Newsroom
03 February 2012 Rail Derailment - Driver being treated for injuries
A driver is presently being treated for injuries following a derailment at Bletchley south junction.
The Freightliner engine, being operated on behalf of Virgin trains is said to be upright but blocking the line, and damage to the running tracks and overhead power lines has been reported.
The derailment which occurred in the early hours of this morning was not pulling any freight or carriages.
Robin Gisby, from Network Rail, said that although they hoped to clear two of the lines later, services would still be affected.
"It is likely that severe disruption will continue for the remainder of the day as we work to repair the more significant damage," he said.
Virgin Trains and Network Rail are working with RAIB as they continue their investigation.
13 January 2012 Network Rail faces criminal proceedings
Network Rail is to face criminal proceedings for a breach of health and safety law which caused a train to derail near Grayrigg in 2007.
The criminal proceedings was issued today by The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) concerning the 17.15 Virgin Trains service from London Euston to Glasgow Central derailment on the West Coast Mainline near Grayrigg in Cumbria on 23 February 2007.
On board were 109 people which resulted in one fatality, 86 people were injured, 28 seriously.
Network Rail is facing a charge under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This results from the company’s ‘failure to provide and implement suitable and sufficient standards, procedures, guidance, training, tools and resources for the inspection and maintenance of fixed stretcher-bar points’.
The first hearing is due to take place at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2012.
05 January 2012 So what makes your union different
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Regional Organiser Paul Wightman |
The union has been in existence since 2005 and was formed by a group of strong determined individuals from a broad section of the rail industry who came together to create a vision of what a union should provide for its members. This is how all unions came into existence, so what makes your union different.
Not only is it the people who you see at the top of this web page but also the people on the ground. It is names that you may never hear; who work without any recognition, not for the union but for their members. It is about you and your family who experience the troubles of everyday life. It is about every one of us coming together to create a community within the rail industry which focuses on the members and not the union. It is about putting into place certain core values that allows members to have a voice.
One of those core values would be based on allowing members to have a say, not only in the structure of the union but at their place of work. Our aim will always be to establish ATCU as a union where all members become part of the negotiating process, not secondary.
In November of last year ATCU became the first union to put to the members a Questionnaire Referendum (QR) on a pay deal. So what is so special about this you may ask?
The QR asks what you think and what you want.
Normal referendums ask only one question; yes or no on the whole subject. The problem with this is that any item which is disagreeable within the proposal may not be raised as an issue.
It is therefore ATCU’s intention to allow members to contribute to any and all negotiations at the earliest stages so that your voice is listened to. Far too long workers are at the bequest of the negotiators and the only time they are asked about their comments is at the end of talks, which usually is too late.
At present these QR’s will be presented to the companies but do not think that they will be ignored. Of course companies don’t presently recognise us for negotiating on pay deals, we all know this is simply a numbers game but the stronger we get the more influence we have. The reality of the fact is that the companies would have, for the first time, the true feelings and thoughts of their employees.
So what does this one important change mean?
ATCU is stripping back the hierarchical structure that focuses on individuals and moves closer to giving everyone a voice in the rail community.
This year we will be seeking the member’s views on the role of the General Secretary through a QR. As the only union that does not presently have such a position it is seen by some as radical which verges on revolutionary, not revolutionary in the negative sense but for positive change.
Quite frankly, the person who you want to hear from is your Regional Organiser; it is he or she who, through your support and contribution, is the best placed person to speak on your behalf because it is the Regional Organiser who is always on the ground and at the forefront of change at your place of work.Equally next year, the union will begin the process of electing Regional Organisers and this is where you will have the opportunity to contribute to how that structure will be formed. It is therefore crucial that we have as many members’ email addresses and mobile phone numbers so that real time information can be provided.
As we have seen over the last year the world is changing, so we as a union have to constantly change. We have to quickly adapt to any and all shifting circumstances; to be a union that explores every avenue that would benefit the members.
Not only is it important to look to the changing horizon but occasionally it is equally important that we take a look back to see how far we have come. Take pride on what you have achieved.
We have a lot to do next year but we will do it together.
We wish you and those with families all the very best for the year.
David Nixon
National Organising Coordinator
For and on behalf of the
Organisers Committee
11 December 2011 Freightliner Heavy Haul Questionnaire Referendum – Pay 2011
ATCU is conducting a Questionnaire Referendum (QR) for 2011 Freightliner Heavy Haul
Normal referendums ask only one question; yes or no on the whole subject. The problem with this is that any item which is disagreeable within the proposal may not be raised as an issue.
It is ATCU’s intention to allow members to contribute to any and all negotiations at the earliest stages so that your voice is listened to.
Far too long workers are at the bequest of the negotiators and the only time they are asked about their comments is at the end of talks, which usually is too late to start asking members their views.
All information is confidential. All replies are anonymous and we do not have the ability to view the returnee.
If you have not received your QR please email membership@atcu.org.uk
Close of the referendum will be midnight 15 December.
Yours sincerely
Organisers Committee
07 December 2011 Tax allowance on working clothes/uniforms
Workers who are provided a uniform which has a logo of the company can claim back a tax allowance for cleaning which can be back dated for 6 years.
Such a claim will be dependent on circumstances:
- Does the company have an agreement with the Revenue & Customs? If so, then the tax will be adjusted in your pay tax code.
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If not:
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In this case each individual will have to claim by calling the Revenue and Customs on 0845 300 0627 for this year.
The previous years will need to be claimed in writing. Please click on the standard letter to the right of this news report.
The usual cost of tax relief is £100 per annum.
