At a recent meeting with First Capital Connect, Regional Organiser Dawn Vallance was represented at her appeal dismissal by Shaun Brady. We are pleased that First Capital Connect listened to the arguments put forward and has agreed to Dawn’s reinstatement.
We have reproduced Dawn's letter of thanks on the ATCU letters page. This speaks volumes about the people and what this union is about.
Shaun Brady said “I would like to thank the Regional Organiser Steve Trumm for his excellent work in the meetings, such people like Steve rarely receives the gratitude and respect they deserve”.
27 October 2009 How ironic
The ancient Greeks were lovers of irony and nothing can be more ironic that the situation of National Express and the latest quarterly national rail trends published on the 22nd October by the Office of Rail Regulations.
National Express East Coast took the title of most improved operator thanks to a rise in punctuality during the first three months of the year. Percentage of trains arriving on time (National Express East Cost) 2008-09 Quarter 1 86.1 rising to 90.4 in 2009-10 Quarter 1.
Don’t expect to see them next year now the government has removed the East Cost franchise from National Express.
As the author David Foster Wallace once said “The great thing about irony is that it splits things apart, gets up above them so we can see the flaws and hypocrisies and duplicates”.
23 October 2009 Political consensus for transport is now on the table
It has been reported that Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis has been holding informal discussions with the other major parties to improve the chances of a cross-party consensus on High Speed rail.
The Department of Transport confirmed to the ATCU that the Transport Secretary has been in several talks with Theresa Villiers of the Conservatives and Norman Baker of the Liberal Democrats about the prospects for a domestic High Speed network.
However, it is warned that no formal agreement is possible until the government's own High Speed 2 company publishes its report at the end of this year.
In our own discussion with the political parties we have raised the issue that rail must be taken out of the 5 year parliamentary voting cycle where transport investment is dictated by who or who is not in office after a general election.
Shaun Brady Acting General Secretary said “Here is a great opportunity to bring all parties together in a consensus for future investment and forward planning of the whole rail industry”
“This is what has been lacking for decades, a political will by everyone and we commend all for their foresight”.
23 October 2009 Rrofits expected to be lower - National Express Group
Profits are expected to be lower than expected this year, according to National Express Interim Management Statement. The warning comes at the same time as discussion continues about a possible merger with Stagecoach Group.
If a merger did go ahead, Stagecoach would be set to acquire both the c2c and East Anglia franchises, as well as the Midland Metro tram concession. NXG said East Anglia had met its performance targets, which should qualify it for a three-year franchise extension from April 2011. However, any extension of the contract will be subject to a formal review by the DfT next month.
21 October 2009 Train collision in northern India
It is being reported that a train collision in northern India has resulted in fatuities and injuries.
The death toll remained uncertain. Railway officials said 13 people were killed and 15 injured in the crash. But the top administrative official of Mathura, where the collision occurred, put the number of dead at 21, with about as many injured.
An unreserved compartment of the Mewar Express was damaged in the accident that took place between Mathura and Vrindavan.
The Goa Express, bound for New Delhi from the western coastal state of Goa, was running on the same track as the Mewar, which shuttles between New Delhi and Udaipur, in western Rajasthan state. Both trains have stops in Mathura, about 90 miles south of New Delhi..
We are all too aware of the seriousness and the sorrow of such an accident and our thoughts are with those involved. Letters of condolence from the members of the ATCU will immediately be forwarded.
19 October 2009 Stagecoach & National Express Ltd
Following the dramatic fall in share prices last Friday, National Express today recovered slightly after it emerged that Stagecoach had approached the struggling company with a merger bid.
As we previously reported (16 October 2009), prior to a failed consortium takeover, Stagecoach was hoping that it could have profited from the takeover through the purchasing of the bus and rail business.
Reports that Stagecoach had approached the Department for Transport (DfT) with a controversial transaction have become a reality. It was reported that Stagecoach agreed to pay the DfT around £100m as a "change of control" tariff to ensure it will not be forced to relinquish the East Anglia and c2c services if it acquires National Express' rail portfolio.
Following an invitation By National Express, Stagecoach has drawn up proposals for a deal that would see National Express take up 40 per cent of the merged group, estimated to be worth £1.7bn per cent of the merged group, estimated to be worth £1.7bn
16 October 2009 From bad to worse for National Express
Troubled train and coach company National Express saw its shares plunge by a massive 28 per cent following Spains Cosmen family and CVC Capital Partners walked away from their takeover bid of the ailing company.
The consortium, which had made an indicative 500p-a-share bid, worth about £765 million, or about £1.7 billion including debt said that it had decided not to make an offer and the Cosmens would now support plans for National Express to pay down its debt mountain by raising cash from shareholders.
The original idea had been for the Cosmens, who already own 18.5% of National Express, and CVC to fund the offer. The Cosmens and CVC planned to break up the company, having agreed to sell its UK rail and bus businesses in a side-deal to Stagecoach, the co-owner of Virgin Trains and operator of Waterloo’s South West Trains and St Pancras's East Midland Trains.
The pull out is a further blow to National Express who was sacked from its flagship King's Cross based East Coast Mainline in June after refusing to pay back excess profits of £1.4 billion. That plunged the company into crisis and prompted chief executive Richard Bowker to walk out for a lucrative job in Abu Dhabi, leaving chairman John Devaney in executive control.
Following discussions with the DfT, National Express has now undertook to pay the taxpayer £1.4bn by 2015.
15 October 2009 Get it together and stop passing the blame
Proposed extra carriages have been reported as too little too late.
The service known as the ‘nightmare line’ from Rochdale to Manchester city centre has been notoriously overcrowded for years. With the closing of the Oldham loop line which will be replaced by the Metrolink route, many commuters have experienced problems getting onto the already full trains.
This has caused the Manchester Transport authority to hire five or six carriages sidelined from the closed line to be added onto the route, thereby adding an extra carriage per service.
The authority's chairman, Keith Whitmore, says the move will have a positive effect and he hopes this will 'shame the government into action' and has hit out at operator Northern Rail for their lack of support.
It is reported that Northern Rail did not acted because of funding issues
Here we see a failure of forward planning. Rather than setting objectives and agreements through joined up planning, some have the ability to pass the blame onto others. The people who suffer most are the members of the public, our customers, who invariably criticise the staff.
Come on people, get it together and stop passing the blame.
14 October 2009 Keep your security sofetware up-to-date
We apologise for any inconvenience cause through the inaccessibility of this website over the last month. We thank members and members of the public for bringing the initial issue quickly to our attention when it was discovered that a third party hacked into the website and implanted malicious malware. This has caused us a considerable amount of time and expense to remove
Always keep your system protected with the use of appropriate security software and ensure that it is updated weekly if not daily.
1 September 2009 1,800 job cut in rail infrastructure
Britain’s rail infrastructure company, Network Rail is reported to be reducing 5 per cent of its total 33,000 workforce. Speaking to the ATCU Network Rail said that jobs are expected to go from the maintenance section.
The announcement follows the report by the Office of Rail Regulations statement that its budget will be squeezed by £4 billion over the next five years, meaning it must reduce its costs by 21 per cent.
In their statement Network Rail said that “a common structure, new technology, improved standards and better track information will allow us to focus our efforts even more on preventing faults and eliminating delays while providing a safe, efficient and reliable railway fit for the 21st century”.
Arguably the maintenance division has been singled out for efficiencies because its budget included provision for certain large-scale upgrade work which has been completed, while technological changes also now mean fewer staff are required.
22 August 2009 Network Rail unveils plans for £34 billion high-speed rail link
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Britain’s rail infrastructure Network Rail, unveiled plans today for a 34 billion pound high-speed rail link from London to the north of Britain that would halve journey times to Scotland to just over two hours.
The 200 mph (320 kph) route would run direct from London to Manchester then proceed through Preston to the Scottish border, where it would split and reach twin terminals in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Spur lines would take passengers to Birmingham in the west Midlands and to Liverpool.
The high speed line proposes to run up to 16 trains an hour from London to Scotland, and four trains an hour between regional cities.
The plans come as the government awaits separate proposals due in December from High Speed 2, a company it set up earlier this year to draw up detailed plans for a fast north-south rail link. Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said High Speed 2 would take "full account" of Network Rail's research. |
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22 August 2009 Think Tank Says Scrap Rail Electrification
The think tank ‘Reform’ argues that ’expensive white elephant projects’ should be scrapped and the money invested elsewhere.
It suggests high-speed rail links should be replaced with the cheaper option of introducing longer trains with greater capacity.
The report also proposes abolishing car tax and moving to a system of pay-as-you-drive instead, with the revenue raised ring-fenced for re-investment in transport. It points out that various motoring taxes raise £45bn each year, but only a fifth of that sum is spent on the road network.
The argument against high-speed rail links is likely to prove controversial. As we reported on the 6 and 7 August there is a political consensus for rail electrification which culminated in the announcement by the government of a £1bn investment to electrify the Great Western line, including the track from South Wales to London. Following our meeting with each of the plitical parties each once voiced there support for electrification.
The work will be completed by 2017, and will cut journey times between London Paddington and Swansea by 20 minutes. Network Rail said at the time of the announcement that the scheme represented “good value for money”.
The report argues: “Grand projects should be abandoned in favour of sweating existing assets – for example, existing trains could be lengthened to significantly increase capacity... improving facilities for walking and cycling could have a big impact at relatively low cost.
“As a capacity crisis approaches, policymakers need to focus on practical, value- for-money solutions, instead of big white elephant projects, to deliver improvements.”
On roads, it suggests that using the hard shoulder as an extra lane on motorways should be used as an affordable way to reduce congestion.
Reform believes the debate over transport policy has wrongly focused “around what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’” instead of creating infrastructure based on demand. Government spending on road and rail each year is roughly equivalent despite a far higher number of people travelling by road.
“Transport options have become politicised with whether or not you travel by bicycle, train or car becoming a statement of identity,” the report says.
“This is a false distinction. The evidence shows that when one mode of transport is improved people do not defect from another mode to that one, they simply travel more.”
