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ASLEF
JOURNAL
AUGUST 2012
PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND FIREMEN
Wales: Views
from the
valleys
More than
4 Olympics: Union
rejects cut corners 11 Investment: Boost for
Welsh rail infrastructure just a union
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ASLEF
JOURNAL
AUGUST 2012
PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATED SOCIETY OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS AND FIREMEN
We should pay for
services - not
Bankers’ greed 6 4
N
EWS that Barclays, and other banks, have
been caught red-handed, attempting to
News 4
fix the financial markets for their own
enrichment, should come as no surprise to the Overcrowding report is ‘ominous for
rest of us who are still paying for the banking Olympics’ 4
industry’s previous catastrophic greed. For, plainly Free app shows real time train location 5
and simply, greed is what got us where we are
today. TUC LGBT Conference July 2012 6
As Bob Diamond, CEO, walks away from 19
Barclays with a £2m pay off, (he very generously
declined a £20m bonus) the rest of us are left to
cope with a National Health Service that is going
into administration, public sector cuts that will
inevitably hit the poorest hardest and a
Features 8
generation of young people without hope of
finding work. ASLEF: A long and proud tradition 8
Their prospects could not be more different to Transport debate 10
Bob Diamond’s, who described attempts by his
staff to rig interest rates as ‘wholly inappropriate’. Boost for Welsh railways as £9.4b
No. Wearing a tie to a football match is investment is announced 11
‘inappropriate’. What Barclay’s did is a crime. And Union assembles in Cardiff: Views from 5
criminals should face the full force of the law. Even the valleys 12
rich criminals.
More than one thousand people were jailed for Wales: 10th anniversary of the Friction
their part in last summer’s riots - one man was Dynamics Ltd dispute 14
sentenced to 6 months in jail for stealing water Key Worker: Record-breaking Geraint has
valued at £3.50 - yet not a single banker has faced a passion for learning 16
criminal charges of any kind for creating the mess
we all continue to pay through the nose for. It’s
hypocrisy of the very worst kind.
Aslef members should remember that the
government has the rail industry in its sights as
well. We must resist any attempts by the
government to make rail pay for the crimes of
Regulars 15
greedy bankers. I would urge members to join
Obituaries 15-16
the Action for Rail campaign. Get involved at
actionforrail.org and find out how you can help Branch News / Keeping Track 18-19
protect your own local services.
Letters 20-21
18
Mick Whelan, General Secretary Prize Crossword/Legal services for members 23
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post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN.
just a union
4 News The ASLEF JOURNAL
Overcrowding report is ‘ominous for Olympics’
SLEF has warned that overcrowding ‘The havoc at the end of the Queen’s Jubilee
A on trains within and into London
threatens the ability of the
celebrations was a warning,’ Mick says. ‘We
have to be prepared for some very difficult
infrastructure to cope with the Olympic weeks. My two-point plan for commuters is
Games. ‘Keep calm – and don’t blame the staff.’The DfT
‘I want passengers in London to enjoy figures reveal
relaxed and seamless journeys during the Normal passenger capacity on peak-time
Olympics,’ says union general secretary Mick trains is exceeded by 3.2%
Whelan. ‘But you would need a joint degree in During the morning peak, trains operate at
optimism and Ignorance to feel confident that 4% over capacity
will happen.’ Evening peak trains are 2.3% over capacity
Department for Transport (DfT) statistics ‘I don’t think the public realises the
show that even without the influx of several incredible part the railways play in the capital’s
million sports enthusiasts, trains in the capital life,’ Mick says. ‘Every weekday well over half a Overcrowding on trains will place pressure
and the south-east are seriously overcrowded. million people arrive into London by train.’ on rail infrastructure during the Olympics
Union rejects cut
corners for Olympics
Management have told union suggest that we should adopt abandon the use of detonator
representatives that they lower standards even for a protection to protect the More than 150 Stratford drivers turned out to
want ‘temporary working limited period. We work to failed train, or to have the watch Dick Hardy and former ASLEF General
arrangements’ for the high safety standards. Full driver’s duties carried out by Secretary Lew Adams unveil a
duration of the London stop. another unnamed ‘competent commemorative plaque on the original site
Olympics. ASLEF, along with ‘We will advise our person’. of the east London depot. Among those
the other rail unions, rejected members to continue to work The idea seems to have attending were Michael Ashworth, who
this, insisting that there must to the rules, regulations and originated because of fears joined Stratford in 1968, and his father
be no ‘cut corners’ to safety standards we and that the additional journeys Newman Ashworth who worked there before
procedures at any time if a management have agreed will increase the possibility of him, as did his grandfather Frederick Dixon!
train breaks down. regardless of the Olympic train failure. The unions have The plaque commemorates the fastest ever
‘We have agreed Games or anything else. To do written to Network Rail and building of a steam engine. Hardy, a former
procedures that are safe,’ says otherwise would be the Office of Rail Regulation locomotive commander praised the ‘men and
ASLEF general secretary Mick irresponsible.’ to protest this attempt to women who contributed to Stratford’s proud
Whelan. ‘It is ludicrous to The proposal is to lower safety standards. history’.
GS meeting with Transport Minister
NIGEL GIBSON ELECTED DISTRICT
General Secretary Mick Whelan and National Organiser Simon Weller ORGANISER
met Secretary of State for Transport Justine Greening at the Department Nigel Gibson has been elected District
for Transport last month and discussed a range of rail industry issues. Organiser for ASLEF’s District Five, gaining
Mick welcomed the Secretary of State’s positive comments about the more than 50% of the vote in the first
union’s recently published diversity report and urged her to press train ballot.
operating companies to broaden the communities from which they Nigel said he is ‘proud and honoured’ to take up the
recruit. post. ‘But it is also a time of sadness as the election was the
Mick also expressed his concerns about planned alliances between result of the passing of a true friend, Andy Morrison. I hope
operators and Network Rail in certain regions and the conflicts which I will be able to live up to Andy’s high standards of integrity
may arise from them although he did concede there could be ‘potential and dedication.’
strategic benefits. Nigel also thanked the other three candidates for the
Simon also criticised aspects of proposed alliances and highlighted part they played in a well-conducted and dignified
the flaws in the Government’s approach to fares. The Minister listened to campaign.
the points made but her responses did little to reassure ASLEF’s
representatives.