14 November 2011 If there is such a thing as being born a representative, Mick is one of them.
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Mick Fitton will relinquish his position as Regional Organiser as of 19th November as he flies out to Australia to a new life as a freight driver. Mick has not only been a colleague but a friend to us all. Although he is to fly out on the nineteenth, Mick showed his commitment to the ATCU, by liaising with guards on Transpennine Express in order to arrange meetings. |
If there is such a thing as being born a representative, Mick is one of them.
Mick has shown that a representative is not necessarily someone who has the knowledge but someone who has an ability and passion of what is right or wrong and then to take that understanding and use it to the advantage of our members.
Mick, in his own comical way, said that he intends to set up an international branch of the ATCU in Australia.
We have no doubt that if Mick was to pursue a career in an Australian rail union, expect him to rise very quickly within their ranks.
We all wish Mick, who promises to keep in touch, all the very best for the future.
He will be greatly missed here at ATCU but happy for his new life in Australia.
04 November 2011 Let me start with the quashing the of rumours
Alan Shaw
A.T.C.U. Member
Manchester Piccadilly
First T.P.E
To All,
Since the event of industrial action taken by ASLEF and RMT on the 24/08/2011 I have found myself in an awkward, stressful and tedious situation, being suspended from work due to my behaviour on the said day pending investing
Let me first off all start with the quashing of rumours I am led to believe are flying around. Throughout this whole episode A.T.C.U. as a union have backed, reassured, advised and supported me 100% and have never indicated nor suggested otherwise, so to all you doubters out there shame on you!
To all you scare mongers be it from other unions or elsewhere, you were and are, so far off the mark it’s untrue.
I am proud to be a member of A.T.C.U. who I know to be a caring, open minded and dedicated union, not only towards its members but all personnel. A.T.C.U. are a union who are prepared and willing to open lines of communication with those who may be affected by situations that arise from time to time whether individuals or other unions to ensure decisions and actions are for the good of all and not just the few.
To anybody out there who is wavering whether to join A.T.C.U. take it from me, do not hesitate, you will be in safe hands. To those who are unhappy, disheartened and fed up with your present union! Take a look at a modern free thinking 21st century union that listens to, cares about, respects and protects all its members.
I would like to big up both Dave Nixon and Mick Fitton, thank you both for all your help and support and I would like to think that one day I may be able to repay you both.
Mick, all the best in your new adventure and good luck mate, You, of all people, deserve it.
Alan Shaw
28 October 2011 We do not have to visit a mental institution to find the insane
Last week we heard the reporting of a leaked document by venture capitalist Adrian Beecroft which proposed removing all rights to claim unfair dismissal, replacing it with a right to seek a redundancy payment.
Mr Beecroft argued that current employment protection laws addressed yesterday's problems and that even if it meant employers could sack staff simply because they did not like them, it was a price worth paying.
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We would like to repeat that comment again ‘if it meant employers could sack staff simply because they did not like them, it was a price worth paying’. Thankfully an aid to Nick Clegg, Norman Lamb, supports our view that the comment was insane by describing the proposals as madness. Although another spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said the report would not be published, and that it was neither an official report or officially commissioned, it does not distract from the fact that some are promoting such views. |
The report went on to say "The rules both make it difficult to prove that someone deserves to be dismissed, and demand a process for doing so which is so lengthy and complex that it is hard to implement. This makes it too easy for employees to claim they have been unfairly treated and to gain significant compensation."
The reality is that Employment Tribunals are not like a court of law where guilt is based on factual evidence. In an Employment Tribunal the employer only has to base a dismissal on reasonable belief. So the employee is already on the back foot.
In the book ‘Employment Tribunal Claims’ Naomi Cunningham and Michael Reed say that awards in 2008/2009 the median award for unfair dismissal was £4,269. Do not let newspapers reports of awards in the hundreds of thousands, or even millions give you the wrong idea…they are rare and they are usually people who are on hundreds of thousands per year.
As the Director Tim Burton once said “One person's craziness is another person's reality.”
6 October 2011 Hammond bounces from HS2 to unions to Labour
Although some Tory members oppose High Speed rail (HS2) a vow was given to make high-speed rail the "mode of choice" for the travelling public. This is the promise by the conservative transport secretary Mr Philip Hammond.
According to an opinion poll conducted b ConHome (August 2011), Tory grassroots members has moved against hi-speed rail with 56% opposed.
Speaking to delegates Mr Hammond said the government had set its sights further north than Birmingham, and would consult early next year on building a Y-shaped network incorporating separate corridors from the west Midlands to connect high-speed rail to both Manchester and Leeds.
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Mr Hammond gave assurances that the chancellor would support growth, boosted the government's commitment to a high-speed rail network that would change the social and economic geography of Britain. Mr Hammond gave assurances that the chancellor would support growth boosted the government's commitment to a high-speed rail network that would change the social and economic geography of Britain. |
Defending over inflation fare increases Mr Hammond said that Britain has one of the most expensive railways in the developed west. "This is unfair on passengers, and unaffordable for the taxpayer, and with public subsidy running at £5.5bn a year, this has to change," he said.
Raising the issue of union involvement he said that unions along with Network Rail, regulator, train operators and the government, needed to change the way they worked together to drive out costs and drive up inefficiency while maintaining an "enviable" safety record.
From a moment of what seemed to be mild conciliatory cooperation Mr Hammond turned his vent towards the London Underground who at the time of his speech were on a 24 strike in protest over jobs and safety. He said that they think they are exempt from change "Let me tell them straight: they are not. All our railways have to modernise," he said.
Finally Mr Hammond rounded on Ed Miliband by asking him to come clean about what Hammond called “pointless strikes.” "He must answer two questions,” said Mr Hammond, “ does he condemn these pointless strikes that are causing disruption to Londoners, and will he encourage underground workers to cross picket lines and keep our capital city moving?"