Who is Reform?
They are a free market British think-tank that describes itself as an "independent, non-party think tank whose mission is to set out a better way to deliver public services and economic prosperity."
“Our aim is to produce research of outstanding quality on the core issues of the economy, health, education and law and order on the right balance between government and individual; and to communicate it to politicians and opinion formers in all parties and none in order to create a consensus for reform”.
It has on its Advisory Board members of parliament Rt Hon Frank Field MP Labour MP for Birkenhead and Ed Vaizey, Conservative MP for Wantage.
Positions held in the advisory Council Advisory Council include Dr Ruth Lea, Director, Centre for Policy Studies and Chris Woodhead, former Chief Inspector of Schools
20 August 2009 Smart' Ticketing
The UK government has announced plans to roll-out a nationwide ticketing system for public transport that could be based on NFC enabled mobile phones and SIM cards.
The Government estimates that the benefits of universal 'integrated smart' ticketing could be as much as £2 billion per year through improved journey times and faster, more convenient and reliable purchasing and use of tickets, with benefits for local government and operators too.
Other proposals could see electronic tickets or pre-pay credit loaded straight onto a mobile phone enabling it to be used as a ticket; or "contactless" payment which will allow ordinary bank cards to pay instantaneously for travel simply by being passed over a terminal, dispensing with the need for a ticket at all.
The Government hopes that the Smart and Integrated Ticketing Strategy (ITSO) will build on the previously introduction of the ‘Oyster’ smart card which is used in 78 per cent of bus and tube journeys in London.
All recently let rail franchises and new England-wide concessionary bus passes must be ITSO compatible and the government has announced the intention to pay a higher rate of Bus Service Operator Grant (BSOG) to operators which are equipped with operational ITSO smartcard readers.
19 August 2009 Getting Organised
On Thursday the 6th August 2009 ATCU representatives met with Amey-Colas to discuss the planned redundancies attributed to the downturn in business. All three unions were invited to attend but ATCU was the only union present.
Several proposals were put forward, that included a temporary reduction in hours and holiday, unfortunately these did not meet all the requirements of the company and the prospect of three redundancies remained on the table. Further discussions then took place and our concerns regarding the Health Safety and Welfare of the remaining Amey-Colas employees who would have to take on additional duties, were expressed along with other suggestions of flexibility. All of our efforts to avoid these redundancies were received well by the management team, who at all times have acted with courtesy and integrity.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the management team to make known to all those threatened with redundancy a list of alternative vacancies within the company, for which they could apply. In addition to this, in the event of an upturn in the economy and workloads increasing, those selected for redundancy will be the first to be notified of any future vacancies. The number of redundancies has now been reduced from three to two.
ATCU has worked hard to avoid these redundancies and although we have not managed to save all the jobs threatened with redundancy, we have contributed to saving one. It is sad that at times like this that all unions cannot work together.
Our thanks goes to workplace representative and Cumbria Committee member Rob Daffern who has worked tirelessly for the benefit of all concerned. Well done Rob!
18 August 2009 Rail passengers are set to benefit from lower rail fares
Rail passengers are set to benefit from lower rail fares
From January 2010 Rail passengers are set to benefit from lower rail fares following today's announcement by the Office for National Statistics that the Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at -1.4% in July this year. This is in contrast to the huge hikes made early this year and will only slightly offset those increases.
On the majority of rail journeys fares are regulated by the Government. Increases to most of those fares are capped at RPI+1% with the changes implemented in January, based on the previous July's RPI figure.
Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said:
“Today’s RPI figure of -1.4% means that the majority of regulated rail fares, including most commuter fares, will fall in January.
“This is good news. For the first time in a generation passengers across the country will see their fares fall. Drops in fares should encourage more people to travel by train, which is good for the economy and the environment.
Transport Minister Adonis has also closed a loophole that had allowed operators to raise some fares up to 5 % above the national fare change, protecting passengers from unduly steep rises in regulated fares next year.
Two train operators are currently excepted from the RPI+1% rule:
Southeastern has a higher cap of RPI +3% for five years from 2007. This is in recognition of historically low fares on Southeastern and to allow for the investment recently made in the Kent services.
In the Northern franchise, West Yorkshire PTE fares also have a higher cap of RPI +3% from 2007 until the end of the franchise to enable investment in additional trains in and around Leeds.
18 August 2009 £1bn funding for Scotland’s railway enhancements
Ministers have agreed £1bn funding for Scotland’s biggest package of railway enhancements in a generation. They will include electrifying the track between Glasgow and Edinburgh and bringing fastest journey times down to just over half an hour.
Agreement over the funding mechanism will cause relief for ministers. They have so far failed to win approval from Westminster for plans to borrow £2.3bn to pay for a replacement Forth road crossing – a project whose size still threatens to derail other major transport spending schemes over the next decade.
By contrast, the EGIP programme, which involves electrifying more than 350km of track, a new interchange at Gogar and major improvements to track infrastructure and stations, will not require any government borrowing.
According to The Herald newspaper the exact terms of the finance, including the repayment terms, are yet to be ironed out but that the principle of borrowing against Network Rail’s assets has been agreed and sanctioned by the Office of Rail Regulation.
Inustry analysts have described it as the most significant improvement to Scotland’s railways since the electrification of routes in Ayrshire in the mid-1980s.
Liberal Democrat transport spokeswoman Alison McInnes welcomed the news and said: “This sort of investment in our railways is vital if we are to meet the ambitious emissions targets set out the recent Climate Change Bill.
“It will also help the economies of Glasgow and Edinburgh in weathering the current economic storm.”
However she added: “It is important to remember, however, that investment is needed in all of Scotland’s railways and not just the lines in the Central Belt.”
11 August 2009 An extremely sad day at Cambridge depot for all the staff who knew Fred.
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Fred was our gentle giant, who would never take offence at any comment and was always over-seeing the running of the depot at First Capital Connect, he was sometimes known as the "Managing Director" as bits of "Fred's news and planning" appeared around the depot.
Fred was recently diagnosed with diabetes and spent a short time off the main line but continued to help with depot administration duties, whilst not engaged doing that, he would pop along the corridor and wind up the girls in the pay office, returning with a huge satisfied toothless grin. To watch this huge hearted bloke eat a roll was entertaining itself, akin to a real life "gurning contest." Considering the mans lack of teeth nothing was beyond him in the food department
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Fred House |
Freds collection of shorts fell below the standard often found in the mens department at most clothing shops and hair cuts were often a D.I.Y. job.
But with a heart of 24 carat gold, he would do anything for anyone, never bore a grudge and had a place in everyone's heart who knew him. A big man to the very last, Hopefully you're with your Mum again now, who was so very proud of you.
Rest in peace old friend.
Paul Ogram, Branch Chair Cambridge
7 August 2009 Electrification on the Table
Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis told the Guardian newspaper that Britain is aiming to replace short-haul aviation with high-speed rail travel and plans for such a network are well advanced
The paper said in its Wednesday edition that the government plans to publish by the end of the year a route from London to Birmingham, which could be funded with a public-private partnership and which could be extended to Scotland.
There are also plans to run high-speed trains on the existing network, which could reduce journey times from London to Scotland to three and a half hours, the paper added.
"For reasons of carbon reduction and wider environmental benefits, it is manifestly in the public interest that we systematically replace short-haul aviation with high-speed rail," Adonis told the paper.
"But we would have to have, of course, the high-speed network before we can do it."
He added he would like to see high-speed rail replace both domestic and European flights. Last month the government unveiled plans to spend 1.1 billion pounds ($1.86 billion) to electrify more of its rail network, reducing journey times between London and Swansea, and Liverpool and Manchester.
(Reporting by Laurence Fletcher)
ATCU wants to take transport out of the parliamentary 5 year voting cycle where transport investment is dictated by who or who is not in office after a general election. This is not beneficial to you or the rail industry. We welcome all parties involvement in the future of our railways but this can only be done through cohesive planning and party consensus.
6 August 2009 Shadow Transport Minister Criticises Lord Adonis
Stephen Hammond, Conservative MP for Wimbledon and shadow transport minister criticises Lord Adonis for hijacking the Conservatives commitment to high speed rail.
Reported in the Guardian Mr Hammond said that “where the Conservative party has led the high-speed rail debate, the transport secretary has followed”.
“If a week is a long time in politics”, he said, “then 10 months is more like a lifetime. Only 10 months ago Ruth Kelly, then transport secretary, derided our plans, now Lord Adonis is threatening to quit if the government does not follow our lead on high speed rail”.
“Even before Labour allowed a single civil servant to investigate the benefits of high speed rail, we conducted a thorough feasibility study and committed ourselves to building a new high-speed rail line connecting London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds”.
“We see our commitment as the first step in a national high-speed network which will see our line extended to Newcastle and Scotland with further new lines linking up major cities across the UK. What is more, our proposals are fully funded and have a defined timescale”.
“I believe that any new high-speed link must include a connection to Heathrow airport, and this will provide a real alternative to thousands of short haul flights currently clogging up the airport. By freeing up landing slots, we can tackle the overcrowding crisis at Heathrow and allow more space for long haul flights. Heathrow would become a much better airport, but without the environmental damage that would be caused by a third runway. High-speed rail negates the need for runway three”.
“Whilst successive transport secretaries have failed to even recognise new lines as a solution to the rail industry's problems, it has long been clear to me that if we are going to build a greener and more competitive Britain, we need to rise to the high-speed rail challenge”.
Full transcript can be found at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/aug/06/high-speed-rail-adonis-conservatives
6 August 2009 Deadline Given on National Express
It has been reported that a consortium manoeuvring to buy troubled transport group National Express has been given until September 11 come up with a firm takeover offer or shelve any bid for at least six months.
Venture capital group CVC and Spain’s Cosmen who owns 19% of the company is being pressured to provide a firm offer. The CVC consortium has said that it will buy National Express only if it can keep the two railway franchises with an extension of the East Anglia to 2014.
It is also reported that Stagecoach wants to take part of the business if the CVC takeover is successful.