AUGUST 2012 News 5
Newsinbrief
‘LIVES PUT AT RISK’ AS BRICK HITS SPEEDING
TRAIN
Police patrols have been stepped-up at Shipley station after
a brick was thrown at the window of a moving train in a
‘potentially life-threatening’ incident. Officers described the
incident as a ‘foolish and dangerous act’ .The brick caused
£150 worth of damage as it struck the outer skin of the Leeds
to Skipton service. ‘Fortunately no one was injured but a
passenger or member of rail staff could easily have been hit’
said the police, adding’ throwing a brick at a fast-moving
train is an incredibly irresponsible thing to do’.
A GBRS train derailed last month due to a landslide. No one was
injured in the incident NETWORK RAIL FINED FOR LEVEL CROSSING
DEATH
Network Rail has been fined £356,250 after a woman was
Mick meets killed at a level crossing while out walking her dogs. Julia
Canning was struck by the First great Western Service 17.11
Ed Miliband travelling from Newbury to Bedwyn in May 2009.
Investigators from the Office of Rail Regulation found
General Secretary Network Rail had failed to act on substantial evidence that
Mick Whelan and pedestrians using the crossing had insufficient sight of
National Organiser approaching trains at the Fairfield footpath crossing near
Simon Weller met Little Bedwyn, Wiltshire. Network Rail must also pay costs of
Labour leader Ed £19,485. ORR’s investigation found ‘extensive evidence
Miliband last month showing that Network Rail knew the crossing was unsafe for
for an informal pedestrians’. In a seperate incident a man died after a train
meeting in struck his car on a level crossing between Littleport and
Westminster. Mick Downham Market in Norfolk. Residents living near the
urged the Leader of crossing described the tragedy as ‘an accident waiting to
the Opposition to happen’.
pursue an economic the need for a work closely with
policy which progressive rail policy ASLEF in developing
embraced to reconnect with the new policies and that
investment in commuter vote the Party would be
infrastructure such as Labour has lost in examining all options Andy Viner Memorial 5-a-side Tournament
housing and East Anglia and the for the future
South. Miliband said 14 five-a-side footie
transport while structure of the
Labour was keen to teams from across
Simon emphasised railway.
London
Underground, plus a
team representing
ASLEF’s EC came
Free app shows real together last month
to play a tournament
time train location in memory of ASLEF’s
Andy Viner who was
A FREE iPhone app that shows the real time tragically killed in a
location of your train has been developed by road accident last
Ryan Forsyth, an ASLEF member who works for year.
London underground. Andy Viner
This app is FREE to all drivers. To access it, Memorial Cup final.
search the AppStore for ‘iTrackernet’ or ‘RyanTCB’ EC Team: (L-R )Back row. Non-playing coaching
District Line 1 v staff - Nigel Gibson, Alan Donnelly, Brian
Harrow Boys. (DL1 Corbett, Mick Whelan, Marz Colombini. Front
won on penalties). Row. Ringers-Alan and Wayne Donnelly, Ash
Andy Viner Memorial Corbett, Dan Gibson, Oliver Phelan-Whelan
PASSENGER GROUP WELCOMES INVESTMENT IN RAILWAYS Plate. Bakerloo v Spike Colombini, David Phelan-Whelan
Passenger Focus, has welcomed the government’s announcement of Golders Green.
new investment in rail. However, Chief Executive Anthony Smith (Bakerloo won on presented by Andy enjoyed themselves
added that ‘value for money remains a concern. Passengers will want penalties). Ladies’ Viner’s daughter Alex, in a fitting tribute to a
to see government avoid above-inflation fare increases. These Penalty shoot-out. and Sean Gillard (GG great man. Proceeds
investments must be delivered in a cost-effective way. Also the work Winner- Emily from IR rep). from the day were
to deliver new trains, track and equipment must be done in a way Kings Cross. Despite a few given to Andy’s
that minimises the effect on today’s passengers.’ Prizes were injuries everyone chosen charities.
6 News The ASLEF JOURNAL
S A ‘lucky’ first time
A delegate to the TUC
LGBT Conference,
London 5-6 July, I was a little
daunted by the prospect.
The paperwork for the
conference arrived a few weeks
earlier. On inspection it seemed to
be a reasonable task at hand, 21
agenda items in 2 days.
I met up with the LGBT
Representative Committee Chair
and Secretary along with a fellow
delegate from Liverpool and the
ASLEF member who sat on the
TUC LGBT Committee during
2011-12. After meeting on
Wednesday evening and
receiving some reassurance and
advice on what to expect the
following day it was good to
know that it was like our AAD but
not so formal. ASLEF had one
motion on the agenda, regarding
violence against the transgender (L-R) Alan Martin, Sean Lambert (Salisbury) Che Cosgrove (Edgehill), Darran Brown (Preston)
community in Latin America.
After a leisurely breakfast we
met Lee James, ASLEF’s Equality
Advisor to go over the agenda
one last time.
TUC LGBT Conference July 2012
The morning started with an
address from outgoing TUC led government’s sustained attack & St Lucia addressing the subject action and so many issues
General Secretary, Brendan on public services, workers rights “Decriminalise homosexuality”. debated - from austerity measures
Barber, about how the conference and trade union rights. The Interesting and informative. I for to LGBT rights, homophobia and
has evolved in the many years he government’s attack on the one had forgotten that much of hate crime. One conference
has been General Secretary and Equality Act and EHRC and finally the legislation still in existence in delegate whose father was an
how he hoped the work of the the drastic curtailment of events some of these countries dates ASLEF member for 48 years
conference would continue. The planned as London prepared to from the days of Empire! recalled the harassment his father
predominant theme for this host World Pride 2012. By the end After lunch, Michael Cashman, was subjected to just for having a
conference was Against Austerity, of the day we had dealt with 9 MEP spoke about the work being gay son. He added that his father
For Solidarity. We had 3 items including the 3 Emergency done in the European Parliament. would have been very proud to
Emergency Motions to consider in Motions. Drinks and nibbles were Time for the ASLEF Motion and witness the support ASLEF now
addition to the 21 agenda items, enjoyed at Congress House before an excellent speech by the LGBT gives to its LGBT members.
