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The proudest moment of Paul’s life was when he joined the railway on 12 August 1974 as a traction trainee at Bedford, he remember this year well as it was at the time of the 74 miners strike. Thereafter he transferred to Kings Cross as a secondman eventually moving to Cricklewood for a drivers Job. After the closure of Cricklewood Paul moved to Fratton (Portsmouth) in 1983. As you can imagine, my first year became a defining moment as it made me aware of the political and trade union community and how, when united under one voice we can succeed in striving towards better wages, conditions and health standards. Joining ASLEF in 1974 I quickly submerged in trade unionism and the desire to represent and support my colleagues in the industry. I became branch secretary, LDC representative and secretary. This was followed by election to Company Council representative which I held for 13 years. During this period I also took positions as the Company Council secretary and chair. Other representation consisted of MFA, Pay and Conditions, Redeployments Drivers and Guards, Procedures, Discipline Guards and Drivers including clause 9s, Grievances and many many more. My convictions and dedication to the industry and colleagues have never ceased but over the years I have questioned other peoples’ lack of ideas and aspirations. With those convictions that I learned in my early years I remain committed to a strong trade union and ATCU is that union. It has, at its core, the values of equality, the desire to listen and a strong belief in uniting the industry. ATCU and I remain focused on our objectives of securing a better future and providing strong honest representation for members who deserve no less. We are all equals. We have a voice. We are United. We have a future. So tell those that doubt us WE ARE HERE TO STAY Paul Wightman
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