National Express was recently forced to give up its East Coast Rail franchise because it was making big losses. The government has threatened to strip the company of its two other rail operations - the C2C franchise to the east of London and the East Anglia franchise. However, talks are underway between the Department of Transport and National Express to see if the troubled company could hold on to the two franchises if it were taken over by another company.
16 July 2009 Quality of Employees Lives Affected
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The General Secretary (Acting) of the ATCU, Shaun Brady, has said that employees within the industry are suffering nervous breakdowns because of the intensity of security that they are operating under while performing their work.
Mr. Brady told the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Theresa Villiers, that because of the way that the blame reporting system worked, the quality of employees lives was being affected.
He said that the system meant that workers had to report themselves and then the companies wanted to sack them. |
Shaun Brady
General Secretary
Teresa Villiers, Phil Sullivan
Denis Reading |
He said that in some cases people were afraid to go back to work and Mrs. Villiers said that this was “very worrying”.
The no blame philosophy was one of many issues raised by a delegation from the union when they met Mrs. Villiers, on Tuesday July 14, in London for a full and frank exchange of views on many aspects of the transport industry.
Mr. Brady said that the fairest way to deal with issues when they arose was through Health and Safety and called for a system to be introduced similar to the one that operated within British Airways.
Mr. Brady referred to the cost of training drivers and said that some companies were getting rid of drivers so that they could claim grants for training others. People, he said, were becoming expendable.
He went on to outline the ATCU’s policies and said that the union was in favour of across the board consultations with all interested parties involved in the development of a long term transport strategy.
He said that the union would negotiate hard for their members rights but that industrial action would always be a last resort.
Many other issues were raised at the meeting with Mrs Villiers and elements of the Conservative Transport policy were discussed in detail including the development of regional airports and the need to integrate road and rail services to ease traffic congestion.
Mr. Brady said that the union would like to set up regular meetings with Mrs Villiers who agreed that ongoing dialogue would be great and the suggestion was made that the union would meet with her twice a year.
Mr. Brady said that the union wanted to develop a relationship with Mrs Villiers in the same way as they had with the Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Norman Baker.
The Union were represented at the meeting with Mrs Villiers by Shaun Brady, Phil Sullivan, Welsh Regional Organiser and Denis Reading, Press Officer
16 July 2009 Safety is Sacrosanct
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It has come to our attention that ScotRail and other companies have cancelled/reduced safety days and therefore in our opinion abrogated the Hidden and Cullen safety recommendations.
After the 1988 Clapham rail disaster Sir Anthony Hidden QC made certain recommendations. When his 230-page report was published he listed 91 recommendations into every aspect of the crash, and his thoroughness was seen as reflecting the effect that the accident had on the whole travelling public. In his recommendations Hidden made comment on cost and safety:
‘BR shall ensure that the organisational framework exists to prevent commercial considerations of a business-led railway from compromising safety’. |
Shaun Brady
Acting General Secretary |
Following the Ladbroke Grove incident Rt Hon Lord Cullen also made recommendations relating to safety. One of the recommendations was that drivers would go beyond safety training and briefing days of every 8 weeks. These safety days were designed to brief and discuss with drivers on items of safety, publications and all relevant safety issues within the scope of their job:
‘The Inquiry heard evidence about the system of team briefings within Thames Trains whereby each driver received a written brief every four weeks covering operational matters and local issues. This written briefing process was reinforced by a rostered face to face meeting between the drivers and a driver standards manager. These meetings were held every eight weeks and it was expected that no driver would miss more than two consecutive briefings. I consider that a driver should have a face to face meeting with his or her driver standards manager at least monthly, if not more often, and that safety should be the first item on the agenda of these meetings’.
Anthony Hidden QC also made reference to this observation regarding the importance of training through many of his comments including the inclusion of the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways, Major C.F. Rose
‘A year before in his report on railway safety for the year 1984, he [Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways, Major C.F. Rose] had written that:. . .
The human factors behind some of the more serious train accidents suggest that improvements should be sought in the training and supervision of train drivers and in the equipment provided to assist them in their duties’.
ATCU believes that these recommendations were sacrosanct and all Train Operating and Freight Companies must adhere by the Hidden and Cullen recommendations as a minimum and also part of their franchise agreement.
Shaun Brady Acting General Secretary said “This trade union will not stand by and see private rail companies deliberately and neglectfully watering down the recommendations that Hidden and Cullen put forward and the BRB accepted in their entirety”
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“We as the ATCU will not allow these private railway companies to compromise safety in a cost cutting exercise to maximise their profits.
“The ATCU is quite clear in its objective – the safety of passengers who travel on the railway is paramount and we will not see safety being used as a cost cutting exercise”, declared the General Secretary”.
1 July 2009 Norman Baker MP and ATCU's view of NXEC
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On the 23 June it was our pleasure to meet with Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democratic Shadow Secretary of State for Transport. This is the first of many meetings which we hope will lead to the start of a positive relationship with all the representatives of our great industry.
What was of interest was the proposals by the Liberal Democratic Party’s transport policy, taking into consideration today’s announcement on National Express East Coast (NXEC). |
Shaun Brady, Norman Baker MP,
Phil Sullivan and David Nixon |
Mr Baker told the ATCU that “NXEC should be taken over as a public interest franchise and be used as a comparison against the private sector”. Mr Baker speaking on 5 Live also argued that the company should relinquish other operations under its control.
At the 23 June meeting Mr Baker informed ATCU that “National Express should not be allowed to just hand back its failing East Coast operation while it continues to make a profit on its other routes. Handing back one franchise must mean handing back them all”.
ATCU agreed with his comments and we further believe it is only a matter of time that this suggestion of removing the rest of the franchises becomes a reality.
Speaking on the same programme Regional Organiser, Steve Trumm, supported Mr Baker’s view and reiterated this union’s policy of the benefits of a comparison TOC. Steve also raised the important issue that people are being dissuaded from raising Health & Safety matters within the industry. One case was raised where a member has continually highlighted the issue of a defective horn on the Class 185 Unit. Yesterday, this member was dismissed on a trivial argument which actually related to the defectiveness of the horn.
Working Together
ATCU is not a one political party union. We believe it is essential to speak and lobby all political parties. Failure to do so would do injustice to our members and the rail industry.
ATCU wants to take transport out of the parliamentary 5 year voting cycle where transport investment is dictated by who or who is not in office after a general election. This is not beneficial to you or the rail industry. The only way forward is for sustained investment and cohesive planning through cross party consensus.
Mr Baker gave a brief outline of the changes proposed by the Lib Dems to enhance the rail network across the country:
- The introduction of a high speed rail network that would slash journey times to the North of England and Scotland;
- Electrification of virtually the entire network to improve efficiency;
- The re-opening of lines, and stations, across the country.
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- The re-opening of lines, and stations, across the country.
The Lib Dems would pay for this increased investment in our rail network by implementing a surcharge on domestic flights, as well as a national road pricing scheme for all lorries.
ATCU raised concerns and issues of our own:
- Freight industry
- Common understanding required for the industry through cross party support
- unjust treatment of whistleblowers and no blame philosophy
- Right to freedom of speech at depots
- Belligerent attitude of some managers
following the meeting Mr Baker said “I was very pleased to have such a productive meeting with ATCU, and I hope that this will be the start of a mutually beneficial relationship. Since the meeting, I have written to ATOC to ask them to help ensure that ATCU is able to represent its members properly within the rail industry, as a union is entitled to do. The Lib Dems firmly believe that rail is the future of public transport, and I look forward to working with ATCU to further develop the rail industry.”
Further meetings are to be arranged and we will keep you informed of this exciting new development.
23 June 2009 Washington DC
ATCU forwards its condolences to the workers and people involved in the subway collision in Washington DC
Our thoughts go out to those who lost their lives, their families, and to their loved ones
15 June 2009 Crewe Meeting
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Acting General Secretary Shaun Brady and ATCU Communications David Nixon attended the inaugural meeting of the Crewe branch on Sunday 14 June.
“It was my privilege to be invited to a meeting at Crewe to speak about the ATCU and its vision for the future. It was also my honour to be a witness to the opening of the ATCU Crewe branch” said Shaun. |
At the meeting a member asked “what priorities does ATCU have for the future”, Shaun replied by asking “what priorities do you have for this union”?
“You are this union; you set this union’s priorities. You are the power and the driving force of this union”.
“You have the strength of conviction to change this industry, to take control, to argue for trade union rules that free people”.
Shaun went on to say; “why do you think this government, after 12 years and millions of pounds from working class people, have yet changed any significant trade union laws? Why has this government not given you the same employment rights as those on mainland Europe? Because they need you to be enslaved by the mechanisms of the corporations”. |
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“We refuse to become a corporate body that sees everyone as a commodity, a corporation that enslaves, that is why we say this union cascades upwards not downwards; it is a union that frees you from corporate slavery”.
“Part of that freedom must also be seen at your place of work. The freedom to speak and contribute without repercussions or reprisals”.
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No blame philosophy.
Shaun argued that the industry must have a no blame philosophy. “I understand where you are coming from” said Shaun when some of the members smiled, “but the industry has got away with it for far too long and they have to be made to accept this philosophy”. “This is what happens in British Airways” he said
“Can you imagine, they are fitting a £250,000 part into the plane and there is a problem so the mechanic says stuff that, if I tell anyone I’ll get the sack, but we know the consequences of this action”.
“No, BA says, tell us of the problem, and let’s fix it. Let us learn from our mistakes so it does not happen again”. |
“In this industry it’s shut the hell up, don’t tell anyone else, don’t talk to anyone, otherwise the management squeezes where it hurts”.
“This has got to change; companies have got to be made to accept the no blame philosophy for the good of the industry and the welfare of the employees”.
Management attitude
One member agreed about management attitude when he said that “one area of concern is that workers cannot say anything nor have any disagreement with management”.
“This is exactly what has happened within the industry”, Shaun said, “People have lost the respect for each other and we need to change this, which is what is meant when we say take back our industry”. “But it is not this union that is going to do it; it’s you, you the members”.