1 October 2011 Rail travel is a moral issue
Lord Adonis says rail travel is a moral issue.
Speaking at a Labour Conference fringe meeting he said government must do more to protect customers and that companies must not be allowed to degrade services once they had taken on a franchise.
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Lord Adonis, who was transport secretary under Gordon Brown, told the meeting that because rail operators were effectively regional monopolies, it was up to ministers to keep them in line. Highlighting the issue of removing catering form the East Coast mainline he said to National Express that you can’t do that whereby one of his advisors told him , 'Yes, secretary of state, he can do that, catering isn't specified in the franchise.'" |
Another area of concern was the reduction of off peak times which is presently defined as only five hours a day. “We need a much more active, much more hands-on, much more professional state acting on behalf of the consumer and profound public interest," he said.
Defending the High-Speed (HS2) between London and Birmingham Lord Addonis said that it was one of the great projects delivered by the Labour Government but the controversy has made him travel incognito through the Chilterns.
It’s very important that we don’t flinch from HS2. It needs to be done for the good of the country,” he said
“If we don’t do it we’ll end up with a classic British patch and mend.”
Responding to a question about regulating fare prices Transport Secretary Philip Hammond also angered anti HS2 protesters last month after telling a Transport Select committee the cost of train travel is eye wateringly expensive” and that “they have become “a rich man’s toy”.
One protestor said "He has the brass to say that and then says he wants to give £33bn plus the massive cost over-runs which are already evident to the construction industry just to build a fast train line which will be the preserve of the super-rich in areas which are already well connected.
30 September 2011 New Temping Laws
As from tomorrow a change in law will give agency workers the same privileges as permanent staff, once they have been with the business for over 12 weeks.
Unlike fixed-term employees and part-time workers, agency workers have not, up until now, enjoyed rights to the same pay and holiday entitlement as directly employed staff in the same workplace.
The European wide changes will mean that, not only from day one will Temps have access to common facilities such as canteens, crèche and transport; by week 12 they will also have equal rights to pay and other basic working conditions which will include holidays and improved maternity rights.
Agency Workers Regulations will impact on the following:
- Individuals who work as temporary agency workers
- Individuals or companies (private, public, and third sector (e.g., charities, social enterprises)) involved in the supply of temporary agency workers, either directly or indirectly, to work temporarily for and under the direction and supervision of a hirer.
- Hirers in the private, public and third sector
21 September 2011 Norman Baker MP and Rail
Speaking at the Lib Dem conference transport minister Norman Baker MP gives an assurance but with a caveat that as soon as finances allows we will see an end of above inflation fare increases.
Going against previous conference policy which promised to cut rail fares Mr Baker said that major investment would help achieve the twin aims of economic growth and carbon reduction but an end to inflation rises could not be at the expense of transport infrastructure.
Conservative transport secretary, Philip Hammond, said earlier this year that above-inflation fare rises could disappear within four years. This could happen if reforms set out in the report published in May into curbing the rail industry’s escalating costs by Sir Roy McNulty. However, Mr Hammond ruled out future fare cuts quoting that £5.2bn-a-year state subsidy is unsustainable at current levels.
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Highlighting a number of projects in the pipeline, such as replace "clapped-out rolling stock" to ease overcrowding, Baker said: "Of course, all this investment costs money, so regrettably rail fares are still going up. That is not to say that bargains can't be had – they most certainly can. My ticket from London to Birmingham cost me just £10.80. But that cannot hide the fact that we are still seeing regulated fares rise by more than RPI." |
He went on: "It is clear from the McNulty report that there are huge efficiency gains to be wrung out of Network Rail. We are already acting to realise these, which will release billions of pounds. I want that money to be returned to the railway, in more investment and yes, returned to the passenger.
"I want our railway to be available for all. Just as soon as the public finances allow, we must end the era of RPI plus. In the meantime we must drive further improvements to the rail network."
He said the four words guiding the government's transport policy was "creating growth, cutting carbon. And let me make this clear – it's not growth or carbon reduction. We can have both," he added.
In the first meeting with ATCU Mr Baker gave commitment to Labour’s proposals for the £32bn north-south high-speed rail link. This commitment continued in his conference speech when he said the High Speed Two route, whose first phase between London and Birmingham is due to open around 2026, will be followed by a link to Manchester and Leeds in 2032.
Replying to the to the many objections by local residents to the planned route Mr Baker said the scheme would meet the "desperate need for more capacity north to south" and reach the parts that "other transport modes can't". This would ensure that prosperity was shared around the country rather than concentrated in London and the south.
15 September 2011 All the very best for the future
Sadly, today is the last day which a member of staff will be working for ATCU
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Next week Declan Carrington will begin a new and exciting adventure at Sunderland University where he will be studying for a law degree. Declan began working for the ATCU nearly 2 years ago while he was studying his English A levels but after working with the ATCU his passion gradually moved towards law. Declan has been a valuable asset to the ATCU and will be missed at Head office. His enthusiasm for the ATCU knew no bounds as he regularly carried out work, far and above, what was expected from him. |
With the title of Head of Organisation and Administration Declan became the front line for many membership queries which made him, or not in some cases, the most popular person within the office.
Not only we will miss him but we will miss his dry sense of humour which made light of many difficult tasks, particularly during the time we moved from standing orders to direct debit.
Most importantly we will miss his choice of music. Today we get to listen to Tchaikovsky's Overture 1812, a tune that will now remain synonymous with Declan.
The entire Organisers Committee wishes the very best for his future and asks that he keeps in regular contact.
Who knows, in five years time Declan may be working with us again but in a legal capacity. We all hope so.
31 August 2011 I open the debate
It is important to understand that since 1979, membership to trade unions have continually fallen year on year.
