outcry is not likely to stretch to the government edict that you, as key
l DO2 Kevin Lindsay and EC3 Jim Baxter reflect 11 workers, cannot expect any government-funded pay rises for last year
on the railway, the pandemic, and Stonehaven and this. We have pointed out that they have no role in our free
l Archie Barr; Andrew Foster; James Glew; 12-13 collective bargaining and will continue to press the point where we
John Hay; Rab Lang; Rab Wicksted; and ScotRail can. It cannot be forgotten that we are – as we would and should be as
company council report on the TOCs and FOCs
if nationalised – being fully funded by the government at circa £22
l Anas Sarwar and John Finnie on the future of 14 million a day, some £10 billion by June, unlike other industries.
Scotland’s railways post-pandemic
l Gregor Gall ponders whether the public money 15
Future full timetables are not going to happen, going forward, until
poured into UK companies during the covid-19 footfall returns, which might take years and will be seen by many as
crisis will change Britain’s economic model counter-intuitive, as limiting capacity may make us less attractive.
Uncertainty reigns and, obviously, the previous model, which had
Regulars failed and collapsed, cannot be sustained with the massive shortfall in
l Obituaries
income, and the industry will have to consider change to survive to
16-19
grow again.
l Letters 20
The question is how this can be done protecting jobs and futures.
l Points & Crossings and Classified Ads 21 This, and not knowing who we may, or may not, be dealing with in the
l Last Word: Books to read post-coronavirus 22 post-Williams world, against a background of economic uncertainty,
l On Track: James This House Graham writes 23 with increased unemployment and changes to commuter working,
his way out of covid; Prize Crossword; Legal which will not be replaced by leisure traffic, especially with the
Services; and your Change of Address form
naturally expected reduction in disposable income.
EdItoR Mick Whelan, general secretary l dESIgNER Michael Cronin The companies are expressly working to the behest of the
PRINtER College Hill Press, London, SW19 4HE l AdvERtISINg ASLEF
Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond
government and DfT and are reliant on them for income and funding
on 020 7324 2407 or richmondk@aslef.org.uk l cLASSIFIEd AdS and there is little point in highlighting how much money they have
journal@aslef.org.uk or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a display
or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of made in the past. It is up to us to work and – if necessary – fight for the
that product or service by ASLEF chANgE oF AddRESS Please post best future possible, for ourselves and for our industry. Please be safe.
your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN
Yours fraternally,
The ASLEF Journal is published every month by:
ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN
Tel: 020 7324 2400 l email: journal@aslef.org.uk
website: www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: @ASLEFUnion
Mick Whelan, general secretary, ASLEF
April 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 3
News
Ec3 John
Castlefield corridor – Metcalfe
launches our
campaign in
consultation ‘a sham’ the Journal
(left); Lisa
Nandy tells
SLEF is turning up the railway; savagely slashing direct grant Shapps
A heat in the battle over
the Castlefield corridor.
services to Manchester airport
means passengers will have to
she is
‘gobsmacked’
The Manchester recovery task change more frequently, and no by the
force consultation exercise by the account has been taken of proposals (far
Department for Transport, disability access issues, or the lack left); and
Network Rail, and Transport for of station staff to assist; building do3 Andy
the North – into chaos in the the Ordall chord without hourigan is
Castlefield corridor – has improving capacity from Oxford working to
enormous implications for Road to Piccadilly was pointless, involvement of the resolve the
passengers and train crew. and there is nothing about much- Liverpool city region combined issues
DO3 Andy Hourigan and EC3 needed improvements in authority is remarkable given how
John Metcalfe have serious infrastructure; local (NTL) services interdependent transport links
reservations about suggestions are delayed beyond normal between the two cities are. north of England, especially the
for what is described, rather signalling protocol to give priority Wigan 107 branch committee, corridor between Ordsall Lane
optimistically and to TPE services; a claim that meeting on Sunday 7 March, and Manchester Piccadilly.’
euphemistically, as ‘capacity ‘defensive driving techniques’ are passed a resolution in respect of And Lisa Nandy, Labour MP for
enhancement’: proposed much- one cause of congestion attacks the consultation, calling on the GS Wigan, has written to Transport
reduced timetables leave no the fundamental safety culture of and EC to campaign ‘for the Secretary Grant Shapps calling for
wriggle room if more people, the railway of which we are, reintroduction of funding for ‘this sham consultation’ to be
post-pandemic, return to the justifiably, proud; and the lack of infrastructure projects in the dropped.
Hat-trick for Mick TWEETS OF THE MONTH
You cannot run a railway, let alone a
Mick Whelan, Midland region, in company council complicated integrated transport
Willesden branch, has 1984. He was, first, a secretary EWSI, before operator like @tfl, on hand to mouth
been re-elected, member, and then a he was elected District piecemeal funding. The government is
unopposed, as rep, for the NUR. When 6 Organiser in 2000. playing a party political game at the
general secretary for a Mick became a freight Mick was elected expense of London’s recovery from the
third term. Mick has driver in 1988 he GS in 2011 and, since pandemic. @FinnBrennan
spent 37 years on the joined ASLEF, the train then, has worked hard ASLEF’s gS was
railway, and 37 years drivers’ union, and to engage with the recently re-elected PM plans new charity backed by rich
as an active trade became a local rep, other rail unions, and unopposed, as he donors to pay for lavish revamp of
unionist. He began in then company council the rest of the labour was five years ago private flat. @MailOnline
the industry as a secretary Railfreight movement, the Labour
guard, on British Rail’s Distribution, and Party, and other September 2017, he Congratulations to Boris Johnson for
stakeholders in the rail was elected to the the first act of charity he wasn’t forced
industry. He became national executive of
Monarch of the Glen chair of LabourUnions, the Labour Party.
into by Marcus Rashford. @JimMFelton
which co-ordinates the Mick’s third five year As it’s revealed 8,000 test & trace staff
Bro Glen Elvin passed away on Saturday 20
activities of the 12 term begins on 5 face the axe, Dido Harding reveals
February, aged 55, after being admitted to
trade unions affiliated December 2021 and they were actually ‘let go’ in August but the
hospital after testing positive for covid-19 only
to the Labour Party, in runs until 4 December system only notified them this morning.