“The industry is fragmented but it is you who must remain the whole, a united force with pride and passion for this industry”.
Annual Leave
An issue concerning annual leave overriding accumulated restdays was discussed. “I find it incredible, no, I find it immoral that a worker who puts in extra hours and accumulates those hours can lose them if the restdays coincides with annual leave”.
“Those hours belong to you, the company either pays you the hours or you get time off in lieu”.
“ATCU is pursuing this injustice because this is simply theft, who in their right mind would agree to such an act”?
Footnote:
Today we received a phone call from a member who reiterated the above when explaining his problem. The member said that people are only giving their bare minimum in order to get by. They will not go anywhere near the manager’s office although the manager says his door is always open. They experience the continuous feeling of intimidation and fear what is going to happen next.
This kind of behaviour is not acceptable and must not be tolerated. Such actions are akin to the factor owner who wields the stick of authority which they use to batter the workforce. Their armoury is the threat of taking away their means of supporting their family, their job.
This is becoming more widespread in our industry and it is time to stamp it out.
8 June 2009 Judge Crispin found for claimant driver
His Honour, Judge Crispin found for a Claimant driver who suffered a dislocated shoulder injury, from an inspection pit fall whilst preparing a locomotive for duty.
Indeed the Defendants admitted liability to the Claimant but then failed to both respond to most of the Solicitors correspondence, and attend Court at Romford.
However, in light of the fact, the Defendants failed to attend court, the Judge felt that the Claimant was entitled to both loss of earnings and additional substantial damages were awarded.
The Claimant is particularly grateful to the ATCU for referring him to their specialist solicitors Holmes & Hills and for the support and encouragement throughout by both Regional Organisers for Midland, Engineering and Infrastructure and Eastern & Underground.
This case is as an example of the support given to all members by the Union – your Union!
7 June 2009 ATCU welcomes Lord Adonis and Sadiq Khan to the rail fraternity
Lord Adonis becomes the new Secretary of State for Transport and Sadiq Khan as minister.
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Lord Adonis replaced Geoff Hoon immediately after Mr Hoon’s resignation from the government on Friday. Prior to this he was appointed minister of state for transport in October 2008, having served over three years at the then Department for Education and Skills.
Back in April of this year commuters got direct access to Lord Adonis when he embarked upon a six-day rail voyage across Britain.
Lord Adonis said he wanted "first-hand experience" of the rail service saying the trip was "deadly serious" and not just a publicity exercise. |
He said: "I think it's very important for ministers who are in charge of public services to really experience intensively the public services they are responsible for.
"I don't think you can be a good transport minister unless you really do understand instinctively how the transport system works.
"My plan is to get to railway lines I have rarely or never used."
Sadiq Khan
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The son of a London bus driver Mr Khan has experienced a meteoric rise within the Labour government.
In 2007, he was appointed a government whip. Then, in October 2008, Mr Khan was promoted to under-secretary of state in the Department for Communities and Local Government. He had special responsibility for community cohesion, the fire and rescue service, preventing violent extremism, the valuation and tribunal service and planning and local government. |
12 May 2009 Court Blames Driver’s Neck Problems on DOO System
His Honour Judge Yelton found for a Claimant driver who alleged that the exacerbation of a neck condition was brought about as a result of the Driver Only Operated system as in use by the London Eastern Railway Ltd between Cambridge and Liverpool Street.
Indeed the Defendants admitted liability to the Claimant but denied that the exacerbation of his neck condition had anything to do with the system operated by them. It is not surprising that the Defendants admitted liability because they disclosed an Ergonomic Report that they had done which dammed the system.
However, the Judge felt that on the balance of probabilities the Claimant’s condition had been exacerbated by the system by five years and substantial damages were awarded.
The Claimant is particularly grateful to the ATCU for referring him to their specialist solicitors Holmes & Hills and for their support and encouragement throughout. This case is as an example of the support given to all members by the Union – your Union!
1 May 2009 Who will win, money or management
Insiders are saying that an announcement is imminent on the successful candidate for the South Central rails franchise following rumours that the Department for Transport has been having regular meetings with one of the four bidders.
The four contenders consist of National Express, Stagecoach, NedRailways and the present operator, Govia
Due to the continuing financial problems experienced by National Express, South Central may be too big a challenge.
Some have been saying that the decision by Stagecoach to take the DfT to a tribunal over the terms of its SWT contract has made the department a little, let’s see, how can this be put? Somewhat upset.
This leaves Govia and NedRailways. Each of the companies has something to offer. NedRailways who holds the bigger financial pot against Govia who has shown an ability to successfully manage the London commuter market.
In an uncertain economic market will it be money or management that wins the day.
28 April 2009
Refurbishment of Cornish line completed ahead of schedule
The £7.8m Improvements were carried out on the Falmouth Branch line to increase capacity in the area. The number of trains between Truro, Penryn and Falmouth is to rise from 13 to 29 a day, with peak services running every 30 minutes from May.
The project is part of Cornwall Council's strategy to meet growing travel demands.
It was funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Cornwall Council and Network Rail.
As part of the works, a 400m (1,312ft) passing track was built alongside Penryn Station.
27 April 2009
First anniversary and Wrexham & Shropshire fears its existence
Wrexham and Shropshire (W&S) said that if plans by Arriva Trains Wales to connect Aberystwyth with London by using some of the same stations will place their company at risk. Marketing Director Thomas Ableman said Arriva's plans to "shadow" some of his company's routes was "clearly of concern to us".
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's You and Yours programme, Mike Bagshaw of Arriva said the firm had identified a new market.
"We are looking to run two additional trains between Aberystwyth and London Marylebone," he said.
"It will service other places in mid Wales including Shropshire. |
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"There is currently no direct service between Aberystwyth, or anywhere in mid Wales, to London and we've identified a market there.
"We think people will value a direct, reliable and comfortable service to London and that's what we are intending to provide."
W&S runs four trains a day to London, and Arriva said its planned six trains a day through places like Shrewsbury and Telford was "not over killing the market".
But W&S Thomas Ableman said "If Arriva's service plans do go ahead, it is highly likely that we will not survive.
"We don't mind fair competition - after all, it is essential for the success of open access operators like us.
Arriva discounted claims by W&S that they will use assets funded by the taxpayer to compete with a newly established private operator. Mr Bagshaw said the service between Aberystwyth and London would be run on a "commercial basis".
Shropshire North MP Owen Patterson urged Arriva to delay its plans until 2012 when W&S would be in a better position to compete.
Of the planned Aberystwyth to London link, Mr Patterson said: "This will be a very inadequate service because these are very little country trains.
"All too often trains run by Arriva from my part of the world, linking up to Shrewsbury, miss the connection and people have an hour's delay.
"Wait until 2012 by which time Wrexham and Shropshire will have got their train running time to 2.5 hours and then we can have free competition."
22 April 2009 Small leaps big gains
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Over the last few months the ATCU has been in discussions with an organisation that will provide credited educational programmes for members. I am pleased to say that this small leap will provide this union with greater gains.
There will be three areas which we will be looking to offer on or |
around September of this year. The first will be representation at the workplace and secondly, Health & Safety at work.
It is our objective that all members will attain the knowledge and awareness surrounding workplace representation in areas of disciplinary and grievances.
To achieve this ATCU argues that it is imperative that we provide those with the knowledge the teaching abilities to pass on to members what they have learned. It is therefore proposed that the third tier of the educational programme will provide members with the learning skills to pass this information on. Credited members will attend branch meetings where time is allocated for a one or two hour seminar. It is also the intention that these seminars may encourage and provide the confidence for all members to take advantage of the credited programmes.
Through the sharing of this information each member will strengthen their relationship with each colleague and thus providing support and security against the myriad of uncaring machines.
18 April 2009 Time to get involved
Welcome news comes as plans are unveiled to start a new service between Oxford and London Marylebone .
Chiltern Railways intend to run trains via a new line connecting the Chiltern line to the East-West line. The proposed service would mean a new station for Kidlington and upgrades for Islip and Bicester stations. An exhibition went on display in Bicester on Friday 17 April. The exhibition will then be shown in Kidlington on 25 April.
The new rail service will be created by upgrading the existing route between Oxford and Bicester Town. It will also involve building a short connecting line south east of Bicester, linking the Oxford to Bicester and London Marylebone to Birmingham lines.
Time to get involved
We are presently setting up a separate web page for campaigns calling on the reopening of lines throughout the UK. This is a great opportunity to get involved within your community by supporting local campaigning groups. If you have any suggestions or you are already involved with such projects please send all information to Head Office. The Address can be found in the contacts link above
2 April 2009 Legal or Immoral
During the current economic climate we would expect a modicum amount of decorum and decency from our representative body in Parliament, however, this is seemingly too much to ask. The recent revelations of MP expenses have again raised its head whereby our parliamentary representatives are exploiting loop holes by claiming second home housing allowance. Yes it is legal but is it moral.
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There is a clear difference between what is right or wrong, what is legal and what is immoral. This is proven with regards the enormous payout of pension payments to the ex banker Fred Goodwin. MP’s were, quite rightly, incensed that Mr Goodwin was to receive such a pension reward following his mishandling of the Royal Bank of Scotland. |
Earlier this month it materialised that employment minister Tony McNulty had claimed the second-home allowance towards his parents' house in Harrow, north-west London, which he used in addition to a flat in central London.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith was criticised for claiming more than £116,000 for her family home in the West Midlands after nominating her sister's property in London - which she shared - as her main residence. It also emerged that she also mistakenly claimed expenses for adult films watched by her husband at the house in her constituency of Redditch, Worcestershire. The money has been repaid.
Justifying his second home allowance on a recent BBC Question Time programme conservative MP Eric Pickles, said “ if you have to be on a committee you have to be there...for 9.30 to move those amendments”. Mr Pickles who is the chairman of the Conservative Party lives just 37 miles from his place of work (Parliament).
Quite rightly Mr Pickle’s response was received with laughter and derision from the audience. He went on to say that when he did travel he would “leave at 5.30 [am] from home and was not getting back until 12.00 and 1.00 am in the morning”. Let us take a step back and look at the real world which some of our representative are seemingly detached from.