these covered All Out for equality a relaxing evening. Representative Committee
on 20th October calling on the Day 2 began with an informal Secretary. After a short debate the Alan Martin, Island Line,
TUC and affiliates to redouble the plenary discussion session with motion was carried. Portsmouth & Isle of Wight
campaign in deploring the Tory- speakers from South Africa, India It was great to see diversity in Branch
RAILWAY MAN HONOURED
JUSTICE FOR THE SHREWSBURY PICKETS Lifelong and dedicated railway man Stuart
Forty years after a group of trade unionists were tried in Mason will be remembered with a train
Shrewsbury, many receiving lengthy prison sentences, in named in his honour. Merseyrail operations
an overtly anti-trade unions prosecution brought by a inspector Stuart was just 57 when he lost a
Tory government, the Justice for the Shrewsbury Pickets short battle with cancer. Stuart joins
campaign has launched an e-petition demanding illustrious names such as former Liverpool FC
justice. manager Bob Paisley and Everton legend
For more information on this remarkable chapter in Dixie Dean in having a train named after
Ricky Tomlinson trade union history visit www.shrewsburypickets him. Stuart joined the railways as a booking
continues the fight to campaign.org.uk and to sign the petition go to boy when he left school, before becoming a
clear the names of all http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Justice_for_ signalman. He then joined the footplate,
convicted pickets Shrewsbury_Pickets_40_years_on/?efsicbb accepting a Secondman’s position in Dover
before being promoted to driver and then
Driver Instructor.
Whatever life throws at you
ASLEF will help to protect you.
As a ASLEF member you’re covered for:†
Free legal advice and representation on: • Free will writing service
• Personal injury at work (including assaults) • 30 minutes free telephone advice for any
• Personal injury away from work non-work issues such as landlord disputes,
• Road traffic accident injury neighbourhood disputes, matrimonial and
• Industrial disease or illness consumer issues
• Criminal law representation (for work-related • Employment law accessed through your ASLEF
matters) district organiser
ASLEF members and their families are covered for:†
Free legal advice and representation on: • Special terms for clinical negligence cases
• Personal injury away from work • Reduced rates for conveyancing and family
• Road traffic accident injury member wills
For more information call ASLEF on 0808 100 8009
† Exclusions apply. Thompsons Solicitors is a trading name of Thompsons Solicitors LLP
and is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
8 Opinion
ASLEF: A
long and
proud
tradition
SLEF has a long and proud tradition
A of working in support of sister unions
across the globe. In Colombia for
example, where trade union representatives
risk being executed by government and
industry funded militia, in front of
colleagues, and in some cases their children,
simply for having the bravery and guts to
stand up for their industries, their right to fair
pay and safe conditions, and their way of life.
While these tragic events do not influence
directly the settlement of pay deals, they do Every year, ASLEF branches join their sister unions at the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival. The
influence our ability to function as a free and annual festival held in Dorset is a celebration of trade unionism at home and abroad
democratic trade union within a globalised
marketplace. Many household brands operate, The Tories, under the auspices of the Trade much vaunted backyard of ours.
sometimes in partnership under different Union Reform Committee, are bankrolling Let us apply the same principle to the
names, and via subsidiaries, in countries all propaganda campaigns via the printed press dispute between ASLEF and East Midlands
over the world where the very worst abuses of to discredit and campaign against unions. Trains. I fully support my EMT colleagues, and
trade unionists are routine. Their aim; To remove all entitlement to paid their elected representatives in efforts to
The workers at subsidiaries of Coca Cola in time-off for your union reps, and to dilute the prevent Stagecoach from plundering the
Mexico, India and elsewhere have suffered power of every union to stand up for company pension pot for the benefit of the
numerous attacks and incidents, and they are members. share price. I feel the same solidarity for the
not alone in suffering from virulently anti- The public sector, welfare state, education Coca Cola workers in Mexico and India, trade
union stances. The Virgin group in the US has and social care are being recklessly hacked unionists in Colombia, and the US flight crews
aggressively circumvented collective away by zealous government ministers being bullied into surrendering human rights
bargaining by derecognising trade unions basking in the afterglow of praise from the for profit.
representing flight crew. Richard Branson Murdoch press and its right wing bedfellows. Most of us work for multi-national bus
actively lobbied employees to vote against Communities are being destroyed, and the companies who would de-recognise unions,
union recognition, instead promoting a aspirations of generations callously shredded. slash wages and scrap working safeguards in a
system where employees essentially represent If ever there was a time for free, viable, heartbeat were it not for our strength in
themselves in negotiations over pay and robust and democratic trade unions to stand industrial power, conviction, and organisation.
conditions. up for the workers, the economy, and to lead In the modern age, our backyard stretches as
Poor industrial practices are like hurricanes; the Labour party by example in spelling out far as our employers’ interests, spanning
they occur far more regularly than the press the true alternatives to blind austerity, it is cultures, oceans and time zones. We cannot
would have us believe. They strike unprepared now. afford to look inwards and ignore the struggles
communities, and they travel the globe, We are at our most free, most viable, most and issues of other workers, whether working
bouncing from coast to coast. The stark robust and most democratic when we are in other industries, or hailing from foreign
difference is that, unlike hurricanes, these strong partners in a global movement. shores. We all want a strong, vibrant and
practices and aggressive managerial strategies On PNB I hear talk of “Who cares about effective union movement. Our nation needs
do not peter out by natural process. They have Palestine?” and “ASLEF should concentrate on it.
to be confronted, their objectives exposed, its own backyard” Yes, it is vital ASLEF Our movement is fuelled by solidarity.
their practitioners challenged and defeated by safeguards its primary industrial role in Solidarity does not respect borders or
good, solid debate, negotiation, and where defending our grade, but the struggles of the sovereignty. It is the most powerful weapon
necessary, industrial action. Palestinian people, those within Israel we have, one we should treasure. The day
United we stand, Divided we fall. This adage campaigning for lasting peace, the Colombian, global unity requires a passport is the day that
remains as true now as it ever was. Under the Mexican and Indian trade unionists fearing we have all failed in our duty - a failure we will
coalition, we should brace ourselves for the execution are our struggles. They impinge surely pay dearly for.
most sustained and ideological attack on trade explicitly on our ability to stand up for workers Karl Davis,
unions since Thatcher. in a globalised commercial world, within that Peterborough branch
YOU’D THINK THE GOVERNMENT
HAD BETTER THINGS TO DO THAN
ATTACK YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK.