Ironically, when there was near full employment some four years ago, membership still fell.
Trade unions have then to question why this is happening and the only way we can do this is to remove ourselves from a protectionist stance. That is, looking outwards rather that inwards.
I open the debate by posing one of those questions: ballot and voting system.
Let’s take a ballot on conductors pay for instance. A company will only talk to one union over pay for conductors, end of story. Now, let’s say that company has 400 conductors in total and the union which the company talks to only has 100 conductor members. Only 100 conductors will get to vote on the pay deal because that is what the trade union act says!! This means 300 conductors will not get to vote on that years pay deal because they are not members of the negotiating union.
If out of the 100 members that did get a vote 51 voted in favour, this means that a staggering 349 employees out of 400 in that the company either did not have a say in the deal or voted against it. The result means that the pay deal was voted in by just 51 employees of that company. We could argue that this is a means of recruiting new members. If you want a vote, then you have to be part of that union. However, as I have mentioned, this is not happening.
Atcu feels that the present trade union act is divisive. Trade unions have to take a progressive review of the voting system; a system that is a fair one whereby every employee gets a vote on their pay. This would also apply for local reps elections and company council elections as they represent all employees, not just members of their own unions. That way, the right people would be elected for the jobs they do around the workplace.
If you take a parliamentary election for example, everybody in the country gets a vote but if it was under the rules of the trade union act, only those who were actual members of political parties would be able to vote and let’s face it, this would be hardly anybody.
I put it to you that trade unions should be forward thinking and innovative. They should be seen to fight for the right for everyone to vote on a pay deal or local representatives and not take a protectionist stance. Becoming all inclusive would, in my opinion, be a great recruiter for new members because unions would be then able to reach out to those non members when elections take place. I also put it to you that it would unite all workers at their place of work which is the objective of all trade unions.
Steve Gomersall
Regional Organiser
16 August 2011 Rail fare increase could further damage the economy
Rail commuters will find out today how much their train tickets are likely to go up by next year. The average increase is expected to be around 8%, well above inflation.
The increase is part of the government’s agenda of reducing the cost to the government and taxpayers of running the railways.
The inflation figures to be announced at 9:30 are expected to be to be at the 5% figure.
The rail fare formula for regulated fares such as season tickets, long distant off peak fares etc is RPI plus 3%, therefore the average increase for fares next year will average out at 8%.
Some routes are expected to rise above this figure as train companies can add an extra 5% on top, making a staggering increase of up to 13%, as long as they balance that extra increase with a decrease elsewhere.
The argument by the government is that the increase will save the taxpayers’ money by transferring part of the cost to the commuters.
However, there is a downward cost effect to such rises. Increased rises force a person off the railways which adds to our already congested roads and crucially it stops people from looking for jobs, which overall could have a reverse effect and further damage the economy.
UPDATE
Spokesperson for the government Teresa Villiers MP speaking on the BBC 24 hours news said ‘we have taken a difficult decision to ask passengers to accept a 3% ahead of inflation fare increase for 3 years’.
Ms Villiers went on to justify this: ‘because it will enable us to deliver a massive programme of rail improvement, relieve overcrowding and strengthen economic growth'.
'Without asking passengers to pay a little bit more It simply wouldn’t be affordable’.
‘Yes, the taxpayer is contributing significant sums. £18 billion is what is going to be spent on what is the biggest rail improvement since the Victorian era’, she said.
The government simply did not take into consideration inflation figures when deciding on a 3% above inflation rise. Arguably the consequences of this decision where the increases will go on for another 2 years could force up the cost of a rail ticket towards 30%.
ATCU agrees with Maria Engels MP, when she said this is simply ‘too far too fast to cut the deficit’. Passengers income spend will be reduced which will have a knock on effect to the growth of the economy.
Ms Engels said she agreed that there is a need to ‘cut the cost of the railway, which we support, as well, that’s a third way’. Would this be investment or ticket prices? We assume the latter.
15 July 2011 Injury at work – You may be entitled to extra money from the government
Are you missing out on industrial injury entitlements?
We are all aware that if we sustain an injury at work a claim is submitted to the employer but how many know that you can also submit a second claim for industrial benefit. Failure to do may result in you missing out on potential payments up to £150.30 per week, possibly for life.
When a person is injured at work a claim is submitted to the employer/company. In such cases it is also important that they submit a second claim for industrial benefit. These are two different claims that have no relevance to each other apart from the injury. The first claim is to the employer and the second to the government industrial benefit scheme which has been in existence for many decades. Surprisingly, few people submit industrial benefit claims, even more people are actually aware that it exists. |
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If you have sustained an injury at work, irrespective of when it happened, you may be entitled to extra benefits from the government due to that injury. What is important is that all other industrial injuries can/will be included, irrespective when they occurred.
Unlike a claim against an employer the industrial benefit scheme does not have any time limit in which to claim.
ATCU recommends that it is always advisable to apply for a ‘declaration’ that you have had an industrial accident, even if you do not want to claim any benefit right away. You can do this on the form available for download from the website of DIrect.gov. It's a good idea to apply for a declaration if you are not disabled immediately after your accident, but you think you may experience some problems in the future as a result.
In order to claim you must have suffered personal injury caused by an accident arising out of, and in the course of your work. Remember, there is no time limit for claiming. So, you can claim even if the accident happened months or years ago. You must have suffered a loss of physical disability amounting to more than a particular percentage. The percentage at which you qualify for benefit is usually 14% but there are exceptions. For example, for some respiratory diseases the percentage is 1%, for occupational deafness it is 20%. |
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If you already have a percentage assessment because of a previous injury, the percentage for any new assessment will be added to it. If your previous percentage had not been high enough for you to qualify, this could mean that you may now be eligible. Also, if you have been refused this benefit in the past, if the injury gets worse in time, you can claim again. The percentage disability may have increased to the level where you will be entitled to get the benefit.