What about the hard working people of this country who rise in the early hours of the morning to go to work and return late in the evening. What about the mother or single parent who gets up early to get the children ready for school, probable has one or two jobs, returns late to prepare dinner and then begins preparing for the next day. What about the carer whose job is a constant 24 hour cycle. What about the teachers, the doctors, the builders. What about our train crew who work tirelessly though the night or rise early to get to work so that commuters arrive at their destination safely and on time.
I become infuriated at the way some representatives view their lives as something totally detached from us. It also infuriates me when they are quick off the mark when they attack the defenceless such as single parents.
Our representatives had an opportunity to change this insidious abuse of the rules last July but not unsurprisingly they voted against a proposal by the Members Estimate Committee to replace the second-home allowance with an overnight expenses allowance of £19,600 a year for accommodation. They also voted to have their spending looked at only by internal, rather than external, auditors.
Let me ask this question. When they sell their second house or flat, which we the tax payers pay for, who receives the proceeds? Legal or immoral, you decide.
31 March 2009 Empowerment breaks the chains of corporate slavery
The only way trade unions can truly defend its principles, governance and therefore freeing its members from corporate slavery is through the empowerment of all its members. Some, in the past, have been critical that such knowledge should be held by the top structure. ATCU argues that it is imperative that we provide those with the knowledge the teaching abilities to pass on to members what they have learned. It is also crucial that we allow each and every member to have a voice within this union.
There are some who will say that people are their biggest asset and accordingly they deserve the greatest respect and be treated with dignity through the cooperation of mutual understanding.
Another argument is that corporate bodies are there to exploit the people in order to maximise production and therefore maximise profit. Such corporate organisations see people as accounting numbers not people with families who struggle with everyday life. They become the exploited and oppressed through fear and intimidation resulting in each person’s voce to be muted.
At this present time we have 10 Regional Organisers and more wishing to give up their own time to the advancement of this union. But it is our objective that all members will attain the awareness of Regional Organisers. Through the sharing of this information each member will strengthen their relationship with each colleague providing support and security against the myriad of uncaring machines.
The ATCU is not a corporate body; it is a trade union with traditional trade union values. We see the members as people with families, who rise in the morning with the worries of the day. We know the issues that they face and it is therefore our responsibility that we protect and provide them with the armoury against exploitation.
ATCU wants every member to have the knowledge by which they become empowered, to stand shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues in support and protection of themselves and this proud industry. Through this empowerment members will ultimately cast away their chains of corporate slavery and eventually become free of the corporate organisations. Members will rise with dignity against those who attempt to silence them and through their combined strength their voices to be heard without persecution.
13 March 2009 MPs raise heat over redundancy pay
The Financial Times has been informed by insiders that ministers are considering a Budget increase in the minimum level of redundancy pay. Gordon Brown is under pressure from MPs to honour a commitment made in the Labour manifesto to increase the level of redundancy pay specified by law.
Statutory guarantee |
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Sixty MPs (55 being Labour) originally backed the motion by Lindsay Hoyle in early February 2009. This has now increased to 182 with the support of Independent MPs and four Conservatives, one of them being Peter Bottomley.
The level of support for the bill means the government expects it to survive until at least the Commons committee stage.
Mr Hoyle argued that the £7,000 limit - or £10,500 for older workers - has not increased in line with earnings. At present employers have to offer a week's pay for each full year's service to those between the ages of 22 and 41. Older workers are offered a week and a half's pay per year - up to a maximum of £350 a week for up to 20 years' service.
Mr Hoyle made reference that the £350 cap represented 56% of average weekly earnings - whereas the original value when the scheme was launched in 1965 was worth 203%. He also wants statutory redundancy pay to be linked to average earnings rather than inflation.
According to the Financial Times, one of the options that ministers are considering is to impose an absolute legal minimum amount, rather than to increase the existing earnings-related maximum. This would result in a minimum earnings level of, say, £200 a week being used to calculate the amount of redundancy payment due, instead of a significant increase in the £350 a week cap on earnings used in the calculation. |
Statutory redundancy pay provides a guaranteed payment for employees with at least two years’ service who are made redundant.
The amount is calculated in relation to the employee’s age, length of service and weekly pay.
Employers have to make a payment based on a formula that includes 1½ week’s pay for each full year of service in which the employee was aged 41 or over and one week’s pay for each full year of service in which the employee was under 41 but not under 22.
The calculation takes no more than 20 years’ service into account, and discounts earnings over £350 a week, giving a current maximum payment of £10,500. |
10 March 2009 ATCU FEARS TERRORIST ATTACK ON UK MAINLINE RAILWAY
The Associated Train Crew Union has today written to the Secretary of State for Transport Geoff Hoon about our concerns over possible terrorist attacks on the UK mainline railway.
Following the attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team the rail union ATCU believes that terrorists are looking for soft options and the UK mainline rail system may be a prime target.
ATCU argues that terrorists do not require the use of explosives to disrupt the mainline rail system, all that is required is the purchasing of a standard rail ticket. Once on the train the terrorist makes their way to the driver’s cabin door where security is limited or nonexistent. The result of any subsequent action by the terrorist is quite obvious.
Access to the driver’s cabin doors can be gained very easily on many of our trains. Some doors which separates the driver from the passengers are flimsy and can be accessed by the use of a carriage key.
Other cabins have windows which can easily be access by breaking them. With the older locos there is no door lock so access is again easily accessible.
One of the main concerns which have been highlighted by members is that all of these simple tee keys and more, including drivers locomotive control master key, which is a standard fit on ALL units and Locomotives can or are being sold on EBay. On some older locos where carriage tee keys are used a simple screwdriver is suffice to open the door.
Shaun Brady the acting general secretary said “terrorists are continually looking at ways of creating as much disruption and mayhem and it is our considered opinion that, before long, they may see the mainline railway system as a prime target”.
“The simple fact is”, said Mr Brady, “if a terrorist can be trained to operate a passenger jet then it is extremely likely that a terrorist can easily acquire the same for a locomotive”,
“In the interest of our members and the travelling public ATCU is calling on the government to review security access to all drivers cabs.
The fact that we are talking about it, the less likely it is going to happen
6 March 2009 COMPANIES EXPLOITING A CLIMATE OF FEAR
Employees at South West Trains are to vote on possible industrial action over job cuts and working conditions. Organised by the RMT the strike ballot will open on March 16 and close two weeks later.
ATCU will be writing to all effected members concerning the above.
As we reported on this news page on 6 January 2009 we gave the warning that companies will use the current climate as a perfect excuse to ‘reduce the head count’. ATCU gives another warning that we need to prepare for and that is local agreements will become a perfect target in cost cutting and profit maximisation.
Companies will see the economic situation as an opportunity to exploit the climate of economic uncertainty. Over the coming months we will see managers and management beginning to assert their position within the company by attacking and ripping up local negotiated agreements.
It has already begun at Freightliner and reports are coming in to Head Office concerning local agreements at Northern. Following a grievance by an ATCU member relating to changes in rostering agreements the local manager agreed that the complaint was justifiable and the grievance was retracted. However, the rostering agreements have again been changed and again without consulting the local level representatives.
This is a blatant misuse of managerial power during a climate of uncertainty.
Cutting jobs and destroying agreements becomes a method by which the employer maximises production at the cost of the employee. All employees take on more work without any recognition to work life balance or remuneration. Such action should be and will be challenged at every stage.
7 January 2009
Footnote:
The ATCU North East Regional Organiser, Steve Gomersall, immediately contacted the appropriate persons informing them of their failures to understand the situation, reiterating our previous grievance with the company. I am please to say that, following Steve’s intervention, the management have again complied with the original agreement. However, we have been informed that Northern will be arranging an emergency meeting to consider how this agreement can be removed.
26 February 2009 The Great British Bank Robbery
While some pensioners struggle to make ends meet on their meagre state pension Sir Fred Goodwin the former chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland is reported to be drawing £650,000 a year. Let me say that again….six hundred and fifty thousand pounds a year.
Apparently, at 50 years of age, he is entitled to the pension for life. And this is the man who was one of the architects of the trouble that we and thousands of honest hard working people are now facing.
Mr Goodwin resigned after the bank debacle that assisted in the downward spiralling effect of the UK economy. According to the BBC business editor Robert Peston, an agreement was signed years ago which allowed him and other directors to receive a pension at the age of 50, if any were asked to leave.
Excuse me but if someone is asked to leave, I would assume it is because of some failure on their part. Two headed coin come to mind, heads I win, tails I win. Considering all directors benefited, any guesses to who the people were that agreed to this?
One would argue that it is dishonest and contemptible when leaders of organisations exploit their position through the boosting or manipulation of their pensions while others suffer the consequences of their inept action.
The Chancellor Mr Darling and Lord Myners is reported to have put it to Mr Goodwin that he looks at “the circumstances in which this bank is now in, do you not think it right that you should forgo this? "
The chancellor said the government had not yet received a reply to the request.
The announcement comes as the bank reported its 2008 loss of £24.1bn.
The part-nationalised Royal Bank of Scotland has said it made a loss of £24bn in 2008, the biggest in UK corporate history. The bank, which is nearly 70 per cent taxpayer-owned, said it was facing £7bn in bad debt charges and was writing off £16.2bn following its acquisition of Dutch bank ABN Amro.
RBS said it will place £325bn of 'toxic assets' into a taxpayer-backed 'asset protection scheme', and in return will lend £25bn over the next 12 months. And RBS is also set to raise another £13bn of equity capital from the Treasury, with a further £6bn available at the request of the bank.
5 February 2009 Freightliner - proposed pay freeze
Freightliner becomes the first company to consider a pay freeze in order to save jobs. In a statement of 4 February titled ‘Turbulent times continue’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eddie Fitzsimons said “we are all unsure how long these conditions will continue” and the “board and I are currently revisiting our existing business plan and looking into measures to ensure that not only do we emerge stronger in the long run, but we are ready for when the business volumes do return”.