three weeks earlier. Glen joined ASLEF in
2016; and, in 2026. @haveigotnews
December 1985 when he started on the
footplate with British Rail at Ayr. After
privatisation, and the reduction in freight ZOOM! IT’S VIRTUALLY AAD £37 billion to their pals for test & trace
traffic, the depot was shut and Glen ASLEF’s annual assembly of delegates – that doesn’t even work. £3.50 a week
transferred to England to retain his driving job, which was to have been held in cardiff last for nurses. This government’s priorities
along with his twin brother Miller who had year – was cancelled because of the could not be clearer. @davidschneider
also joined the footplate, and ASLEF, at Ayr. coronavirus crisis. this year AAd will be
The twins moved to various depots and held, as a virtual rules conference, by Zoom, GB News is owned by a company
branches together, including spells with DB from Monday 17 to Friday 21 May. called All Perspectives. It’s a limited
Cargo’s mobile driver grade at many locations. company so its full name is All Perspectives
Eventually they returned to Scotland to work Limited. I laughed so much I’ve given myself
out of DBC’s Scottish hub and transferred into QUOTE… a headache. @MrNishKumar
Motherwell branch. His funeral was held on ‘Vaccination express arrives in the
Tuesday 9 March. The members of Motherwell nick of time – now please inoculate us I was born a female. I identify as a
branch wish to pass on our condolences to all from train metaphors’ – Madeline female. But according to Tesco’s sticky
Glen’s family and friends, especially Miller, at Grant, Daily Telegraph toffee pudding I’m a family of four.
this extremely sad time. …UNQUOTE @KazzJenkins
Andy Jones Motherwell 137 branch sec
4 The ASLEF Journal l April 2021
News
commitment. It has
Angie, Angie, ain’t it been an honour and
time we said goodbye?
a pleasure to have
you as our branch
off the Rails
secretary. Enjoy your
FTER almost her cool, calm, free time now, you’ve MICK JONES of The Clash who, fresh from
A 20 years
Angela
collected and friendly
nature made for an
earned it!
We would also like
recording Sandinista! co-produced Ian Hunter’s
album Short Back’n’Sides, cheerfully recalls life
Geddes-Smith has excellent branch to wish our new on the iron road as a teenage fan of Mott the
decided to step secretary. Everyone in secretary, David Hoople: ‘In the early ’70s there was a group of
down as secretary of 141 branch would Kingscott, all the best us, from Strand Grammar in Brixton Hill, and
Birmingham New like to thank you, in his new role. Mott was our band. We’d scan the gigs in Melody
Street 141 branch. Angela, for all your Debbie Insull 141 Maker and go to Mott’s shows wherever we could. The
She’s worked very hard work and branch reporter furthest I went was one Saturday gig in Liverpool. We’d try
hard to keep the and bunk the trains as one of our group’s dad worked for the
branch running railway. He had a concession card and, boy, did we work that
smoothly, which card, hiding in toilets and passing it between ourselves. As
takes enormous the train came into the station, we’d all jump off as it slowed
personal down and leap over the fence alongside.’
commitment, and
made it look easy, IAIN PATTINSON, master of the double
which it isn’t, as 141 entendre, scriptwriter on I’m Sorry I Haven’t
branch has several a Clue, ‘the antidote to panel games’, and,
different locations, according to the show’s original host,
and the coronavirus Humphrey Lyttelton, ‘first class purveyor of
crisis made things blue chip filth’, loved pricking pomposity.
especially Once, when he checked into a particularly
challenging – smart provincial hotel before a recording of
conducting branch the Radio 4 show, the front desk was clearly unimpressed
meetings by Zoom that a shabbily dressed writer was staying as a paying guest.
and reminding After picking up his keys, Iain asked if Tim Brooke-Taylor had
people to mute their New branch secretary, david, presents a arrived. ‘Yes, sir, room 420,’ said the snooty receptionist,
mics! Nothing ever socially distanced Angie with flowers as a indicating a telephone. Iain dialled the number and
phased Angela and small thank you for all her hard work announced, in a very loud voice that rang around the lobby,
‘Mr Brooke-Taylor? Your prostitute is in reception.’
Power of six THAT DREADFUL mistake by
TransPennine Express – announcing the
death of the Duke of Edinburgh when
Dave Calfe, Euston Dave was first he was only being moved from Bart’s,
branch, and a train elected to the EC in where he had a heart op performed by
driver for more 2006. He is the NHS surgeons, back to King Edward VII’s,
than 30 years, has second longest- a private hospital ‘where your journey
been re-elected serving member of back to wealth [or health] begins’ brings
unopposed as our executive, after to mind a poster put up on the wall of the newsroom at The
ASLEF’s executive Terry Wilkinson, Sun by its editor Kelvin ‘The Pig’ MacKenzie. It read: ‘Make it
committee member and was elected Fast. Make it First.’ Under which one hack, well versed in the
for District 6. president in ASLEF Ec president
ways of Kelvin, added: ‘And make it up.’
His four year January 2019. dave calfe
term will begin on ‘I would like to committee,’ said THE COVER of last month’s Journal
1 January 2022 thank all the Dave. ‘And I look ASLEF caused a little consternation in one or
JOURNAL
The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen
MARCH 2021
Free to members
and end on 31 branches and forward to
December 2025. members in District representing you Hen wlad two places. It was that cover line – Hen
wlad fy nhadau – that caused the
This is his fifth 6 for my re-election during my fy nhadau problems. DO8 Finn Brennan muttered,
term of office – to the executive forthcoming term.’ ‘I think my copy must have got mangled
at the printers, Mick. The front cover is
just a jumble of letters that don’t make
FREE RADICALS any sense to an ignoramus such as me.’
the People’s history Museum QUOTE… Special report on the railway in the Land of our Fathers.