For example:
After attending the assessment you are awarded 5% disability due to damage to your finger. As this does not meet the qualifying of 14% no payment will be awarded. However, several years later you were involved in another accident at work which resulted to damage to the knee and an award of 11% disability.
These are totalled up equalling 16% and thus a payment would be awarded. If either of the injuries became worse and following further assessments, the percentage may be increased and you would be awarded a higher payment. However the reverse may happen if the symptoms improve.
How do you obtain a claim form for these benefits?
You can:
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How is the degree of disability assessed?
You must attend a medical assessment to decide the severity of your illness or disability. The doctor compares your health with that of a healthy person of the same age and sex. On the basis of the assessment you are given a percentage (%) disability.
How much is Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit?
The amount of benefit depends upon the degree of disability. The higher the percentage disability, the more benefit is payable. Some examples are as follows (rates as at April 2007 and the rates usually go up each April):
- 20% disability - £ £30.06 per week
- 50% disability - £ £75.15 per week
- 100% disability - £ 150.30 per week (payments correct at date of print)
Rates are less if you are under the age of 18 and have no dependents. Benefit is payable from the 15th week after the accident. Payment is usually made directly into a bank account, building society account, post office account, or national savings account.
12 July 2011 All workers have the right to join or form a trade union
ATCU recently attended the North London Suburban branch to outline recent developments in the union.
ATCU was represented by David Nixon from Head Office who gave an update of ATCU’s current grievance with Northern Rail relating to recruitment and the present situation concerning Information & Consultation (I&C) within Freightliner Heavy Haul.
Speaking at the meeting David said that ‘representatives of the ATCU have presently completed stage three of the Northern Grievance process for organisational activities such as discussing union business, canvass fellow workers, distribute and post literature and to talk to staff with a view to recruitment’. He went on to say that ‘the failure to agree a way forward for the benefit of all workers has now forced the representatives to take this to the next stage’.
ATCU, like all unions, believe that representatives have a right to recruit members at their place of work without interference, obstacles or discrimination from the employer. If the employer imposes any of these in any way then it is denying each person the freedom of choice and therefore freedom of association. Trade Unions should not associate themselves with such action by an employer because to do so would implicate them in some form of collusion with the employer and thus undermining workers rights and the rights of all unions to recruit members through organisational activities. |
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David explained to the meeting how ‘I&C can rejuvenate unions at a place of work and how it can be used as a positive method of recruitment for all unions’.
‘I&C works for every worker irrespective of what union people join. It unites workers in a common understanding whereby every worker will have the right to choose the best person to become the negotiating representative at their place of work’.
This is unions working to the benefit of all workers and therefore dispels the myth that unions are insular organisations. It is working towards the common good of workplace social and democratic involvement of workers at their particular place of work.
‘Through I&C, workers become part of something which commands respect between all workers and where each of us values one another’
‘This is the message members want to hear, not the accusations and bickering, which others are sometimes charged with’, said David
8 July 2011 Direct Debit
The Organisers Committee would like to thank all those members who have recently signed over to the new direct debit system. In January of this year ATCU paid for the new direct debit (d/d) to replace standing orders (s/o). The main reason behind this was that s/o was inefficient, costly and required a large amount of working hours to maintain. Head Office has been speaking to members personally which also gives us the opportunity to discuss what the union is presently engaged in. |
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If you have yet sign over to d/d, please contact Head Office on 01226 716417 where members of staff are ready to help. The call takes less than 5 minutes to complete.
You have the right to cancel your Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
Regards
Organising Committee
06 June 2011 Thank You
From James H Collier,
Dear Steve Gomersall and all at the ATCU,
Just a short note to say a very sincere thank you for all the support I have recently received from yourself and all others at ATCU. With regards to the recent issues I have had to contend with at what has been a very difficult time in my life the representation that I have received over the last two years could NOT have been surpassed by anyone else.
The individual challenges that we have had to contend with have not been simple issues but I can safely say that the depth of work that I have benefited from you over the last two years amounts to more than I ever received in the previous twenty years with any other organization.
Keep up the good work, my diary is a bargain
Regards
Jim
To whom this may concern,
It was around August 2010, I was at work, driving trains, when I received a distressed telephone call from our Son. He was apparently being evicted from his room at the YMCA were he had been living, the process had already begun as he had spent the last two nights sleeping rough in a car park. I was naturally concerned and worried and somewhat frustrated as I was fifty odd miles away in London and unable to do anything about it. I desperately needed to speak to the staff and, or Manager at the YMCA.
I first phoned Steve Trumm's phone, another gentleman answered and he was very calm and helpful suggesting I ring Dave Nixon at 9 o'clock. I admit to being a little reluctant as I didn’t want to bother the head office staff unduly. I did ring and I told Dave the story as I knew it. Dave listened intently before requesting the telephone numbers that he thought he may need and I carried on my driving duties. It wasn't long before Dave had spoken to the YMCA staff on my behalf. Dave was too modest to tell me what had occurred but he had obviously made an impression as I was greeted with an entirely unexpected attitude when I finally managed to speak to the Manager.
Through Dave’s efforts I was able to remain at work and concentrate on the safety of my passengers while the staff and managers were re-considering their latest decision at the YMCA. At the end of my shift I went to the YMCA, Dave had set up a meeting for me to attend, I was able to plead our Sons case over the next few days and he was allowed to stay at the YMCA. He is still there today and has taken opportunities to improve.
We are extremely grateful to Dave and despite the gentleman’s modesty, without his intervention that day; the outcome would have been very different.