Part of those measures will include a review and tamper salary and wage increases and according to the CEO “this will be lead by the directors who will receive no form of salary increase this year”.
In addition to the pay freeze Freightliner will “put in plans that are aimed at ensuring that we safeguard as many jobs as possible throughout the coming year”.
Now comes the cynical view which must not, at all cost, be discarded. As it is mentioned, Freightliner propose two solutions, pay freeze and safeguard as many jobs as possible. If we break this down to the lowest common denominator it then becomes: a pay freeze and redundancies.
Let us be honest, retaining our job in today’s climate is preferable to having no job but we must be assured that any suggestion of a pay freeze actually equates as 'no forced redundancies'. Much more will need to be considered and the fine print scrupulously viewed.
29 January 2009 Proposed Lincoln to London service put on hold
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) today announced its proposed decision on applications for track access rights for passenger services on the East Coast Main Line (ECML).
Among those rejected at this stage was the Lincoln to London line. However, the ORR has stated support for National Express East Coast's plan to operate additional services on the East Coast Main line. But they said any decision could not be formally approved without changes to some other franchised services.
National Express has been told it will now need to raise the issue with the Department for Transport.
Busy route
National Express East Coast applied to introduce two services each weekday from Lincoln to London.
Michael Lee, from ORR, said: "We are hopeful that ways can be found to step up National Express East Coast franchised services with a regular timetable pattern, although some detailed work remains to be done on this."
The train company was told it needed to ensure there was space to accommodate the extra services on the busy East Coast route.
A final decision by the rail regulator is expected by the end of February 2009.
Approvals by the ORR were given to the following:
- conversion of the twelve (six each way) National Express East Coast contingent rights between Leeds and London King’s Cross to firm rights until December 2011;
- continuation of the current access rights, but all as firm rights, for seven weekday and five weekend Hull Trains services each way between Hull and London King’s Cross until December 2014;
- firm rights for a fourth Grand Central service each way between Sunderland and London King’s Cross until May 2012; and
- firm rights for three new daily Grand Northern services each way between Bradford Interchange and London King’s Cross until December 2014.
Additionally, ORR received applications from Platinum Trains which requested rights to introduce a new service between Aberdeen and London King’s Cross; and Hull Trains asked ORR to consider the introduction of a new service between Harrogate and King’s Cross. These applications were assessed against published criteria that flow from its statutory duties. On the basis of present evidence ORR is proposing to reject both applications.
6 January 2009 TIME FOR THE INDUSTRY TO THINK OUT OF THE BOX
Towards the end of 2008 the Labour Government committed itself to the bold decision of fiscal strategy of public investment during the period of economic downturn. Through this method the Government intends to bring forward spending on health, education, the housing and energy sectors and major infrastructure projects. The alternative is to allow the economy to take its own destructive course and without any stimulus from the government the projection for the economy would be bleak.
This is in contrast to rail companies whose only strategy is good old fashioned retraction, contraction and redundancies. National Express East Anglia (NXEA) was the first out of the starting block with their announcement of the company’s ‘Business Change’ which set out the plans for the restructuring of 300 jobs and the imminent expectation of redundancies.
The next was the Stagecoach group. Stagecoach’s intention is to cut jobs across its rail business to combat the "downward pressure on 2009/2010 rail profits".
Incidentally, Stagecoach, which operates South West Trains, Britain's biggest commuter train network, said pre-tax profits for the six months to the end of September rose to £105.2m on revenue up 27pc.
Finally, EWS with a proposed axing of 530 jobs.
Let us not kid ourselves, this is only the start. After a decade of public subsidy with many of the companies growing fat on the profits, here is the perfect excuse to contract the workforce or ‘reduce the head count’. Whichever sterile word is used it all means the same, unemployment for some.
Ironically the possibility of job losses comes just before the announcement of Rail fare increases by well above the inflation rate - almost an incredible 9% in some areas.
Rail network operating companies need to ‘think out of the box’ on any future job displacement by adopting the initiative of the government and begin to lay plans for a future return to a stable economy, not short termism. Companies should come together and support one another in order to preserve and protect its loyal workforce. Decision making should be based on a holistic approach, viewing the whole of the industry with each company taking an agreed collective approach, not as a standalone company.
This is where we all benefit from one industry focused community where the workforce are treated as real people who are allotted the opportunity to be relocated and or retrained, be it temporary, and not thrown out as an economic statistic.
A report by the Charted Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) agrees with our argument. John Philpot, Chief Economist for the CIPD warns of the process of ‘over sacking’, where employers panic and sack far too many people far too quickly. John Philpot said that companies do not take into consideration the long term cost of redundancies, its true economic outlay and the psychological effect it has on their employees.
Speaking on Mondays Radio 4 PM news, John Philpot argued that not only do companies have to pay staff when people are made redundant, eventually there comes a time when addition costs come into play. These include re-hiring, training, induction and additional recruitment costs. At a figure, on average of £16,000 per person, redundancies are neither easy nor cheap.
There are other hidden costs as those employees who hold onto their jobs become de-motivated, less engaged and less productive and when the good times return they are more likely to quite their job and go to another employer.
Further hidden costs result in workers suffering with what John Philpot calls ‘survivor syndrome’. Workers become depressed when they see friends and colleagues lose their jobs and a degree of trust in the employer is lost because they see people who they respect and admire losing their job for no apparent reason.
ATCU reiterates the argument that companies should not make the mistake of ‘over sacking’; rather, all companies should come together and agree a joint programme that protects the industries workforce through relocation and or retraining. If people are kept on in their jobs the industry will ultimately be in a better position when the upturn comes.
1 December 2008 THANK YOU
So here we are, five months since the first Organisers meeting held in June 2008 and what an incredible journey it has been for us all and what an incredible journey yet to come. Since that meeting we have laid down the structures of a new rail union in the industry, one that we are proud to be part of and to call every member a friend. New administrations run office, Reg ional Organisers and new branches.
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But that’s not all. We have brought down the barriers that stop members from voicing their opinion. We have thrown out the old Executive structure that stifled members right to be heard. We are restructuring the rule book to give justice to members and we are returning to the true value of trade unionism, back to the basic values that make a trade union respected by its members.
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ATCU does not want to become a corporate organisation it wants to challenge what is considered the norm but we are faced with some who continually resist the unbalancing of the status quo. To them we say, we are here to stay and we do not intend to go away.
ATCU is creating a union that is more than just employee insurance. ATCU is creating objectives that are aimed at effective representation but most important, to bring to the members a sense of belonging. This is based not just on members but also their family and community. All aims and objectives will ultimately follow from this such as wages, Health & Safety, working conditions and Pensions.
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An incident comes to mind that clearly shows what we mean. We were talking to a person who told us of a situation 30 years ago and explained how she was helped and given support. 30 years later she became involved in several other situations but this time it was very different. “Years ago it was as though we were a family that helped each other, we had a common understanding, we all struggled together. Now I feel there is no family unity in other organisations, they did not want to know, didn’t even want to understand. Now I have no faith in that family, I feel alone”. This will not happen with ATCU. |
That person’s view of what trade unionism is, is what we strive for, values that we must retain. Although these principles are different to adhering to the political past this does not mean we ignore those who paved the way through their own struggles, quite the opposite, we embrace them and recognise the sacrifices they gave in order that we have a voice. We must never forget those who heroically fought against oppression and the rights of workers. Ours is not just to build on what they won but also fight hard to retain what we have. Their efforts can quite easily be lost in moments if we become complacent. This will be our way of celebrating what they did.
As times change so will this union but we will remain committed to the tenets of trade unionism and as we develop it will be paramount that ATCU members are encouraged to become involved with this process through their branches.
ATCU wants the power and driving force of this union to be in the hands of the Branches and members. It is you who are at the forefront of this industry. It is you who experience the day to day heavy grind that keeps the industry moving. At all times our attention must never lose sight of one major over riding principle: ‘ATCU is organised from branch level upwards with the rank and file controlling the union, this union cascades upwards not downwards’.
Of course it has not been a smooth journey, others have their own agenda but throughout the country new prospective members want to hear about the ATCU. And when they hear us, when they hear the truth and the realisation of what this union is, they join with you. Each week new members join and throughout the country rail industry workers are asking for open meetings.
We want everyone in the industry to be part of this vision, to create a union that we are all proud of. So if your area does not, at this moment, have an ATCU branch, speak to others, and keep talking and come together and prove to everyone how strong a family we are.
We know for some of you it was not an easy decision to join the ATCU. Some have had twenty and thirty years membership with other trade unions and the decision to join the ATCU was not taken lightly. Others have experienced verbal harassment for belonging to ATCU. However, what we can applaud and take comfort is the fact that every member that joins ATCU does so, not because he or she has to, or is forced to, but actually wants to.
So let us finish by saying thank you to each and every member, we personally feel proud being in the position we are in. Remember, you are at the core of this union, the driving force that makes this union what it is. You are a unique individual working towards a united union, a strong union and in years to come you will be able to say, “I was there, I was part of something new”.
7 November 2008 A MOMENT FOR CHANGE OR A MOMENT LOST
Although the ATCU does not affiliate to a political party by its very nature ATCU is political.
Politics affects everyone, your mortgage, the amount you spend on food, the clothes you wear, even the air you breathe and the water you drink. Politics is intertwined in every facet of our lives. And at the very top of the world’s long term political agenda is climate change
In saying this I do not discount the reality of the moment. We are all experiencing, in some form or another, the repercussions of the banks failings. However, we cannot ignore that climate change is one of the most monumental disaster that politics has played a part in. It is only through politics and each individuals voice comming together can we reverse the situation.
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That is why this week places politics on new level with the result in the American election with Obama’s victory and with it a rethink of America’s policies on climate change. I am aware it is going to be tough. A lot of convincing needs to be done by Obama if he is to reverse the juggernaut that Bush has steered towards energy gluttony. |
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Any failure on Obama’s part to tackle the issue of climate change will reverberate across the globe that creates a ripple effect which may continue for decades to come.