And Chris Proctor, once of this parish,
Death of a train: Chris Proctor marks but doesn’t mourn the
passing of the Pacer. And the latest advice about covid-19
The train drivers’
union since 1880
has written to the Ec, thanking ‘Music is the map: the wickedly whispered that the words were what Dylan Thomas
us for our donation (see John veins along which offered after a long (and liquid) lunch with Louis MacNeice…
Metcalfe’s report on page 8) memories can flow and
and adding that, because of its pump the heart’ – Anna JOHN HAY, chair of the ASLEF drivers’
size, we have the chance to Doble, digital editor, company council at CrossCountry, sent a
‘adopt a radical’. Fortunately BBC World Service cover note with his report (which you can
there are lots, John smiles, from …UNQUOTE read on the centre pages) for this, our
which to choose… special Scotland edition. ‘As requested,
Kev. Sorry it’s not very positive. Or
particularly Scottish. John.’
500 CLUB: Peter Foster, with number 033, won the March draw,
scooping the Retired Members’ Section jackpot of £494.
April 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 5
News
The employers’ policies make it clear that
The best job on the railway they have a responsibility to create a safe
working environment, taking into
consideration your status as a lone worker, and
but driving trains has risks provides a structure and the actions needed to
achieve this. Your company needs to know
what risks exist to your emotional, physical,
JOHN METCALFE, executive and behavioural wellbeing, what may make
committee member for District those risks worse, and what to do to mitigate
3, reports on our work with the against them.
RSSB looking at the risks to our The guidance for you, as a lone worker,
health, safety and wellbeing of includes nine top tips to restrict the effects of
working alone on the permanent way lone working, resources and links for further
advice, and describes what the employer
INCE early 2020 I have been part of a should be providing for you.
S Rail Safety and Standards Board
project team looking at the risks to
These guidance policies have been
accepted by ASLEF’s executive committee and
rail workers from working alone. Astonishingly, your negotiating teams have been instructed
drivers as a grade work for long periods alone
the industry did not have a definition of who to place them within the bargaining
or what defines lone working, nor did it have degree of autonomy, we enjoy our own machinery, which should bring long-lasting
any clear policy on how to best protect those company, and the responsibility for making benefits for drivers into the future.
workers. And, as drivers, most employers did judgements and decisions based on our Driving a train certainly is the best job on
not recognise that, as a grade, we work alone. professionalism and pride in the job. the railway, and now it is up to the employers
Just because we sometimes have a guard, or But the project has identified the risks, too. to match our professionalism and
revenue staff, on board, mix with passengers Some are obvious – such as the risk of personal commitment to the role, with a working
or speak to control, or a supervisor, does not and verbal abuse from the public, and walking environment, and protections, that keeps us
mean that, for long periods of time, we are not to and from work. Less well recognised are the safe from the risks of both physical and
lone workers and carry all the risks that brings. psychological risks from being isolated; and psychological harm and is properly fit for
The good news is that, from now, guidance working variable and night turns can impact the 21st century.
exists to employers and staff and drivers are heavily on us, and increase a feeling of
very clearly defined as lone workers and that loneliness, fatigue, and stress. Add to that the
should bring with it additional workplace sedentary nature of train driving, and irregular QUOTE…
protection. Basically, a lone worker on rail is mealtimes, and the role can pose both physical ‘The Conservatives have not fixed the
defined as ‘someone who works physically and psychological risks. foundations of the economy, merely
alone for a number of hours, with low levels of The RSSB project has produced three papered over the cracks’ – Keir
contact with other colleagues.’ guidance documents. One general, for the Starmer, Labour Party leader
Driving trains – the best job on the railway employer; one for line managers; and one for …UNQUOTE
– does have its benefits; we have a great you as a lone worker.
Congratulazioni, Marz
Desperate Marz Colombini,
Waterloo Nine
Dann retires Elms branch, has
been re-elected
In these trying times I would like, unopposed as
through the Journal, to inform all the executive
the friends and colleagues I’ve committee
had the privilege to know and member for Ec1 Marz
work with that my time has District 1. His colombini
come! I want to thank you for the four year term of office will start
fun, laughter and – sometimes – on 1 January 2022 and end on
tears I have had down the years. 31 December 2025.
I started my railway career in It’s his fourth term on our
March 1978 as a box boy at union’s eight-strong policy-
Orpington signal box, moving in making body; Marz was first
February 1979 to Hither Green elected to the EC in June 2009.
as a second man. In April 1984 I
moved to Selhurst as a driver; in C2C ERMA EXTENDED
July 1985 to Tattenham Corner; The c2c emergency recovery
in April 1991 I went back to measures agreement, in place
Hither Green; and then in since September, but which was
December 2002 to King’s Cross due to finish on 1 April, the
until 31 March 2021 when I retire cheers, intended start date for a new
having completed just over 43 trevor, for direct award contract, has been
years on the railway. the laughter, extended by the DfT until 30 May
It has been an absolute the great ‘to allow both teams more time to
pleasure! Now it’s time to enjoy fun, and the complete ongoing discussions on
life with Rose and my family. (occasional) the business plan and details of
Desperate Dann signing off tears the direct award agreement’.
6 The ASLEF Journal l April 2021
News
overcrowded services. Businesses say the
Franchise system system doesn’t deliver. And the train
operating companies are just clinging to the
fell at first hurdle wreckage to plunder a profit.
‘the failed franchise model fell at the
first hurdle during the coronavirus crisis and
S Mick Whelan spoke out after that’s why the government has been forced
G Keith Williams revealed some of
the recommendations in his long-
to tinker with the system. But we believe the
system needs fundamental change. We
awaited report into Britain’s rail industry at need to bring Britain’s railways into the 21st
the National Rail Recovery conference on century and do what other successful
thursday 25 February. gS Mick Whelan: ‘the tories’ failed franchise countries – such as germany – do. they
‘the tories have, finally, admitted that system needs fundamental change’ understand that the railway is a public
privatisation – or, at least, the franchise service that should be publicly-owned, and
system introduced by John Major in 1994 – believe should be run as a public service, publicly-run, in the public sector.
has failed. But the Williams report – which and not for private profit. ‘We should bring the wheels and the
was finished in November 2019 but put on ‘Because it’s not just the tories who, steel back together in a vertically-
the back burner by this government – does belatedly, recognise that privatisation has integrated national network run for the
not address the fundamental problem that failed. Passengers are up in arms about sky benefit of passengers, taxpayers,
rail is a natural monopoly – a monopoly we high fares and, before the pandemic, businesses, and staff.’