IT’S NOT AS IF THIS COUNTRY was exactly A stealthy series of changes that add come from the same people who fought
short of issues. We face urgent problems up to a wholesale assault. the minimum wage and paid holidays.
like a stricken economy, record youth Already an extra year to wait for By slicing away a bit at a time, they
unemployment and the gap between the protection against unfair sackings, with hope no-one will notice. But we have,
super-rich and everyone else. Yet the reduced maternity rights and more and you should too.
government is devoting precious time and dangerous workplaces in the pipeline. Visit the website to find out more, and
energy to attack, of all These sly attacks have nothing to do tell ministers they’ve
things, rights at work. with getting the economy moving. They been rumbled.
VISIT WWW.STOPEMPLOYMENTWRONGS.ORG.UK TO FIND OUT MORE
10 Transport DEBATE The ASLEF JOURNAL
Research reveals affordable and accessible
transport services play a crucial social role
ransport and Poverty was the topic example was given of students who were not
T for a recent debate which explored
the role of transport systems in
granted their allowances because transport
connections didn’t get them to college on
addressing social exclusion and helping those time. Where public services are being
on low incomes. This event, organised by reorganised, it was suggested that accessibility
Campaign for Better Transport, drew attention planning should be carried out to assess how
to the impact of rising fares and cuts in those without cars can access services,
services on people who rely on public amenities and jobs.
transport to access jobs, services and Another example was given of benefits
amenities. agencies that regularly request to see
The speakers at this event were Richard unemployed individuals without taking travel-
Hebditch - Campaign for Better Transport, Sue times and costs into consideration. In this
Edwards - Citizens Advice and Joan Walley MP, case, financial support for concessionary fares
Chair of The House of Commons schemes would also need protecting.
Environmental Audit Committee. The main Rural areas are particularly affected by cuts
findings of three newly published pieces of to services because bus services are already
research by Campaign for Better Transport infrequent. Many train services link Spending cuts impact on transport services
were presented, followed by a discussion metropolitan areas but don’t stop at the small and drive fares up
around the social role of transport systems and towns they pass. One of the main issues raised
the importance of affordable and accessible here was that transport companies do not if there are no night services. Ideally this
transport services. consult local communities about their needs should be addressed by investing more in local
Clearly government, local authorities and when they make decisions about services, and bus services, integrating rail and bus services,
public transport operators are facing difficult should undertake more research into what enhancing facilities for disabled travellers and
decisions because of cuts to their budgets. people actually need. developing local cycle networks.
However, the research findings presented and Transport links also play a crucial role in Thoughts or recommendations on this
subsequent discussion both confirmed that enabling people to overcome social isolation. subject can be submitted to the
spending cuts which impact on transport Walking and cycling long distances is not an Environmental Audit Committee inquiry on
services and drive fares up are predominantly option for many people, particularly the transport and the accessibility of public
affecting low income families. elderly, and cars are expensive to run. Cuts to services.
The paucity of services often poses a barrier weekend and evening services could mean For more information visit
to people accessing work and education, and that the safety of young and vulnerable people www.bettertransport.org.uk
has knock-on financial implications: One is jeopardised and socialising becomes difficult Katy Proctor
The event organised by Campaign for Better Transport, drew attention to the social impact of rising fares and cuts in servicesRAILS IN WALES
Boost for Welsh
railways as £9.4b
investment is
announced
he Long-awaited west as Swansea, while the whole
T electrification of the
great Western railway
of the Valley Lines network will be
electrified along with the Vale of
from Cardiff to Swansea and the Glamorgan Line. In an additional
Valleys lines network has been boost for Welsh railways the outer between Paddington and Cardiff. schemes such as Thameslink and
announced by the government as core of the Valleys network will The plan, which covers the period Crossrail. Rail campaigners have
part of a £9.4b rail investment also be electrified to reach both 2014-2019 also includes the welcomed the new investment
package. Maesteg and Ebbw Vale. completion of electrification of but have warned train operators
As expected the Great Western Work is already underway to the Midland Main Line and against imposing huge fare
Main Line will be electrified as far electrify the great Western line funding to complete existing increases to pay for it.
Van driver jailed after Wales
crossing crash
Following a collision between a train and a van on a level crossing near
Carno on the Shrewsbury to Machynlleth line in Powys on 16 February,
a van driver has been jailed for five months while the train driver’s
actions have been praised by the judge at Mold Crown Court.
The van driver, Daniel Bellis who is 35 and from Oswestry, admitted
endangering the safety of people on the railway. He failed to call ahead
to check if the line was clear.
Mick Whelan says that it is heartening that the legal system appears
to be clamping down on irresponsible actions by car drivers at crossings
and hopes this case will be a warning to others, but he added, ‘While it is
encouraging to hear Driver Gareth Owen praised for his professionalism
in bringing the train to a stop without a derailment, the incident should
never have happened.
‘Our members should never have to be faced with this sort of
incident. The irresponsibility of people taking risks at crossings, despite HAY TRAILER DRIVER APPEARS IN COURT
all the evidence and warnings, is utterly unbelievable. As the judge says, A lorry driver has appeared before magistrates in Swansea in
Driver Owen was ‘stoic’ but he should never have been put in the connection with a West Wales rail crash last December in which
position where he needed to be. passengers were injured.
‘Mr Bellis was familiar with the crossing, had used other similar ones Oswald Huw Davies, 49, of Castell Pigyn, Llanboidy, was accused
and knew the regulations. He simply decided to ignore them. The worse of endangering the lives of people using the railway after his
thing is that this happens somewhere on the network every day. Scania lorry towing two hay trailers came into contact with a train
‘Hopefully prison sentences will knock a bit of sense into car and van at the Henllan Amgoed Crossing, Whitland, on December 19 last
drivers.’ year.
