If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it

It saddens the ATCU that we have to respond to the vociferous and poisonous lies that were spewed out from the rostrum of the TUC Congress. 

At the last Organisers Committee meeting it was agreed that ATCU would refrain from becoming embroiled in a war of attrition, respecting other union’s views irrespective of their rhetoric. However, such actions of hypocrisy at the TUC not only makes false accusation and attack the true values of this union but the contents are aimed at disparaging our members and future members. ATCU takes such lies personally. It is for these reasons and these reasons only that ATCU sees the need to reply.

The last item to be discussed on the TUC Congress agenda was an emergency resolution from ASLEF, seconded by the RMT. The resolution called for any attempt by the ATCU to affiliate to the TUC would be rejected. A copy of the full transcript can be viewed by members in the members’ forum.

It was Lenin who once said “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it”. Less than half of the attending TUC delegates in the hall who voted on the motion have been duped by this premiss.

Fact, this union is not a breakaway union. With members working in the full range of employment in the industry, which union did we break away from?

The representative from the RMT likened us to the UDM. Fact, there are no similarities what so ever. In all honesty, look to your history books. Are there none of the two unions who stood on the platform truly without sin?

Fact, this union was borne out of likeminded people from a broad section of the trade union movement and rail industry whose only thought is their selfless dedication to the protection and safety of employees working on the railways. Dedicated people who have a vision of how trade unions should support the future wellbeing of members and their family.  Is this not how all unions began? Or do some prefer to see themselves as corporate styled elite individualists.

They called the ATCU a scab union. Fact, at what point has the ATCU supported or turned a blind eye for support in another unions strike action. When have other unions requested talks on this issue.

Let us repeat, ATCU is not a breakaway section of any other union. Fact, we are a new union, a fresh union, built by people who have become disenfranchised.

Fact, we do agree with the comments that this union has a vast amount of knowledge and experience to draw upon and we thank the ALSEF delegate for mentioning this. We also agree that this union has only one policy, that policy being the representation of members, their family and community.

They say we are a union busting organisation but is that not what they are attempting to do? Attempting to destroy a union that they agreed as being recognised by the Certification Officer.

We do find it strange that the speakers applauded the idea that people or organisations have the right to lie and slander innocent individuals. Is it not the job of a trade union to protect individuals in their employment?

What should that person do when he sees his family going through pain and suffering because of others? Is it not the job of a trade union to protect that family?

Fact, the ATCU believes in the protection of its members and family, first and foremost and condemns lies and slander. 

For those reading this article and we are sure there will be many, we draw your attention to The Employment Tribunal - Mr S Brady & ASLEF.

The ASLEF representative supported by the RMT said that we are loosely management backed. The RMT representative said he was paranoid over management collusion because we have two notice boards within the whole of the railway industry that provide our members with information. Fact, these two notice boards are next to the other rail unions’ notice boards.

Ask the members in Scotland if we have employers on our side. Ask the members in the North East if we have employers on our side. Ask the members in the far South if we have the employers on our side. They know the truth and they know your words are full of lies.

Sorry to dispel the myth that you are attempting to create. Every Regional Organiser is a true trade unionist and respected representative who are not in the fortunate position that you are in. Fact, every step they take towards supporting and representing members is a hard battle for justice truly won.

The RMT’s argument about management collusion went further by saying that ATCU invited a Director of Personnel to a union meeting. Fact, this was on the members ‘home ground’ not managements, where members could ask questions about their future employment and security in the company. Does the privilege of such meetings fall only within the realms of union officers? Are we so frightened of our members ability to speak for themselves?

Why do they fear us?
Is it because ATCU have capped Organisers and General Secretaries future pay?

Is it because ATCU are creating a lean union who will not devour members contributions through unnecessary expenses?

Is it because ATCU believes in their members strengths and abilities?

Is it because the ATCU have removed overburdening and costly middle tier formally known as the Executive?

Perhaps it is because the ATCU wants to remove the barriers that stifle the flow of voices and opinions upwards and thus make us infinitely more accountable?

Or is it the fact that ATCU had the audacity to be the first say “one union, one voice”?

Let us finalise by providing another quote:

“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”.

'Shaun Brady, ATCU Acting General Secretary'