Here is an opportunity for one individual to change the lives of billions or will it be a moment lost. |
27 October 2008 GOVERNMENT CRITICISED FOR FAILED RAIL INVESTMENT
Dr Iain Docherty, an expert in the transport sector and government transport policy from the University of Glasgow, and Prof Jon Shaw, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Transport at the University of Plymouth, have co-edited a book called Traffic Jam: 10 Years of “Sustainable” Transport in the UK.
Coinciding with the anniversary of John Prescott’s 10 year transport plan they say the government has failed to cut traffic congestion and ignored the need for railway investment.
Traffic Jam: 10 Years of “Sustainable” Transport |
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“Our detailed analysis of Labour’s transport policies shows that they have been a big disappointment – at best a missed opportunity. It’s a shame because the Government came in with the right intentions but have done very little to promote meaningful change”.
The book does however single out London as a rare success because of the decisions that have been taken by the devolved Greater London Authority, such as hugely increased investment in bus routes and the congestion charge. There have also been positive developments in the other devolved administrations, such as the large-scale railway investment in Scotland.
Back in 1998 John Prescott, then deputy prime minister, said he would regard himself as a failure if, in five years, traffic congestion had not fallen and public transport use increased.
The government accepts there is now more traffic on the roads, but points out record numbers of people are using trains. |
15 October 2008 EXPAND OR OVERCROWD SAYS SPENDING WATCHDOG
As we reported recently (24 September) Britain’s rail industry is enjoying a renaissance, with the number of passenger journeys now at levels not seen for 50 years. However, following in the wake of rails success the industry is faced with the problems of overcrowded trains and disgruntled passengers who have seen average fares rising above the level of inflation.
The latest report by The National Audit Office (NAO) confirms these problems and warns that unless we expand the network we shall see more overcrowding.
The NAO said the change had delivered better value for money, with subsidies expected to fall. But, it concluded, the problem now was overcrowding and rising fares. Examples were given where passengers in and out of London would face increased crowding at peak periods until capacity increased.
The NAO report ‘Letting Rail Franchises 2005-2007’ states the government plans to provide for 1,300 additional train carriages with investment planned, for example, in lengthening railway station platforms. All of this investment into extra capacity will come from public funds or through Network Rail.
The spending watchdog also warned the government that securing this investment involves commercial negotiations about the cost of the additional rolling stock to train operators compared to the extra revenue they generate. If the Department does not adjust the contract revenue target, train operating companies may enjoy a windfall of extra revenue.
The report says that most regulated fares (such as saver and season tickets) have risen by RPI plus one per cent. Increases in non-regulated fares have been substantially higher – often six to seven per cent. Some one-off increases have been as high as 20 per cent in 2007, although incentives for passengers travelling outside peak hours have included special low fare offers.
Not only was insufficient capacity a worry but also inadequate staffing through agency workers. The government should staff the “National Networks Group adequately and not rely unduly on agency staff”, said the NAO. They need to look at “flexible recruitment practices to attract and retain staff of the right calibre with railway industry knowledge and commercial skills”
14 October 2008 YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE BEHIND IN TRANSPORT
Inadequate funding and poor planning leaves Yorkshire and Humber’s transport network lagging behind – says experts.
The report by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) states that “Yorkshire and Humber’s transport infrastructure and services are lagging behind most other UK regions” and puts the blame on inadequate funding and poor planning.
The report titled ‘The State of the Nation – Transport’ goes on to say that in comparison, Yorkshire and Humber receives just £200 per capita compared to £600 per capita in the South East of England, making it the lowest transport investment of any region in the UK. The lack of long-term planning due to uncertainty of funding and excessive long lead-in times contributed to the stalling of the re-modelling of Leeds station..
Another issue tackled in the report is the amount of cars on the regions roads. It said trains should have more carriages to give "more diversity of transport."
“Even when funding is available, its stop-start delivery causes uncertainty and delays and means transport projects are sometimes abandoned altogether” said ICE Regional Director for Yorkshire and Humber David Tattersall.
“Local transport authorities need the long term national picture in order to prioritise their own local transport improvements, he said.
8 October 2008 Acting General Secretary wins libel case
Yesterday, before Deputy Judge Mr Richard Parkes QC and a jury at Court 14, the Royal Courts of Justice, London, ATCU Acting General Secretary Shaun Brady won his libel case against ASLEF General Secretary, Keith Norman.
Following the unfounded statements Shaun Brady’s only avenue was to take proceedings for libel in order to undo the untruths and vindicate his reputation.
The jury retired after hearing the evidence to consider their verdict on liability and the amount of any damages to be awarded. After just 40 minutes the Jury returned with an unanimous decision in favour of Shaun Brady, and awarded a sum of £30,000 for damages.
Shaun Brady expressed his sincere thanks to his legal representatives, solicitor Dawn Kiddy of Stevens and barrister Adrian Davies of 3 Dr Johnson's Buildings, and said “this result is a victory not just for me but for my family and supporters who have always known the truth”.
“It is also a victory for those within ASLEF whose voice has been silenced.”
6 October 2008 Transport Secretary - Geoff Hoon
As we know the political cards had a heavy reshuffle last week with some serious surprises.
Specific to our industry Geoff Hoon moved from chief whip to Transport.
Mr Hoon’s previous political history saw him as defence secretary during the US-led invasion of Iraq and a central figure during the Hutton enquiry that followed the death of MoD scientist Dr David Kelly.
Following the breakdown in talks between RMT and Network Rail (ScotRail) signalling workers,
ATCU has forwarded a letter of concern to Mr Hoon over safety issues whereby managers may be fast tracked to enable to comply and become competent under the law to operate these systems.
Mangers would potentially be sent in to operate signalboxes which they are:
unfamiliar with the local working practices vital to the safe operation of services.
unfamiliar with the operation of running services over the routes in question.
unfamiliar with the out of course working practices within these locations.
unfamiliar with the increased length of trains and local operation of same.
unfamiliar with the areas of communications within the system ie spt,sma,nrn
mobile and the newly introduced gsmr system.
These actions run contrary to the safety culture and policies enshrined in our industry over the past years and are therefore subject to question in the validity of their actions.
3 October 2008 Rab Butler
It is my sad duty to inform members of the passing away of one of our retired members Jeffrey (Rab) Butler.
Our sympathies go towards his family during this heartbreaking period.
Paul Ogram, Cambridge Branch Chair said of Rab “he was a really senior hand who was a true character in the respectful way, he had a great knowledge of the rules which he used to help anyone out”.
Rab’s nature was calming, never having a cross word about anyone. If he saw anyone having a grumble he would give his usual smile and say, “don’t worry it will be ok, it will sort itself out”.
His unselfish nature came to the fore when a few vacancies came up on GN side. Considering others before himself Rab made way for the younger Drivers and stayed with National Express.
“He will always be remembers for his smile, a good word for everyone and he will be sadly missed” said Paul
Rab’s funeral will be held at the Crematorium West Chapel on 9 October 11.15
30 September 2008 ORGANISERS COMMITTEE MEETING
The ATCU Organisers Committee met on the 27 and 28 September to discuss items for consideration and the development of your unions growth.
A considerable amount of time was given to the unions rule changes. The new structure is focused on bringing us into a new age of trade unionism of inclusivity, for example: ATCU will not have a retired members section.
The ATCU Organisers Committee met on the 27 and 28 September to discuss items for consideration and the development of your unions growth.
A considerable amount of time was given to the unions rule changes. The new structure is focused on bringing us into a new age of trade unionism of inclusivity, for example: ATCU will not have a retired members section.
On retirement from the industry, members will hold an honorary position at their branch and will have the right to participate at branch meetings. Retired members will also have the right to be elected as officials of the branch.
It is an absolutely crazy situation when people reach retirement age they are segregated into some offshoot of the union.
It is an indictment on our society that we should throw away the expertise and immense amount of knowledge that mature members have by discarding them into the waste bin of some retired members section.
Speaking at the meeting Acting General Secretary said “Let us always set our standards high, achieve them, then set them even higher”.
ATCU will fight for inclusivity, security, fairness and equality, they are the basics building blocks of a just society and the guiding principles that are a given right to all our members.
On completion of the minutes and rule changes a copy will be sent to your branches.
25 September 2008 SCOTRAIL’S PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS
ATCU welcomes the announcement by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson which sets out a programme of improvements to mark 25 years since the founding of Scotland’s network.
Mr Stevenson said there would be specific enhancements to the route linking Edinburgh, Fife and Aberdeen.
Speaking at the Glasgow Queen Street station on Monday the minister promised that 1,200 new seats would be available on ScotRail trains, with faster journeys on the east coast route.
His announcement coincided with the unveiling of the new "Saltire" livery which will be used throughout the country.
His speech came at an opportune time. As we reported yesterday, a renaissance with the industry has also created problems with overcrowded trains.
Speaking at the Glasgow Queen Street station on Monday where the first re-branded rolling stock was being put into service on the Glasgow to Edinburgh line the minister promised that 1,200 new seats would be available on ScotRail trains, with faster journeys on the east coast route.
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"Even more people will have the opportunity to make the switch to public transport” he said.
The minister went on to say that "the rail network in Scotland makes a significant contribution to our economic and social health, which is why we are investing record levels in public transport to promote the sustainable growth of our national economy." |
Transport Minister |
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Starting in December the improvements will include:
- a reduction of 10 minutes in the time of the journey from Edinburgh to Aberdeen
- an hourly fast Edinburgh to Perth service via Fife
- and additional trains from Fife to Edinburgh in the early morning to help ease congestion on the Forth Road Bridge
Further improvements to come next year include longer trains into Glasgow from Cumbernauld and Stirling, and the reopening of Laurencekirk station in the spring.
In addition to ScotRail's trains, a total of 27 stations will be repainted in the new colours by the end of 2008. The repainting will also incorporate Scotland's flag.
24 September 2008 TRANSPORT SECRETARY PUTS FAMILY FIRST
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Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has told the Labour conference that she owes it to her family to "start putting them first" after announcing that she is leaving the Cabinet.