Yours sincerely,
Paul & Penny Ogram
I have worked on the railway for aprox 24 yrs in a variety of jobs both passenger and freight.
I became a member of ATCU only 12 months ago after being in a union for 23 yrs. I feel my regional organiser and the ATCU have already done more for me and my fellow colleagues than the other union that I was in for 23 years.
In the 12 months I have been a member of the ATCU they have gone on to resolve a lot of safety issues we have had for months and years. YES, some of the safety issues date back YEARS.
As soon as the ATCU rep became aware of these safety issues they started to deal with them very swiftly and all have now been resolved.
I truly only have good things to say about the ATCU and I truly advise anyone who works on in the railway industry to become a member, YES a MEMBER not just a number.
Put them to the test and you will not be disappointed.
Also you will save money at £9.75 a month per member.
But most important you will have someone at the other end of a phone who knows what he/she is talking about and will advise you on what to do - PRICELESS
(I REST MY CASE)
DB Schenker
Freight Yard Shunter.
Many thanks to all at ATCU
The decision to put a grievance in about my two immediate mangers was one that was not taken lightly; it was a decision that for eight long months was to put enormous stress and strains on both myself and my husband. Luckily for me, a few months before my problems started I had become a member of the ATCU.
The help and support given to me at both local and regional level by fellow members of the ATCU was invaluable, they reassured and encouraged me to carry on with the grievance during my darkest hours.
The tireless efforts by the ATCU reps have enabled me to secure a very positive outcome and those bleak days have now become a distant memory. Thank you.
Jan Southon
Conductor,
Penzance
25 May 2011 I&C will unite all Freightliner workers and unions
ATCU fighting for your rights, giving you a voice
ATCU is petitioning everyone in Freightliner which can be completed online. We are seeking an Information & Consultation (I&C) agreement for all workers within Freightliner, irrespective of what union they are in. This also means that everyone at a place of work, including all union members, can stand for nomination as an I&C negotiator. What is more important is that ‘everyone’ will have a democratic right to vote.
This is democracy, this is decency and this is respect for all workers'.
ATCU is not questioning the current system for the election of unions own representatives. It is up to each individual union on how they elect their representatives. What we do say is that ‘the present system for electing local representatives is failing because the best person at their place of work does not get the chance to stand for election and the majority does not have a say. It is discriminatory and creates division within the workforce ’.
I&C will unite all Freightliner workers and unions
We urge you to exercise your democratic right and complete the online form for information and consultation.
WE GUARANTEE YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY. THAT GUARANTEE IS IN PLACE TO PROTECT YOU FROM THE EMPLOYER DISCOVERING WHO HAS SIGNED THE REQUEST FOR I&C ARRANGEMENTS.
18 May 2011 Organisers Meeting 17 April and 15 May
The Organisers Committee met under rule 14.3 on Sunday 17 April 2011 at Barnsley to discuss the conduct of the Acting General Secretary and President’s actions of 31 March and 1 April 2011 and their subsequent activities following these dates. At the meeting the Organising Committee was informed that the Acting General Secretary and President attended Head Office in Barnsley without the authority of the Organising Committee and attempted to remove the membership records, finance and computers and operate the running of such at another address in Southampton. |
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Organisers Meeting 17 April |
Such action was a violation of your rules.
Following this action the Acting General Secretary and President attempted to place a gagging order on Head Office and opposed the official Organisers Committee meeting of 17 April with the added intention to sabotage such a meeting.
The Acting General Secretary and President refused to attend the meeting of the 17 April 2011 and refused to acknowledge its legitimacy contrary to rule and attempted to arrange a second meeting without the authority of the Organisers Committee. The meeting of 17 April was attended by nine authorised Organisers, two being the present trustees. Apologies were given by two Organisers who gave their authority to the meeting and endorsed the action taken by the Organisers Committee meeting of 17 April. One other Organiser did not attend the meeting and gave no apologies. |
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Organisers Meeting 15 May |
Other charges where put before the meeting where a full investigation was carried out which considered a variety of evidence including written evidence from the acting General Secretary and President. All facts were duly considered.
Following the investigation the Organising Committee removed the Acting General Secretary from his role and despite being reminded on many occasions regarding his membership subscriptions he failed to activate payment. As a non paying member, under rule, he has no right to appeal.
The Organisers Committee also removed the President from his position as President of the Organisers Committee. As he still retained the position of Organiser of our union he was afforded the full rights as given by our rule book in order to appeal.
He did not appeal.
The Organisers Committee again met on 15 May to discuss future developments of the union which places the union in your hands. The dismissed President did not attend the meeting although he was instructed to do so.
ATCU is a union that prides itself on being a workers’ union and most importantly a rail workers’ union. It does not belong to one person but to all of us. It is a union that respects the values of the worker and their family and through these principles we collectively become a community within the rail industry that protects each other.
18 May 2011 Welcome to the Skipton Branch of the ATCU
Regional Organiser Steve Gomersall and Regional Organiser Steve Rodgers attended the inaugural meeting of the Skipton Branch on Sunday 8 May. The opening of the branch coincided with membership increase within that area. Skipton is one of many branches who are presently challenging the right to organise at their place of work. |
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Skipton Branch 8 May |
When people in the Middle East are rising up against dictatorial regimes the UK is seemingly moving in the opposite direction. In the 1980s the UK had far greater anti trade union laws than apartheid South Africa and the 1990s saw very little change in support of Trade Unions by our parliamentary representatives.
Unfortunately, at home, very little has moved towards a fairer society. If you are wealthy and powerful you wield the bigger stick. The smaller you are, the more you will be trod upon. That is why Skipton agrees with our call that the industry needs one union with one voice. They also agree that everyone has an equal right to stand in free open elections at the place of work and that everyone has the opportunity to vote.