Making his Mark Pictures of matchstick men
After more than 40 Paddington,
years’ service on the commuting daily by Look closely at this
railway Mark O’Neill train for two years picture of a picket
has decided to retire. before returning to line at Stratford
Mark was just 16 Lawley Street as a during the 1982 strike
when he joined the superviser in 1991. and, as well as the
railway in September Mark had several roles ‘Buckton’s Boys’ board
1980 as an apprentice at Freightliner until – Ray Buckton was
fitter for Freightliner at 2003 when he joined ASLEF’s GS at the
Lawley Street, Central Trains as a time – you might
Birmingham. In 1985 trainee driver, where spot, on the denim
he transferred to he remained for the jacket of the local rep
Dudley, until it closed rest of his career. Enjoy second from the left,
in 1987, when he retirement, Mark! a patch (or badge)
returned to Brum. In Debbie Insull promoting, er, Status
1989 Mark went to Birmingham New Quo. Dicky Fisher,
work at Railfreight Street 141 branch now DO6, for that is
Distribution HQ in reporter him as a young man,
smiles wearily: ‘I have
to explain to Richard as a young rebel, denim clad rocker and
everyone who sees Buckton Boy (top) and now today (right) as our
that photo, that the district 6 organiser sporting collar, tie, and suit
badge had absolutely
nothing to do with an maintaining the Down, down, deeper
iconic 1970s rock status quo of an eight and down, as the
band. It references hour working day.’ Quo army sing…
Enjoy retirement, Mark!
Seventh heaven
Terry Wilkinson, East
Ham branch, has
been re-elected
unopposed as the
executive committee
member for District
8. His four year term
of office runs from
1 January 2022 to 31
December 2025. It is Ec8 terry Wilkinson
Terry’s seventh term September 1999,
on our EC – he was taking up position in
first elected in January 2000.
April 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 7
News
Power to the people
EC3 JOHN METCALFE badges, the museum is a fantastic
explains why ASLEF’s and unique place to visit. It has
executive committee collections covering popular
has donated £1,000 radicalism, the rise of trade
unionism in the 19th century, and
to the People’s History
women’s suffrage, extensive
Museum in Manchester resources on the dockers’ and
miners’ strikes, and much, much
WAS delighted to back more. On top of all that it has returns to our lives, if you are in
I our decision to support
the excellent People’s
fascinating and diverse political,
industrial, and historical
Manchester, then please pay the
museum a visit. You will not be
History Museum at our February collections. It is more than a disappointed.
session. The museum is home to museum, it’s a place of education
the national centre for the with its labour history and archive l The People’s History Museum
collection, conservation, studies centre. – opened by Prime Minister
interpretation, and study of The museum, like many others, Harold Wilson as the National
material relating to the working has been badly hit by the covid Museum of Labour History in the People’s history Museum
people of Britain. restrictions, and we can be proud, 1975 – is on the Left Bank, describes itself as ‘the national
With the world’s largest as a trade union, that we are Spinningfields, Manchester, museum of democracy, telling
collection – 400 – of colourful doing our bit to help maintain this M3 3ER. Tel: 0161 838 9190. the story of its development in
trade union banners, and 7,000 wonderful place. When normality Website: phm.org.uk Britain: past, present, and future’
TOTON OLD BOYS’ REUNION
We will not forget In anticipation of the lifting of all covid-19
restrictions, the 2021 Toton Old Boys’
AMILY, friends, and colleagues
F attended a very different
memorial day at Newcastle on
Reunion will be held at the Sportsman pub,
Derby Road, Long Eaton, Derbyshire, NG10
4HA, from 19.30 on Friday 29 October. All
Sunday 28 February to remember those
welcome! Details from Reg Sargeant: email
we lost in the train crash at Great Heck 20
reginald.sargeant@gmail.com
years ago. Gary Arrowsmith (Gateshead &
Newcastle branch secretary), Paul Basham
(LNER company council) and I attended on
behalf of ASLEF. The service was much
Paul (left) and Mark pay tribute at Newcastle catch a falling Eurostar
central to those who died, and were injured,
smaller than usual, due to covid rules on in the Selby crash. Photo: gary Arrowsmith
the station, but it was live streamed on the
internet and, during the service, a live a few hundred metres away as an LNER
stream from the Heck memorial garden Azuma and a Freightliner engine passed
was introduced when prayers and a the site of the crash, sounding their horns.
blessing for those who died were offered. The stream then came back to the station
After the service those at the memorial for the wreath laying.
garden turned to look toward the railway EC4 Mark Wakenshaw
Simon Weller on BBc South East Today
ScotRail is to be nationalised AGS Simon Weller explained the importance of
Eurostar when he was interviewed by Ian
Palmer on BBC South East Today, the regional
ASLEF has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish government on Wednesday
early evening news programme for the south-
17 March that, when Abellio’s franchise ends on 31 March 2022, the Operator of Last
east of England, on Saturday 20 February.
Resort, a public body accountable to the government, will assume responsibility for
‘Union concerns about Eurostar’ was the lead
running ScotRail. ‘We welcome the beginning of the end of the failed franchise system
item as Simon called on the government to
here in Scotland,’ said Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF’s organiser in Scotland. ‘However, never
step up and support the service.
again should the people’s railway ever be in the hands of the privateers. This move starts
On the previous day, DO6 Dicky Fisher,
the end of franchising, and the end of a failed Tory experiment. It’s now for all of us in
together with Paul Nowak, deputy general
the industry to build a railway that’s accessible, affordable, and safe for the people of
secretary of the TUC, Mick Lynch of the RMT,
Scotland.’ GS Mick Whelan said: ‘The railways in Wales and Scotland have both been
and Rob Jenks of the TSSA, met Treasury
brought back into public control. England should be next – Westminster take note!’
officials to press the Chancellor to help after
the company admitted it is ‘fighting for
RETIRED MEMBERS’ SECTION survival’. We are now working with the TUC to
The coronavirus crisis means that head office QUOTE… put together a formal paper to the Treasury.
is unable to send out letters reminding RMS ‘Working from home is not a new ‘We are calling on the UK government to
members, who pay annually by cheque, that normal. It’s an aberration that we’re intervene to prevent Eurostar going to the
your membership is up for renewal. So if you going to correct as soon as possible’ – wall,’ said GS Mick Whelan. ‘Boris Johnson, Rishi
know your renewal is due, please post a David Solomon, chairman and Sunak, and Grant Shapps must act to save this
cheque, made payable to ASLEF, to head chief executive, Goldman Sachs service – for passengers, for the men and
office in St John Street. An annual …UNQUOTE women who work on Eurostar, and for Britain
subscription is just £15. Thank you! and our connection with the continent.’