Cows on the line derails Gloucester to Fishguard train
A train carrying 30 passengers derailed in car train derailed after it hit the cows. Police, fire on."You could feel the train sliding on the track. "I
Pembrokeshire after hitting cows on the line, crews and a vet attended the scene. believe there were cows on the rail line and,
says Arriva Trains Wales. Nobody was injured on One passenger, Tony Evans, told BBC Wales: unfortunately, the cows received fatal injuries
the train, which was travelling from Gloucester "We were coming through Wolfscastle on our but nobody at all was hurt on the train. The
to Fishguard Harbour. The train derailed at Welsh way back to Fishguard Harbour and, three or four driver did exceptionally well in what could have
Hook near Wolfscastle said Mid and West Wales minutes after passing through Wolfscastle, I been a very nasty accident. On the left hand side
Fire Service. heard the horn on the train going about three or of the train there must have been about a 60 or
It is understood only the first car of the two four times, then the brakes were being jammed 70ft drop and we were very fortunate."RAILS IN WALES The ASLEF JOURNAL
UNION ASSEMBLES IN CARD
VIEWS FROM THE VALLEYS
The union’s district seven council met at the National Assembly for Wales building in
Cardiff last month to take a broad look at rail in the principality. We examined
possibilities for the future with the assistance of politicians, social campaigners and rail
specialists. This is what they had to say ...
ELECTRIFICATION IS THE KEY, SAYS MINISTER as ‘currently over half our stations are not accessible to disabled people.
Carl Sargeant AM is Minister for Transport in the As a former Equalities Minister, I know that is not acceptable.’ He is
Welsh government, which makes him the only equally determined to take full advantage of the new franchise that is
Labour politician in such a post in the UK. He has a ear-marked for 2018. ‘My vision is a rail network owned by the people
sense of mission about transport, insisting that it has and run for the people’s benefit.
a role in protecting the most vulnerable people in ‘That means taking a different approach to the UK government. We
our society. ‘I’m proud that there is a great story to don’t believe in the quick fix. That is why we want to hear from the
tell in Wales,’ he says. ‘Punctuality is increasing, the people inside the industry – like you – people who know how a railway
valleys network is growing and we have the most works. Simply listening to investors will not bring Wales the service we
Sargeant calls need and deserve.’
frequently used rail network outside London.
for major He said while he could give no guarantees that brand-new rolling
‘But that’s not enough. Despite Westminster
investment stock would be purchased, it would be improved and made ‘fit for
cutting our budget, we want to make a difference
and radically improve public transport. So how can we make a purpose’. ‘There is a business as well as social case for this and as a
difference?’ devolved government we own more of the stock than anyone. It is vital
Electrification is one of Carl’s hobby-horses. ‘Electrification of the that profits made from running rail are reinvested into the industry. That
main line and the valleys is happening – but I want it to stretch is our aim for the coming franchise.’
throughout the principality – and that includes the coastal line. Without
this, Wales is at a disadvantage,’ he says.
He insists that station improvements are a necessity and not a luxury,
ASLEF Council
He was also positive about the role of rail freight. ‘We want to see
more in the principality and we will use all the funding we have at our
disposal to build freight hubs across Wales,’ he declared.
SOUTH WALES METRO IS we are essentially
ROUTE TO BETTER a conurbation
BUSINESS with hills. We
SOUTH
Transport Consultant Mark Berry need a metro
system to
WALES
believes there is a ‘water-tight METRO
business case’ for a linked Metro create an
A Transport Led
system across South Wales, operating urban
Regeneration
insisting that ‘Transport is a key conurbation. Programme
component of any economy. Current trends
‘It doesn’t guarantee success – suggest there
could be Berry says Metro
but business cannot do without it,’
he says. And he asks why, if another 60,000 would be fruitful
billions can be found for projects jobs here by 2030. We can’t have
like HS2 and Crossrail, capital all those people coming to work
cannot be found for the Great in cars.’
Western route. ‘The last major He said we needed to think
project in Wales was the Severn about what we can do, rather
Tunnel – and that was in 1886!’ than what exists. ‘People now
He says if Wales is to attract don’t cross valleys. A metro
Metro system ‘will revitalise South Wales’. M&G Barry Consulting Ltd
system can change perceptions so
international businesses, like
Admiral Insurance, it will need that everyone can get everywhere y
pool together: a parochial approach disconcerting view about
rapid and reliable links to in the region.’ is outdated. We need to think more privatisation. ‘Look how much we –
Heathrow and other international
gateways. But he went on to say,
Mark argues that a regional
approach is vital and it can only M&G Barry Consulting Ltd
like Greater Manchester, for example.
Without that concept, there would
the public – put into rail and how
much private investors do. It is still
‘There are 1.4 million people be achieved with integrated be no trams in their city.’ massively publicly owned. If it wasn’t
living within 20 miles of Cardiff – public transport links. ‘We need to Mark also takes a rather - it couldn’t operate.’
24th e 2012AUGUST 2012 RAILS IN WALES
VIEW FROM LABOUR
DIFF: David Hagendyk, who has
been General Secretary of the
Welsh Labour Party since the
end of 2010, says rail policy
debates should be informed
not by consultants or aspiring
politicians but by the people
who work in the industry.
‘They are the people who
really know how to deliver
efficiencies – and what cuts
not to make.’
TAKE A LEAD FROM He says after ‘encouraging’
BEVAN results in the Wales
Victoria Winkler, Director of referendum election – that
the Bevan Foundation gave the green light for more
explained that her devolution – and the Assembly
organisation is elections – which left Labour The futuristic entrance to the Welsh Assembly building in Cardiff
concerned with social only one seat short of an
justice – ‘which rail has overall majority – he should be politics, Labour is working to
a major part in looking forward to the 2015 produce a network of non-
delivering’. Victoria says the Bevan General Election. ‘The reason paying ‘registered supporters’
Although the Foundation wants our I’m not is because the as well as official members that
Foundation takes its involvement government is changing it can keep in touch with – and
name from Aneurin, a constituencies boundaries hoping to take the party to
prime motivator of the National Health Service, partly to ensure it will be workers to have a ‘direct
council housing and the rest of the welfare state, virtually impossible for Labour conversation’ about what
it is a charity independent of any political party. to win an overall majority in voters really want. ‘We want
‘Our mission is a Wales where fairness is the Westminster,’ he says. your ideas, not your cash!’ Welsh Labour concerns over
key-word,’ she says, ‘where all are equal, poverty To increase participation in David says. boundary changes
is a thing of the past and young people have an
equal chance to shape their future.’