At the next Organisers Committee meeting to be held on 15 May, these questions will be at the forefront of the agenda along with future preparation for elections of Regional Organisers.
It was always considered necessary to attain sufficient membership numbers in order to justify the election of Organisers and we are pleased to say that we are now there.
The meeting will set out a plan in which to involve members in the process. Not just for voting but also to allow members to make comments and suggestions on how the geography of the union will form. It is you the members who will decide.
In addition, we will be updating all members by email on the situation of recent events. Those without email address will receive reports by post. The forum will also carry updates.
Emails and text messages are the way forward
The most effective way of communication is through the use of emails. Emails produce real time information and is cost effective. If you have not been receiving emails of late please email the address to membership@atcu.org.uk with your name and company. |
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Do we have your mobile number? Mobile numbers provide us with the ability to text instant important messages. Please email your number to membership@atcu.org.uk. Alternatively text your number to 07717 605654 with your name and company |
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10 May 2011 Jeff Southon, new Regional Organiser - First Great Western
ATCU would like to welcome new Regional Organiser Mr Jeff Southon who will be dealing mainly with First Great Western.
Jeff started his railway career back in February 1988.
Jeff became a coupler/tanker at Euston station and moved quite quickly through the grades of yard Shunter and then trip Shunter before applying for a driving job at Waterloo.
He transferred to Waterloo in 1991 where he was first trained as a guard and then as a driver spending 14 months in South Side Training School.
After working as a suburban driver for several years Jeff then moved to First Great Western at London Paddington. He worked at Paddington until he transferred down to Penzance in 2001.
Jeff has been a member of FGW's Rail Care Team for 18 months.
As Jeff said “I joined ATCU because of their fresh approach which really appealed to me. I helped to set up the Cornwall branch last September and I am looking forward to helping a great new union to achieve good things in the future”.
05 May 2011 Unselfish dedication to the rail industry
Regional Organisers and Local Organisers of the ATCU are dedicated hard working rail people who have committed themselves to providing a service to the members and as Steve Rodgers Regional Organiser for Conductors said:
‘This union has represented many people that others refused to represent and all Organisers research each case individually and present all representations in a calm and professional manner. With one sole purpose, and that is to guarantee everyone is treated fairly and justly’.
On many occasions, Organisers travel the length and breadth of the country so that everyone has the full professional representation that Steve talks about. These people commit their own time to the development of the union, not only at work, but away from the company that they work for. On those days, all of the Organisers ungrudgingly sacrifice their holidays and restdays. Travelling from the North down to Cornwall Steve Gomersall, Regional Organiser North West, represented a member who in her thank you letter said: |
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Ferrybridge Depot |
‘The help and support given to me at both local and regional level by fellow members of the ATCU was invaluable, they reassured and encouraged me to carry on with the grievance during my darkest hours.
The tireless efforts by the ATCU reps have enabled me to secure a very positive outcome and those bleak days have now become a distant memory. Thank you’.
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The reward that all Organisers either regional or local receive is the satisfaction that the message of the union is reaching as many people as possible which includes visiting as many depots as possible. These visits do not only include attending meetings but also at the gates of depots where we can speak to individual people. We can see what that message is when we view the ATCU home web page where we talk about a rail revolution. Of course there will be many who will criticise such a bold statement but they only do this because they are afraid of change. |
Ferrybridge Depot |
A rail revolution is about one union with one voice. It is about removing the hierarchical structure so that workers lead and not follow by empowering workers so that they can make decisions at their own place of work. It is about friendship and it is about families. It is about a rail community.
And it is the Organisers who are at the forefront of that revolution fighting each and every day so that all rail workers have a voice.
04 May 2011 Remember the dead - Fight for the living
Representatives of ATCU were invited to the Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 May 2011. ATCU was one of three guest speakers who highlighted concerns regarding safety in our industry.
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Workers’ Memorial Day has always been an important day for the many individuals and organisations that commemorate it each year, including bereaved families, campaign organisations and trade unions. In a world where, on occasion, death, injury, and illness at work are hidden away and taken for granted, Workers' Memorial Day is an opportunity to highlight the preventable nature of most workplace accidents and ill health and to promote campaigns and union organisation in the fight for improvements in workplace safety. The slogan for the day is Remember the dead - Fight for the living |
In his speech David Nixon said that ‘a great union leader once said - it is not the earth that we seek but the soil. What that leader was saying is that it is the simple but necessary working conditions including the right to work in a safe environment that we all seek’. ‘For companies, safety is increasingly running second or third to the drive for profit which ultimately blinds companies of the need to protect its most valuable asset, its workforce’. ‘It relinquishes its responsibility by burdening the workers with increase working hours and poor working conditions with UK workers being the highest in Europe for the amount of hours worked’. |
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‘And if you do not work those increased working hours you are automatically seen as showing no commitment the company’.
‘If you complain about safety you are seen as an agitator and through this fear the companies silence your voice’.
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After laying a wreath on behalf of the ATCU in respect to those who have been injured or killed, David said that ‘The mining industry, steel, railways and great industrial industries have, over the centuries, provided the workers who have sacrificed their lives so that the cogs of industries can continue to turn. Such workers are still the cogs of all businesses and industries’. ‘It is our responsibility to continue the fight so we as workers are respected by creating a safe environment in order that we and all others never experience the tragedy of injury or loss of a loved one’. |
27 April 2011 Steve Rodgers - New Regional Organiser (Conductors)
I’m Steve Rodgers; I’m 50 years old and have worked in the rail industry for the last 10 years. I have always worked with the public during the last 30 years. During my various career choices I have been a member of a good few unions and associations. My first experience of Trade Unions were good ones, they seemed to do exactly what they claimed to do. Trade Unions were set up to reflect the opinions of the workers’. That was a time which union leaders used to listen to the people that elected them, so what went wrong.