8 The ASLEF Journal l April 2021
The ASLEF RMS 500 Club
colleagues
The 500 Club is a fundraising venture for ASLEF’s Retired Members’ Section.
conditions of Membership: Only retired and working members of ASLEF, including district councils and branches,
plus permanent staff employed by ASLEF, can make an application to join the RMS 500 Club. The application form
and standing order form can only be completed and submitted by the ASLEF member, or staff member.
Numbers in the draw cost £4 each per month. To begin making payments into club funds, all you have to do is
complete the standing order form and return it to your bank. Alternatively, you can pay by cheque a year in
advance; the cheque should be made payable to ASLEF RMS 500 club. Payments need to reach the club account
by 1st of every month and the draw takes place on 12th of every month – with the winning number, name, and
prize printed on page 5 of the ASLEF Journal. Once you have arranged your method of payment just complete the
form and return it to Peter J Smith, treasurer, RMS 500 club, 6 devonia gardens, London, N18 1AF.
The Retired Members’ Section committee would like to thank you for your support and wish you luck in the draw!
Yours fraternally, Peter J Smith, treasurer, ASLEF Retired Members’ Section 500 club
STANDING ORDER MANDATE
ASLEF RMS 500 Club
To ______________________________ Bank
application form
Address ______________________________
________________________________________
Name.....................................................................
________________________________________
Address.................................................................
BANK BRANCH TITLE (NOT ADDRESS) SORTING CODE NO.
.................................................................................
Please pay Unity Trust Bank Birmingham 08-60-01
60-83-01
..................................................................................
................................................................................. BENEFICIARY’S NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER
Postcode............................................................... For the credit of ASLEF RMS 500 CLUB ACCOUNT 2 0 2 0 1 1 9 3
Telephone............................................................ AMOUNT IN FIGURES AMOUNT IN WORDS
.................................................................................. The sum of £
email......................................................................
DATE AND AMOUNT OF FIRST PAYMENT DUE DATE AND FREQUENCY
.................................................................................. Commencing £ and thereafter every 1ST OF EVERY MONTH
Each number costs £4. You can
purchase as many numbers as you like. DATE AND AMOUNT OF LAST PAYMENT
I confirm that I wish to purchase ____ *Until £
*Until you receive further notice from me/us in writing
Quoting the
numbers as part of the 500 Club. and debit my/our account accordingly
reference
(A) I have set up my standing order (£48 Please cancel any previous standing order or direct debit in favour of the beneficiary named above
per annum or £4 per month)
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
(B) I enclose a cheque for advance
payment (£48 per annum).
Delete (A) or (B) accordingly. ACCOUNT TO BE DEBITED ACCOUNT NUMBER
Signed..................................................................
Signature(s) ________________________________________ Date __________________________
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Please return this coupon to:
Note: The Bank will not undertake to: (i) make any reference to Value Added Tax or other indeterminate element
Peter Smith, Treasurer, RMS 500 Club, (ii) advise payer’s address to beneficiary
6 Devonia Gardens, London, N18 1AF (iii) advise beneficiary of inability to pay
(iv) request beneficiary’s banker to advise beneficiary of receipt
and the standing order mandate
(right) to your bank (or via your * Delete if not applicable
If the amounts of the periodic payments vary, they should be incorporated in a schedule overleaf
internet bank)
April 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 9
Firebox
Hey bus driver –
keep the change
Does this bus stop at 82nd
street? As more and more
people, post-pandemic, join
the Great Exodus from
Britain’s cities to the
picturesque villages of this green and
pleasant land, CHRIS PROCTOR urges
caution. Living in Little Dumpling, he
says, might look like a good idea. But
rural bus services are nigh-on non-
existent since privatisation…
AKE extra care if you’re crossing a the thatcher government’s
T road leading out of a city. There’s a
strong likelihood that you’ll be
privatisation of Britain’s buses in
1986 killed off many rural
knocked over by a removal van. There are services – but made a fortune for
hundreds of them buzzing round the her friend, the homophobic
bypasses. All part of the ‘leave the city’ Stagecoach boss Brian Souter
movement that hasn’t been so popular since
New Age travellers set out to music festivals at If there is to be a trend towards home imaginative ‘total transport’ solutions for rural
Glastonbury and Stonehenge in the 1960s. working and rural living, someone needs to be areas. We could be considering integrating
It’s been brought on by the virus. Half the out there planning it. Otherwise there’s a taxis into the area’s payment system,
population have decided they can work at disaster on the horizon. You can’t just populate employing canal barges, or re-opening the
home and, seduced by memories of a day trip an area without updating its infrastructure: lines closed by Dr Beeching. If the countryside,
to a hayrick, are desperate to move to the and that means improving public transport and its refugees, are not to be left in transport
sticks. Where they will live in natural bliss in links as well as providing schools and poverty, we have to busy ourselves creating
vibrant communities with friendly locals – of encouraging local shops. integrated transport systems that link all
both the human and public house variety. transport forms and timetables.
They will sit at the side of empty roads RETURN TO LITTLE DUMPLING PLEASE The problems stem from Margaret
scanning a little William Wordsworth as they I remember 20 years ago taking a tram out of Thatcher’s privatisation. Commercial bus
wait for their children to exit a sparsely Amsterdam to the end of a route where a new companies are not interested in providing a
populated school. Birdies will tweet rather suburb was being built at Ijburg. When we public service; only in running well-used
than sirens wail. alighted at the terminus, there was… nothing. routes where they can make lots of money.