The Foundation tries to find solutions to
PENARTH AND COOPERATION
problems and promote them with government,
Vaughan Gething, AM for Cardiff South and Penarth, is a former lawyer
health boards and anyone else – but it also has a
with Thompsons, the union’s solicitors, so it is unsurprising that he saw a
wider agenda. ‘We want to inform and educate
major challenge in the Tory proposals which, while pretending to be
the public about what holds us back and show
‘industrial relations reform’ are in fact ‘ways of making it easier and
that the world doesn’t have to be as it is. In a
cheaper to sack someone.’
society as rich as ours, there is no need for
He was concerned to stress his commitment to education and his
deprivation or disadvantaged people. There is an
determination to make every state school a good school. ‘We will not
alternative.’
have academy schools here,’ he declared. ‘It is wrong that children of the
Victoria was angry about the government
rich have advantages from the age of three.’
constantly blaming working people for claiming
Karen Wilkie, acting General Secretary of the Cooperative Party, says
benefits. ‘There is nothing wrong with the Penarth AM says there
‘mutual and cooperative solutions’ are more important than ever with
people,’ she declared. ‘It is the lack of jobs, and will be no academy
the banking crisis. ‘It is encouraging that people aren’t saying Jimmy Carr
low pay and conditions. Most benefit claimants schools in Wales
is innocent because he didn’t strictly break the law. They are saying
go to work but need supplements to live. In fact,
rather, ‘He may be legally innocent – but he is morally guilty.’
two-thirds of the welfare bill goes on pensions.
The Co-op Party favours a mutual model for Network Rail and Karen condemned a system
It’s difficult to get that over.
whereby UK citizens did not get the benefit of our railways – but the German economy did! ‘It is
‘Similarly, when housing benefits go up, that
folly to farm out dividends to private shareholders and foreign governments,’ she insisted.
is not a benefits problem. It is a housing
problem. Welfare is claimed because the
minimum wage is too low to live on. A low
minimum wage is a sticky floor – it’s very difficult
to get off it!’
The Foundation is working hard on ‘Cuts
Watch Cymru’ to show the effect on equality of
lower government spending and continues to
organise events to share ideas, from meeting
ASLEF representatives to pop concerts. ‘We don’t
care how we get our message across,’ she says.
The Foundation encourages all members to
visit their website, add to their blog or comment
on its activities at www.bevanfoundation.org.
Victoria says it would especially welcome Karen Wilkie says banking
comments from our members about transport crisis strengthens
as a social issue. cooperative movement District 7 Council members who attended the Cardiff meetingRAILS IN WALES The ASLEF JOURNAL
THE PICKET LINE ...
The industrial dispute at
Friction Dynamics Ltd and
the tribunal victory
This October marks the tenth anniversary of the Friction Dynamics strikers spent over two
strikers’ Employment Tribunal victory writes Bryan and a half years on a picket line
Davies ... THE MARCH FOR JUSTICE ...
THE HISTORY OF THE DISPUTE individual dismissal notices effective from 28th
The Friction Dynamics Ltd trade dispute was June 2001.
one of the longest running industrial conflicts
in British history. The dispute became official HOW THE LAW FAILED TO PROTECT
in December 2000 and the strikers spent over STRIKERS
two and a half years on a picket line. It is vital In October 2002 Davis v Friction Dynamics Ltd
the trade union movement learns from the was heard at the Employment Tribunal in
dispute in order to pursue changes in the UK’s Liverpool. This was the first case to test the
oppressive employment laws. idea of ‘protected industrial action’. Hendy and
In the late 1990’s American businessman Ford QCs represented the claimants and the A march and rally of more than 1500 people
Craig Smith took control of the factory and legal arguments turned on two key questions; took place in Caernarfon
ignored bargaining machinery by imposing a First, when were the strikers dismissed? And
productivity package on the workforce. This second, did the dismissal breach the limited TRIBUNAL VICTORY CELEBRATIONS
included a fifteen percent pay cut. Following protection offered under UK laws? Under the
this he unleashed union busting tactics; He Employment Relations Act 1999 strikers were
made union officials redundant, removed protected from dismissal for the first eight
union facilities, ended the deductions of union weeks of a dispute. Barristers argued that the
subscriptions through the paybills and failed Company’s letter of the 1st May amounted to a
to pay wages owed to workers. dismissal during the protected period. The
Members of the T&GWU vented their Tribunal agreed and found that the applicant
feelings by voting for strike action- by a and 85 other strikers were ‘automatically
massive majority of over 91 per cent- and 98 unfairly dismissed’.
per cent voted for an overtime ban. The Having won the case, the only satisfactory
employer locked employees out by imposing remedy would have been re-instatement or re-
holidays and employed casual temporary engagement. However, the Tribunal decision
workers to break the strike. However, on 1st on a ‘remedy’ was delayed as Mr Smith The Tribunal found that strikers were
May 2001 after the first day of strike action the launched an appeal to the Employment ‘automatically unfairly dismissed’
workers were accused of repudiating their Appeals Tribunal. Due to insolvency the appeal
contracts. did not take place. The remedy hearing was employer could sit-out a dispute by attending
The strikers received tremendous support convened on 23rd April 2004, but due to the meetings, only to dismiss strikers after twelve
and donations from the local community and company going into administration the weeks. Secondly, in the last week the union
international trade union movement. Senior Director avoided paying any money to those will be under pressure to compromise. In
labour politicians visited the picket line he sacked. Therefore, the government took on order to prevent dismissals the protection
including the First Minister of the Welsh the liability and only paid a basic award of period could last for the duration of the official
Government and the Secretary of State for around 5k per person. Such low payments are dispute. If strikers are sacked, a Tribunal
Wales. Market traders from London unlikely to act as a deterrent to other law- remedy of automatic re-instatement, re-
distributed food and on the 7th July a march breaking employers. engagement on the same pay and conditions
and rally of more than 1500 people took place or unlimited financial compensation needs to
in Caernarfon. Incredibly, the picket line was REQUIRED CHANGES TO be enforced.
manned from 30th April 2001 until 19th EMPLOYMENT LAW The permanent collective dismissal of an
December 2003, probably the longest picket Bill Morris the T&GWU General Secretary said: entire workforce in the heat of a temporary
in British industrial history. “These dismissals demonstrate the dispute does not make economic sense for the
The T&GWU called in ACAS to help find a inadequacies of the current law to protect employer, worker or state. The most important
solution. However, the first meeting was workers”. Nevertheless, the UK government reform to the law would be to ‘suspend the
cancelled by the company which constituted a made only minor changes to the Employment contract of employment’ during strike action.