It has not come as a surprise that Ruth Kelly is to step down as Transport secretary at the next reshuffle. Rumours about her leaving the department have been circulating the political corridors for some time. |
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However, the timing of her decision will come as a blow to Gordon Brown as he attempted to bolster his position as leader and revive the party's performance in the polls
Her decision, she said, had nothing to do with her opinions on human fertilisation embryology or the direction of the government. “I owe it to my family to my children, to my husband to start putting them first”.
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has told the Labour conference that she owes it to her family to "start putting them first" after announcing that she is leaving the Cabinet.
It has not come as a surprise that Ruth Kelly is to step down as Transport secretary at the next reshuffle. Rumours about her leaving the department have been circulating the political corridors for some time.
Although she is going at a time when the rail industry is enjoying a renaissance, with the number of passenger journeys now at levels not seen for 50 years, there still remains many issues within the industry that the new secretary will have to confront.
Following in the wake of rails success the industry is faced with the problems of overcrowded trains and interrupted services caused by weekend engineering work. This is couple with disgruntled passengers who have seen average fares rising above the level of inflation.
Meteoric rise
Ms Kelly, now 40, was the youngest Cabinet minister by 10 years when she entered the cabinet at 36. On her appointment several experienced colleagues looked on in envy at her meteoric rise, holding posts as Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and most recently Secretary of State for Transport.
Her time at the Department for Education and Skills was not without controversy. Her appointment was questioned following revelations of links to the Catholic conservative movement Opus Dei, which critics accuse of being secretive and elitist - claims members deny. Ms Kelly rejected calls to quit her job or break off links with the group and said: "It is a private spiritual life and I don't think it is relevant to my job."
Following the 2005 election her Bolton West constituency was halved placing her into one of eight cabinet ministers who would lose their seats in an election, according to current polling giving the Conservative party a 20-point lead.
15 September 2008 LETTER OF CONDOLENCE SENT TO AMERICAN EMBASSY AND RAIL UNIONS
ATCU has forward letters of condolence to the American Embassy and the rail unions, following the tragic train crash in Southern California.
“Our thoughts go out to those who lost their lives, their families, and to their loved ones," said Shaun Brady.
2 SEPTEMBER - DO WE HAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS?
Tomorrow morning (Wednesday 3 September) we will be emailing all members. If you have not received an email by noon we can assume that we do not have your address or the address provided may be incorrect. If this is the case please forward your email address to headoffice@atcu.org.uk
27 August 2008 - BULLYING AND HARASSMENT - DON’T TOLERATE IT
Workplace bullying and harassment is a vast problem which results in stress and days taken off work.
The effects can be long lasting and lead to mental health issues, marital breakdown and a total loss of self worth. ATCU will not tolerate such actions by carless unfeeling people or groups who are insensitive to others.
If you're having problems at work contact your union or ATCU Regional Organiser or your doctor if your situation is affecting your health.
Similar to the advice given on disciplinary and grievance procedures, record record and record again. If you feel that you are being bullied, harassed or discriminated against keep a diary.
26 August 2008 - THE RIGHT TO BE ACCOMPANIED
Several new members have put to ATCU “will I receive representation at disciplinary and Managing for Attendance (MFA) meetings”. The simple answer to this is YES.
By law, TOC’s and FOC’s must adhere to the basic principles laid down under Act’s of Parliament governing Disciplinary and Grievance procedures.
You should be informed in writing by the company that you have a statutory right to be accompanied by a fellow worker or trade union of your choice.
If a member makes a reasonable request to be accompanied and the company refuses, it is they who are flouting the law.
5 August 2008 Branches Meet to Discuss ATCU Policy
ATCU Branches are meeting throughout the country to discuss the report from the recent Organisers Committee meeting.
“This is an exciting time for ATCU” said Shaun Brady.
“We are a new union, a fresh union and a union with a vast amount of knowledge and experience to draw upon. One of the many attributes of ATCU is that we are flexible enough to change, we are not monolithic. As we develop it will be paramount that ATCU members are encouraged to become involved with this process”.
Shaun Brady went on to say, ““We have several primary objectives that are aimed at effective representation but most important, to bring to the members a sense of belonging. This is based on members, family and community. All aims and objectives will ultimately follow from this such as wages, Health & Safety, working conditions and Pensions”.
“I encourage all members to attend their Branch meeting and be part of a defining moment in the history of this union and the trade union movement”.
26 July 2008 New ATCU Branch Opens
ATCU are proud to announce the opening of the ATCU Cambridge Branch. We all welcome our colleagues to the union and look forward to their active involvement. Recognition also goes to Branch Secretary, Ronald Buchet and Paul Ogram, Chair.
14 July 2008 Reaching you, North, South, East and West
New members signed up following successful meetings at Scotland Central Branch and Bournemouth. Acting General Secretary Shaun Brady visited each venue over a two day period explaining the rapid development of ATCU. “We have the same aspirations” said Shaun Brady, “a union that members feel they belong to”.
“This is a union that puts forward a vision of the future that goes beyond pay negotiations, a union that does not advertise its financial benefits but actually creates its financial benefits”.
Speaking with Shaun Brady at the Scotland Central Branch was Jim Carrigan, President of the ATCU. Jim explained in detail the rapid transition of your union over the last three months.
“The structures are now in place with Regional Organisers successfully representing members and experienced people running Head Office. Now that communications are up and running this union will continue grow stronger”, said Jim
Following the meeting Shaun Brady travelled back South and with Paul Whiteman Regional Organiser for South Western & Western Region they met up with fellow workers at Bournemouth.
Speaking at the Bournemouth depot Paul Wightman said “we are at an historic moment within this union. New branches are opening up all over the country”.
New Branches consist of Portsmouth, Basingstoke and combined Bournemouth and Weymouth.
Shaun posed the question. Why are we a strong union? “Because every member that joins ATCU does so not because he or she has to, or is forced to, but actually wants to”.
“So let no falsehoods, bullying or victimisation distract us from the vision which all present and future members share”.
“Let no circulars, no lies and no untruths deter us. Together we will protect our beliefs by not allowing others spite and anger to deter us from that journey”.
“Each member is an intricate part of the cog that will drive forward your union for the benefit of each and every member and their family, the rail industry and the trade union movement”.
“It is now time to say, one union, one voice”.
13 July 2008 Legal Representation
The announcement of membership legal representation has been long and protracted, simply because we expect only the best legal support for you, the member.
Shaun Brady said that “I would never ask people to join the ATCU if we could not protect them, your welfare and your families welfare comes before anything else.”
ATCU have an agreement with one firm of solicitors, Stevens, but we also have the support of two other firms who provide you with specific and specialised skills.
Further discussions with the solicitors concerned an educational programme for Regional Officers to conduct Industrial Tribunals (IT). The advantage of this is Regional Organisers have a vast amount of knowledge within the industry that can be drawn upon. It will be the intention that Regional Officers will start the IT process whilst at all times supported with the guidance of your legal team of solicitors. This will create an assurance that the IT process is working to the best advantage of the member. The Regional Organiser will always be on hand to update the member providing the member with a clear understanding of the process.
08 July 2008 Strong foundations
At the recent meeting of the Regional Organisers Committee held at the beginning of June a vote for the position for President of the Committee was taken and a unanimous vote was given to Jim Carrigan.
President of the ATCU, Jim Carrigan, thanked the members present for their vote of confidence. Jim said “our strengths lay in our desire to bring people together”.
Opening the first official Regional Organisers Committee meeting,
Jim Carrigan said “we represent working people and we stand above careerist elitism, there will be no place in this union for such people”.
The President put to the meeting the question of the General Secretary.
Following a lengthy discussion a vote for the position for Acting General Secretary was taken and a unanimous vote was given to Shaun Brady.
Shaun Brady thanked the Regional Organisers Committee giving special thanks to the Formation Committee. “It was their belief and fortitude that paved the way for this union. Against all adversity they stand head and shoulders above those who criticised” Shaun said.
“So thanks go directly to Gary Chillingworth, Phil Butler, Tony Statham with special thanks to Steve Trumm”.
Shaun Brady went on to say, “they have set down strong foundations for a union that will be an alternative.A union with a vision and that vision is the members, and everything we do will be purely in the interest of the members and their families”.
“As we grow in numbers our strength will grow and so will the strength of those who join us”
Further reports of the conference can be found on the forum
5 July 2008 Sometimes a thank you is just enough
New Shunter member from Derby voiced his concerns to the Regional Organiser regarding Shunters training other people for shunting purposes whilst they are not trained to undertake such actions.
Within 48 hours of the member joining ATCU, representation was made to the company expressing our members concerns. Following a successful outcome with the company the member rang the Regional Organiser and told him to extend his appreciation and thanks to all who was involved.
18 June 2008 ATCU Condemns Litrature
It has come to our attention that a pamphlet is being distributed among rail workers with the title ‘El Locomotive Mucho’.
This union totally disassociates itself from its publication.
ATCU is a professional union who, first and foremost, represents its members. It does not indulge in playground antics and bullying.
ATCU will not be associated with any literature that uses content that is offensive to other people.
11 June 2008 Formation and Regional Organisers Meeting
The ATCU Formation and Regional Organisers meeting - 7/8 June report is being produced. On completion a summary will be displayed on the member’s forum. A full report will be forwarded to branches.
It is important that you have your say.
If you do not have access to the forum, email:
headoffice@atcu.org.uk with your name and NI number..
Keeping you informed 24/7
Regularly, ATCU text messages to you with important information. If you have not received a message in the last 24 hrs please update your mobile number to
headoffice@atcu.org.uk
10 June 2008 New Branches, new members, new future
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TCU welcomes the new Central Scotland Branch. Chair Ian Goldie, Sec Gary Horne, Regional Organiser Jim Carrigan, vice-chair W Turnbull, vice-sec P Murray.
We are also pleased to announce the formation of the ATCU
Brighton Branch.
ATCU welcomes the new members and we look forward to hearing their voice in a union that listens.
20 May 2008 Legal Representation and more