Work on homes hadn’t begun. The central Everyone else, and that includes the suits
MOVERS MAY BE JUMPING THE GUN tram authority, the Gemeentelijk stranded at the railway station, can go and
Since the virus began, people leaving London Vervoerbedrijf, saw the need to provide whistle. Because bus companies are no longer
have spent £27.6 billion snapping up 73,950 facilities before the newcomers arrived. Our public services, you know…
homes outside the capital. In the last three approach to a move out of town is more of the
months country house prices in the West ‘cross your fingers and hope’ variety. WHAT’S THAT, DAD? A BUS, DARLING
Midlands rose by 3.7% and in Surrey by 3.1%. Everyone needs two or three cars they can’t Also, bus companies are subsidised by local
Last January saw 67% more homes on the afford: one for ferrying children, one for authorities, which might not see many votes in
market in Edinburgh than the previous year. hypermarket duties, and one to rust in the spending extra money to pander to ‘in-comers’.
Some of these location changers may be station car park. And, when you have a car, you And the new ruralists won’t be in sufficient
jumping the gun. We have no idea how much are obliged to use it. To justify the purchase numbers to be influential. I foresee excursions
home working will be feasible in the long you have to drive around inflicting traffic jams of home-working rural-types to city centres at
term. Most jobs aren’t eligible: you need to and increasing pollution. the weekend, in search of calm, fresh air, and
turn up if you’re a nurse, a shop worker, or a The Great Exodus, if it continues, shouldn’t solitude. Offspring will point in wonder at the
train driver. Also, most people don’t have a make too much difference to existing rail large vehicles that pass them in the street.
spare room that they can use as an office; and commuting routes because, even if people ‘What is that, daddy?’
you can only work at home in jobs you are come into the office less frequently, they will ‘It’s called a bus.’
trained for and know well. journey further when they do. No, the ‘Well, I wish we had one of them here in
And, despite the allure of the countryside, problems start when our rail job is done and Surrey, daddy.’
there are problems living in Little Dumpling. the infrequent office workers return to Little
One is public transport. There isn’t any. Public Dumpling to find a transport desert.
transport, post-privatisation, halts at Britain’s There are solutions: but, sadly, they would CHRIS PROCTOR has written for The
city limits. all involve the government spending money Guardian, The Times, the Morning Star,
The Campaign for Better Transport reports on public services. After the virus the Tories New Statesman and Tribune as well as
that more than 3,000 local bus routes have will claim there is no money left for anything spending eight years ‘before the mast’
disappeared over the last ten years. Local except, perhaps, tax relief for the very rich and in the policy department of ASLEF,
authority funding for buses fell by more than assistance grants for the fabulously wealthy. where he helped the gS – first Keith
40%, and central government grants by 19%. There will certainly be nothing left over for Norman and then Mick Whelan – to
Rural buses are as endangered as Cosnard’s social services or public transport. put together the Journal each month.
net-winged Beetle. If there was, we could be talking about
10 The ASLEF Journal l April 2021Scotland
sectors of the economy reopening very few
The railway and the people will travel on trains.
And we need people on trains to protect
covid-19 pandemic not just employment but also the
environment. The pandemic has shown us
that governments can support workers and
KEVIN LINDSAY, ASLEF’s workplaces. We should be eliminating the
organiser in Scotland, who working poor and delivering a real living
contracted the coronavirus, wage. As we’ve seen throughout this
opens our special four page pandemic some of our key frontline workers
report by reflecting on this make all workplaces as safe as possible. are also some of the poorest paid. Shop
strangest of years As a union we’ve been very proactive workers, delivery drivers, fast food outlets,
throughout the pandemic. The challenges and restaurants have worked throughout the
LL of us who have been fortunate to have been difficult but I believe we have pandemic but the majority of these people
A live through the pandemic will look
back on 2020 as probably the
done well not to see widescale redundancies.
Here in Scotland we have an agreement with
are on minimum wage. Our NHS staff have
been called heroes but have suffered years of
strangest year of our lives. More than ScotRail for no compulsory redundancies pay freezes or below inflation increases. We
120,000 people in Britain have lost their lives and have had no member furloughed. Our should put people before profit; this is a
from the coronavirus, and countless others members also got a 3% increase in salary as moment for the governments at Westminster
have been, and still are, suffering from the part of a two-year productivity deal and and Holyrood to reflect on their policies.
effects of covid-19 but, remarkably, we’ve secured an enhanced rest day working We don’t need private companies to run
throughout this period we’ve kept the payment. No other grades or trade unions our public services. Mail, rail, and the utilities
railway running. It’s been an amazing effort have managed to secure any of this. should all return to public ownership. The
from everyone involved. The challenge going forward is how we railway has been heavily subsidised
Every ASLEF rep has contributed; the get our lives back to some normality. We throughout this pandemic but our political
general secretary and assistant general need the four governments of the UK to plan masters continue to allow private companies
secretary have been involved at national not just to get us out of lockdown, but for a to run our railways through management
level at the RICF; the EC has been coming up comprehensive economic recovery. contracts, making large profits. This has to
with ASLEF policy and producing the That recovery cannot be just about one stop. Every penny out that ends up in the
bulletins; DOs and CC reps getting company sector. We need all parts of Scotland’s pockets of shareholders is lost to the
agreements; LLCs acting on implementing economy, and that of the rest of the UK, to be taxpayer. It’s time for our services to be
these agreements; and our health & safety given support and help to rebuild. Without returned to public ownership and run for the
reps have done an incredible job trying to offices, shops, restaurants, bars, and other people by the people.
The world turned on its head remain in limbo, for the time
being. the freight industry is
back to pre-covid figures; but
JIM BAXTER, to make sure the railway lives – ASLEF member Brett that is nowhere near good
the EC member continued to function so that Mccullough, conductor enough, and we need to
for Scotland, key and essential workers donald dinnie, and continue to push for more
could get to and from their passenger christopher freight on rail. We also have
argues that,
places of work and also that Stuchbury – was felt the issue of infrastructure
coming out of
essential goods could throughout the industry. the and making sure it is fit for a
covid, we have to build a continue to be moved around work that all our modern railway. We’ve had
railway fit for purpose – the country. representatives did at this the landslide at carmont, the
and fit to serve our society this meant that non- time was remarkable; each bridge parapet collapse near
essential training was and every one of them went Montrose, two landslips near
ELL, no one saw that stopped and, in the case of way beyond what is Largs, and continued concern
W coming, did they?