‘failure to take reasonable procedural steps to Relations Act 2004 which lengthened the Already established in other EU countries, this
resolve the dispute’. Without a compromise standard protected period from eight to law would be a positive step towards the UK
from the employer the T&GWU notified ACAS twelve weeks and provided a further extension fulfilling its international obligations on
that the members had voted unanimously not for ‘locked out’ days. human rights. Let’s hope the next Labour
to return to work. Consequently, FDL issued This inadequate change meant that an government will make the necessary changes.AUGUST 2012 Obituaries 15
SCOTT LORIMER A the railway, making friends easily, but what many of us will
not just with his colleagues but remember was his famous
LIFE CUT SHORT with platform staff, cleaners and intolerance for alcohol while at
It is with great sadness that I have everyone he came into contact work gatherings.
to report the untimely death of with. Despite spending just five
Scott Lorimer. Scott passed away Always cheerful and years on the railway Scott’s cheery
suddenly at the age of 37 whilst enthusiastic, Scott loved his time smile and double thumbs up are
on holiday with his girlfriend in as a driver, glad to be doing the going to be sadly missed by so
Egypt on the 12th May. job he enjoyed so much. He had many, not only by his friends at
Scott joined Ilford depot in time for everyone, always ready to Ilford, but also at Gidea Park,
January 2007 having previously bend your ear or listen to your Southend and Liverpool Street
worked in the print industry. problems, although it wasn’t and I for one- and I know many
He started at Ilford as a depot always easy to get a word in more- lament the premature
driver where many of us enjoyed edgeways with Scott. passing of a truly great friend.
fun days and nights shunting with Scott was a regular attendee at Scott’s funeral service took
Scott. After serving his time Ilford Branch meetings and was place at the City of London
shunting he later became a always on the picket line during Crematorium on 31st May. There
mainline driver in November the 2009 NXEA dispute. was a huge turnout. I know his Our condolences and thoughts
2008. Outside of work Scott enjoyed family and friends were amazed to go out to his girlfriend Mary, his
Scott was one of the friendliest keeping fit at the gym, took many see such a large number of his parents Cathy and Andy and his
people you could meet, his trips to Scotland to pursue his colleagues both active and retired, sister Lisa.
mischievous and fun personality passion for mountain biking and attend to pay their final respects Keep smiling Scott
shining throughout his time on was an avid watcher of Formula 1, to such a lovely man. Carl Dowdell, Ilford
STEVE BRADDICK AGED JUST 52 MALCOLM DEANE SAD
It is with a sad heart that Birmingham New Street in LOSS OF TALENTED DRIVER
Birmingham New Street 1988 after securing a job as
branch announce the death Driver. Malcolm Deane, a driver with 46 years’
after a short illness of Brother Steve was also a very service, tragically died in service last
Steve Braddick, aka Grim respected and active member September aged 62 after a long battle
aged just 52. of the union. He was for a against cancer. He started in 1965 at the
Steve had a strong passion time the District Council same depot he finished at – Birkenhead. It
for golf and was very involved chairman for District 6 while was then a steam motive power depot that
in the New Street golf society. representing Birmingham Crematorium including worked iron-ore trains from Birkenhead to
He also enjoyed fishing, and New St branch. He had also general secretary Mick the steelworks on Deeside and oil trains
taking his beloved dog ‘Alfie’ held the position of Branch Whelan, EC member Dave from Stanlow.
for walks in the woodlands. Assistant Sec. At a local level Calfe and the full company In the early 1970s he spent several years
His demeanour was always he was a co-opted member of council. This large turnout just at Kings Cross, and much later spent a
dry which earned him the the LLC for a while before went to show the measure of number of years at our sister depot at
nickname ‘Grim’! being voted into the full time our Brother Grim. He will be Kirkdale.
Steve started his railway position of the LLC shortly sorely missed by everybody Malcolm was a self-taught engineer who
career as a Railman at before his untimely death. who had the pleasure of built working steel locos and model ships.
Taunton station in the 1970s. More than 200 members knowing him during his He was also a superb photographer with an
He then got a job as a guard from many depots attended extensive railway career. eye for colour and composition.
at Exeter before moving to his funeral at Streetly R.I.P. Brother Grim. A quiet and friendly man, Malcolm
always had kind words and useful advice to
offer, so that many guards said it was a
ERNEST BRODDLE ASLEF MEMBER FOR MANY YEARS pleasure to work with him.
His funeral was attended by almost
My father was a member of ASLEF for many years and served on the ASLEF committee for the sick
everyone who could make it – including the
and bereaved for the area of Grimsby / Immingham. His certificate of retirement from ASLEF is
Chairman of Merseyrail, managers and
hanging in his bedroom and he was very proud of the way he and his friends were able to help
traction inspectors. But most importantly
people in need. He himself had cancer but fought on for many years. He had laryxnsepomy in
for Malcolm would have been the presence
1974 and has helped many people with the same problem overcome the problems of being able
of so many of his workmates - ASLEF and
to speak again. Sadly he passed away on 1st July at the young age of 91! His wife Edith (my
RMT members from all over the Merseyside
mother), also 91, survives him.
area, including our District Organiser Colin
His son, David Broddle
Smith.