When I wrote my
ScotRail, all new driver
training stopped. We worked
expected. I wish to thank
Kevin Lindsay, our district
with the West highland line.
We must make sure that the
article this time last year, I industrially and politically to organiser, the ScotRail investment that is needed is
never for a minute thought I keep these trainees fully company council, and our in place to keep our railway
would be spending the next employed, not furloughed, in local reps – Stewart Sinclair, infrastructure safe.
11 months, as far as union the hope that, as soon as it Brian Wood, and cliff Wright – And as a union we need to
duties go, working from was safe to do so, we could who worked through their be prepared, and organised,
home. the world has been get them back into the own grief to make sure their to deal with whatever
turned on its head and I do workplace, and back training, members and other staff changes the future holds.
not think anyone foresaw the and that is still the aim. ASLEF were okay and had the Prepared to work with all
drastic changes to our private has also created an online support they required. within the industry to make
lives and, of course, our work training and learning policy What does the future hold sure the railway we build
lives. the saddest part of the that supports employers and for the rail industry in coming out of covid is fit for
pandemic was the loss of trainees in delivering training Scotland? clearly, we cannot purpose and fit to serve our
members to covid-19. in a remote manner. expect any big political society. But we also need to
As we went into lockdown the tragedy that befell decisions to be made prior to be organised well enough not
in March the covid-19 Aberdeen members, in the holyrood elections in to accept change, for
decision-making process August, with the crash at May. So as far as the ScotRail change’s sake, and not at the
went into full swing. We had carmont and the loss of three franchise is concerned we expense of our members.
April 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 11Agenda
A year like no other
cotRAIL company council would like temp testing, and training bubbles to try and
S everyone to reflect on all those we
have lost – family, friends and
get our trainees back into the workplace
safely. Unfortunately, this has proved very
colleagues – as the worldwide pandemic has difficult, with the constant lockdowns, and
impacted on everyone’s daily life since the restrictions put in place; training is still
first lockdown back last March. Everyone has suspended, and only essential training is
made adjustments and, from the very first being done to keep services running.
reduction in services, to the latest currently the service is vastly reduced at 67%.
restrictions in place since december, we tragedy came to Scotland in August with
would like to thank all the reps for all the the needless loss of life of Bros Brett
hard work they have put into trying to keep Mccullough, donald dinnie, and passenger
some normality to our daily grind with roster christopher Stuchbury. Six others were
and diagram changes. injured, and our condolences go to all the It’s going to be tough
We have tried to put in place the best families. the investigation into the accident is WELVE months since the first
mitigation we possibly could to protect
members, and have worked closely with our
ongoing, with several organisations involved
including Network Rail, the BtP, the oRR, the T lockdown there may be light at the
end of the tunnel with the roll out
do, Ec member, and LLcs to try and deliver a RAIB, ASLEF, and ScotRail. It is a painstaking of the vaccine. Our thoughts go out to the
safe working environment, with social process with every detail pored over with a families of those lost to this terrible virus.
distancing, reduced numbers in bothys, fine toothcomb. the findings will be The business situation has been dire with
longer walking times, reduced spares, SB in published later this year and we sincerely CrossCountry running 60% of the services
house, and lots more. We have tried to kick hope nothing like this will happen again. with only 10% of the ticket revenue. Driver
start training, putting in place PcR testing, ScotRail company council safety has been the highest priority. With
the assistance of the RICF guidance we have
made temporary changes to how we work,
with the emphasis on having the lowest
drivers’ job security comes first number of drivers possible in the
workplace.
ET’S hope we’re moving towards some sort of normality, with better The company bucked the trend with a
L expectations for this year, after suffering the way we have in dealing with covid
this last year. The lockdown restrictions, and associated safety measures in our
three year direct award which, in a small
way, would have allowed us to move
workplace, haven’t been easy to negotiate and agree, but the way in which our members forward, but for the DfT stepping in with
on LNER, and all over the UK, have coped has to be applauded. We continue to function, revenue support and blocking any progress
with weekly meetings taking place on a virtual basis, which in turn allows company for the grade that would add to the wage
council, and your h&s reps, to monitor the safety set up, and ensures that LNER bill. In fact, the 2020 pay claim has still not
maintains these safety measures. been settled as we wait on dates. When we
Unfortunately, because of covid, we face a problem that we’ve never faced as drivers, eventually get to meet it’s going to be tough
or reps, since privatisation. Train operating companies have profited with the foot count to extract a way forward from a DfT-backed
revenues provided by passengers; this allowed us all to share in some way some of the employer. Looking for something positive,
profit TOCs made through negotiated pay rises. This is no longer the case due to covid our trainee driver programme, after being
restrictions and the massive reduction of passengers travelling by rail. subject to covid-19 delays, has resumed
First, and foremost, train driver job security has to be maintained. LNER has advised with cohorts 5 and 6 due to start shortly on
us that there will be further recruitment this year, throughout the route, which can only their driver apprenticeship courses.
be welcomed by all of us as drivers. We will, of course, continue to do the best we can, John Hay CrossCountry company
moving forward, and will continue to address all of the above. council chair
Rab Wicksted LNER company council rep, Edinburgh
overcome obstacles
HIS has been satisfactory. DRS
Light at the end of the tunnel T a tough year;
covid has
completed a successful
rail head treatment
WOULD like to pass on our condolences, on behalf of our drivers at Avanti, to ScotRail dominated the programme, although
I colleagues regarding the terrible accident at Stonehaven.