Malcolm was one of the last four ‘steam
WILLIAM MCLAGAN BEM DRIVER AT POLMADIE heads’ at Birkenhead, along with myself,
It is my sad duty to report the recent loss of retired member William McLagan, who was awarded Bob Jones and James (‘Jock’) Orr.
a British Empire Medal. William was a driver at Polmadie, and was well known in the railway Malcolm’s presence in the messroom and
family, well into his retirement. Willie wrote on technical matters in the ASLEF journal and on the front of the train will be sorely
authored books about the railways and steam engines.William was well known and respected in missed. Our thoughts go out to his wife
his local community. He was appreciated for giving his time to others, and particularly for playing Christine and his family.
in concerts in sheltered housing. We convey our deepest sympathies to Willie’s family. Dennis Cook, Retired member,
Alan Moir, Secretary, Polmadie branch Birkenhead16 Obituaries The ASLEF JOURNAL
JACK MOORES A REAL
‘ONE-OFF’
It is my sad duty to report the recent passing
of R. J. (‘Jack’) Moores at the age of 85. Jack was
born in April 1927.
He started as a ‘bar lad’ at 9A Longsight on AST October Geraint Llewelyn
12 January 1942 before his fifteenth birthday.
Rail was still in the LMS era of Claughton, L smashed the record, set in 1998, for
the fastest ever train journey from
Streamlined Coronations and the Turbomotive Cardiff to London, clocking in at 1hour, 37
– all of which he fired. Ambitious young R. J. minutes. It is unsurprising that Geraint, or Ted
was soon looking for promotion and obtained Jack at one of his final reunions as he likes to be called, doesn’t like to hang
transfers first to 8C Garston, then to 8B Dallam round, given how much he has already
(Warrington). He attended all the reunions, his final one managed to squeeze into his 33 years.
However It was in 1955 that Jack ‘came the October 2011 Worth Valley Railway outing. After joining the railways as a rail design
home’ to his favourite shed, 9B Stockport Many of his former colleagues attended his engineer, a job that took him as far as Kuala
(Edgeley). As a Driver and later Deputy funeral to bid farewell to a true friend. Lumpur where he designed and laid down
Foreman, Jack knew the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of Booth Although he drove the ‘Flying Scotsman’ track, Geraint joined EWS, passing as a driver in
Street Motive Power Depot like no-one else. and ‘Oliver Cromwell’ out of Stockport and March 2001. Two days later he joined ASLEF,
Ask him about crewing the Edgeley-Broad back on ‘Farewell to Steam’ specials in the and describes himself as being a proud union
Street and Jack would tell you the return spring of 1968, he was still a regular on Friday man ever since. He is both assistant branch
working was as ‘hooker-on’ to a Euston- nights last summer to see the Scarborough- secretary and a recently appointed Unionlearn
Blackpool. Crewe return specials set down where he rep.
In 1991 I asked Edgeley men to welcome would have a word with the current footplate Given that his father was a driver and ASLEF
ex-9B (5596) Bahamas back to Stockport by men. member for 47 years, his brother in law also
turning out on Platform 3. Jack was the last to Farewell, R. J. You were like 71000 – a real drives out of Swansea and his nephew is about
arrive – but by no means the least: he was in one-off, Jack! to begin shunting for ARRIVA in Wales,
full steam outfit, complete with clogs! Mel Thorley. Longsight branch Geraint’s choice of career seems almost
inevitable, yet originally he wanted to be a vet.
A father of four boys it’s a safe bet that Geraint
YORK BRANCH MOURNS THREE COLLEAGUES won’t be the last Llewelyn to drive trains in this
part of Wales.
Past and present members of people, Bill will always be a three colleagues, aged just Yet just nine weeks ago Geraint found
York Branch will be glad to legend in our Branch. 70, when he passed away on himself in a situation that is every train driver’s
see the back of June 2012, June 16th. Pat started his worst nightmare. While travelling around an ‘S’
during which we lost three railway career at York as an
valued colleagues.
DOUGLAS SMITH Engine Cleaner in 1961. He
bend at 90 mph Geraint saw two young boys,
Douglas Smith also passed
“
progressed through the ranks
away on June 11th, aged 83
BILL WOODALL years of age. Dougie came to
to eventually become a
Bill passed away on June 11th York from Aberdeen in the
Driver. He spent his entire I CAN THINK OF NO
railway career at York Depot,
aged 83. Bill devoted much of late 1960s, and quickly settled until taking early retirement OTHER JOB THAT IS AS
his working life to York into our depot. A great
Branch, serving as both LDC socialiser Dougie was soon
in 1997. Like both Bill and SATISFYING AS DRIVING
”
Dougie, Pat always attended
member and Branch one of the lads. Dougie our Annual Reunion, and he A TRAIN
Secretary for many years. battled against cancer, but he
When Bill retired I took over used to really enjoy sharing
bravely managed to attend his memories with us.
as Branch Secretary and I will our Annual Reunion in May,
always be grateful for the While we all mourn the aged seven and six years old playing on the
although by then he was passing of our three valued track. He did what every driver is trained to do
advice that Bill gave me. Bill desperately ill. A lovely guy
also served on the ASLEF friends, our thoughts are with when faced with an emergency. Braked hard,
who will be missed by all who their families that they have and sounded his horn. While the older boy fled
Appeals Committee for a knew him.
while, as well as being our left behind. the younger of the two froze in fear, before
representative at District A.B.Penn, Retired disappearing from Geraint’s line of sight.
Council No 4. A lovely man PAT WEST Former Branch Geraint spent two terrible hours convinced
who thrived on helping Pat was the youngest of our Secretary York he had hit and killed the youngster. ‘Travelling
at that speed I wouldn’t have felt anything’ he
said. You can only imagine his relief when the
transport police informed him that they had
found both boys and escorted them safely
JACK EVANS LOVED THE AGE OF STEAM ENGINES home. Despite this Geraint spent a sleepless
Retired train driver Jack Evans who worked at Reading depot all of his life passed away on June night thinking about his own children.’ Even
12 from the effects of cancer at the age of 86. Jack joined the railway in 1941 as a fireman and though I’m a driver my boys don’t really know
remained in this position for 16 years. Jack was promoted to a driver and worked steam trains for anything about rail safety’.
8 years and then diesels for the next 23 years until retiring on his 64th birthday. Jack always loved The next day he approached his driver
to drive King class steam engines and right up to when he passed away he would tell you a story manager, who was himself an ASLEF member
about how these were the best steam engines ever made, especially the Evening Star and Castle for 28 years, and told him that ‘something had
class. Jack leaves two daughters and four grandchildren and our thoughts go out to them. to be done’. Geraint put together a package,
W Morley, Bournemouth depot containing information about rail safety and aYou can also read