This past year was without precedent; covid-19 has impacted our lives every day, and
changes to our lives
but we have continued
from the outset this
could have been a lot
led to significant reductions in the travelling public which, in turn, has affected our business. But to overcome many different. After
with the steady distribution of the vaccine, there is light at the end of the tunnel. obstacles to ensure accepting a bubble
Our company has entered into an emergency measures agreement with the DfT, which has been that ASLEF members agreement, a number
challenging. In regard to delivery of service, in line with government guidelines, we have introduced have been safe whilst of managers wanted to
training bubbles, telephone medicals, and roster changes at short notice. keeping services send drivers out on
On a more positive note, we have managed to keep all drivers at work, rather than being running. Initially, this RHTT without
furloughed. There have been a number of commitments made. For instance, the opening of new was a battle with the precautions. After
drivers’ depots at Crewe and Holyhead, and the company is introducing a new Hitachi train fleet. The company, which tried protracted
drivers’ council, and our lead officer, will be involved. Funding has been made available to upgrade to dismiss rep input negotiations with the
the training school and drivers’ accommodation at Polmadie and the company has pledged to hire a but, eventually, we DRS directorship, the
minimum of 60 new drivers. Overall, this year has been tough. However, moving forward, we hope negotiated agreement company council and
to get back to normality and not only get the railway back to what it once was, but improved. to ensure covid-19 lead officer Andy
Archie Barr Avanti West Coast CC rep, Polmadie measures were Hourigan reached an
12 The ASLEF Journal l April 2021Scotland
Ready for the challenge
Keeping you safe from harm UST over 18 years in the railway, 16 in
IRST I want to offer our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Glen Elvin, J the fleet driver grade, the last two on
company council, and I can safely say
F Scotland hub driver, and Motherwell branch member, who passed away recently far too
young. Another victim of this terrible pandemic. RIP Glen.
the last year has been like no other. Two years
ago my first company council meeting was
Training of new recruits continues at DBC in Scotland, made possible by training bubbles and very different, with more than a dozen folk
covid testing which has moved on from the pin prick method to lateral flow testing. Drivers are now round a table, now it’s Microsoft Teams calls
permitted to undertake the tests themselves, at home, prior to taking duty, thus avoiding potential and the same faces with kitchens, living rooms,
virus transmission in the workplace. The relevant time to do this is still diagrammed. and home offices...
A busy period is ahead, with spring bringing the start of weed spray season in addition to our I’ve been pursuing, for a number of years,
normal contracted work. Ongoing training is vital to keep this work covered. the implementation of a team leader grade for
At national level, we have a few issues and, for the first time in years, have several items sitting at the yard co-ordinator at all fleet locations
avoidance of dispute level due to a lack of resolution over extended periods. We have also been which was finally recognized as a specialist role
engaged in talks about the way we represent you. On review, there is no way the changes presented with a high level of responsibility for both train
so far could be acceptable as it would vastly diminish our ability to represent the membership at all movements and the people involved.
levels. Our aim is always to keep you, our members, in secure employment, earning a fair and decent Along with my h&s colleagues the last
salary, with terms and conditions that improve year on year, whilst keeping you safe from harm in couple of years have been spent trying to
the workplace. We hope a resolution can be found and we can continue working collaboratively acquire a shunting vehicle at Haymarket as we
with the company, as we have done since the ill-fated Project Charles era. Since then we have are, and have been for the last three years, an
navigated our way through the company’s financial difficulties, driver shortages, training issues, and HST depot, without a shunting vehicle!
pension funding problems. This has never been more important than trying to work our way, Pay talks for 2020/21 were recently allowed
collaboratively, through the global pandemic. to commence, another difficult challenge, but
Rest assured, your company council and lead officer are working hard to resolve these matters challenges in the railway are quite often
and working towards a more secure future for all. We will keep you informed via local reps and difficult. Hopefully a time for some well-
branch meetings. Whilst not the biggest fan of the online meeting format, Zoom branches have deserved recognition of how difficult the last
been well attended and the engagement from members has been superb. I am optimistic that we 12 months have been for all fleet drivers when
are on the home straight now, with the vaccine, and an end to lockdowns, so, by summer, we will be we have been coming to work from day 1 of
able to meet in person again. Stay positive. covid restrictions. Also some recognition of
James Glew DB Cargo company council secretary how we have transferred our long-honed skills
of shunting Sprinters and 170 Turbostars into
agreement, initially on lateral flow antigen The agreement also insist that ASLEF shunting HST Class 43 and empty coaches. I
trial, with the blessing test. As agreed, this will allows the company members have will continue to campaign for our members in
of the EC, to run RHTT only be used by council to monitor the continually managed to fleet over the next few years, to improve our
services whilst members who wish to numbers of drivers at all keep services moving conditions in the workplace, with the challenge
operating in a safe do so. The company depots to ensure that during this pandemic looming of new franchise holders, whether a
manner by forming a council has also been the correct numbers of and demand private company or Transport Scotland.
bubble. After the tragic busy agreeing a new staff are at all locations recognition of that The next challenge for all of us is the
incident at Stonehaven, health & safety guide so they cover the duties during the forthcoming recovery of the railway, and the country’s
DRS was heavily for reps. And there is required. talks. Finally, I would like economy at large, in which the railway will play
involved in providing now an agreement for The company to wish our company a big role. ASLEF will continue to be at the
drivers and every depot within DRS council and our lead council secretary Kevin forefront of members’ interests across the fleet
locomotives for the to elect an h&s rep. officer will shortly be Bell best wishes for his driver grade.
recovery and, later, to In December, our entering negotiations recovery from illness. Looking at the last two years, who really
route prove once the negotiators agreed an with DRS on the 2021 He is sorely missed and, knows what the immediate and long-term
line had been repaired. establishment model pay submission. We I hope, will be writing future holds for the railway?
We agreed to use a based on ASLEF best sent correspondence to the DRS report this Maybe that’s part of the attraction; you
blood prick test to form practice. This will all DRS reps asking time next year, fully never know what’s at the other end of the
a bubble to aid ensure that the what they would like to recovered, and back in tunnel. But one thing’s for sure; ASLEF is always
training. This will soon appropriate number of see in an award, and the driving cab. ready for the next challenge.
be replaced with a new train crew will be at all received great Rab Lang DRS Andrew Foster Fleet drivers company
procedure using a locations within DRS. feedback. DRS reps company council council rep
April 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 13You can also read