Whilst I accept there have been a number of Trade Union reforms over the years, my opinion is that many of the existing Trade Unions have lost contact and understanding of the very people they are meant to represent. We see employers slowly but surely making more and more ridiculous decisions that they would not have made, not so many years ago. What is even harder to understand from my view is why we need so many unions chasing the same members; this has a negative effect on the workers. Let’s look at our industry, 4 unions chasing members from various grades. I was with the RMT for 9 years; during that time I have seen many decisions that seem only to benefit a few instead of all. I won’t start condemning other unions as I respect the individual’s right of choice.
What I struggle to understand is why we need to have 4 unions in one industry. Surely the only benefit is to the train operators and not to the work force. There is a over used saying I hear quite a lot, and that is “Unity in Strength”, if that’s the case why are we, the work force, fragmented into 4 parts, 4 rule books, 4 sets of reps, 4 regional organiser etc; etc.
During my time in the rail industry I have heard many things and listen to many people from all grades, the general consensus of opinion is, yes it be much better if there was one union that all could come together, under one banner. That is “Unity in Strength”. As one union we would be able to work as one unit for the betterment of all industry workers and the people that use our industry daily.
Sadly we are dealing with train operating companies who primary concern is to the dividends there share holders expect, and in my opinion there are many questionable agreements and decisions made by those chosen to represent you, without consulting you, the member.
How many times have you thought, ‘where did that agreement come from’? How many times have you wondered who is agreeing to things in your name, or you have tried to make a suggestion to be put forward to your reps and you never hear anything or have to constantly chase people for answers.
I joined the ATCU because I constantly felt my local reps had lost touch with the important people who pays the subscription to their appropriate unions. We never really knew what was going on or what the reps were talking to management about; then, more often than not, an agreement was made behind closed doors, and nobody really had their opinion heard until it was too late to make your feelings know.
As an ATCU Regional Organisers I am committed to transparency, I welcome all members input and suggestions, and would be happy to take all valid suggestions to the Organisers meeting and table that suggestion or idea for debate. As a union we are completely open to all and will consult with you, the members, at many levels, you own this union, we just look after it for you. I aim to be the best I can be for those I represent and will not fail in my commitment to you. Over the next few months I will be writing to all Train Operating Companies, with the view to obtaining policies and agreement, this will give us the ability to represent you with the full knowledge of your terms and conditions.
This union has represented many people that others refused to represent and all Organiser research each case individually and present all representations in a calm and professional manner. With one sole purpose, and that is to guarantee everyone is treated fairly and justly.
I look forward to the challenges ahead. There will be many, and I will vigorously meet each one with equal enthusiasm.
Steve Rodgers
Regional Organiser (Conductors)
ATCU
26 April 2011 Opening of new branch and welcoming of new Regional Organiser
We are pleased to announce that due to increasing membership in the North a new Branch of the ATCU is to be opened on the 8 May 2011.
The new Branch will be Skipton and Organisers will be attending on that day to assist in the branches inauguration.
It is also our pleasure to announce that at the Organisers meeting of 17 April Steve Rodgers was welcomed as a new organiser. Steve’s role will be one of conductor representative.
Steve has many years of service in the rail industry and is dedicated to advancing the cause of staff throughout the country.
Over the past few months Steve has worked hard in the advancement of his own Branch at Leeds and his knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset to all of the members.
21 April 2011 ATCU does not belong to one person but to all of us
The Organisers Committee met under rule 14.3 on Sunday 17 April 2011 at Barnsley to discuss the conduct of the Acting General Secretary and President’s actions and their subsequent activities following these dates.
ATCU is a union that prides itself on being a workers’ union and most importantly a rail workers’ union. It does not belong to one person but to all of us. It is a union that respects the values of the worker and their family and through these principles we collectively become a community within the rail industry that protects each other.
The only thing in the world that is constant is change and this union reacts properly, appropriately, fairly and reasonably when changes are presented and required.
Circumstances have dictated to us some changes: your Organisers Committee have looked at these changes and met the challenges head on.
The changes that will be put in place will improve our union which have been brought about by developments surrounding the conduct of the Acting General Secretary and the President.
Charges with regards to their conduct have been brought and an investigation undertaken. The action that your Organising Committee have taken is to dismiss the Acting General Secretary from his role and dismiss the President from his position as President pending an appeal.
Our rule book clearly defines what our responsibilities are and parties will be afforded the full rights as given by our rule book.
Moving forward your Organisers will be consulting you where we will be seeking your opinions on a series of proposals to ensure that our union becomes leaner, tougher and better organised and more efficient for our future so that Items which we were confronted with will never happen again.
The Organisers will be meeting again in May to discuss future developments of this union which places this union in your hands, which will also include preparations for the elections of the Regional Organisers.
Should you have any questions please refer to your Regional Organiser, Branch Secretary or Head Office.
Organising Committee
18 February 2011 ATCU receives Certificate of Independence
It is with great pleasure to inform all members and workers in the rail industry that we have today been informed that ATCU has received its Certificate of Independence.
The Certificate is awarded by the Certification Office, an independent body created under legislation to oversee the conduct and operation of Trade Unions.
In order to receive the certificate ATCU like all unions have to show that it is not under the domination or control of an employer or receiving any financial or material support.
With each step this union achieves takes the workers of the rail industry nearer to achieving its freedom and returning the values and pride of our industry back to where it belongs, to you.
1 February 2011 I truly only have good things to say about the ATCU
Please find below an email received today from one of our members who works for DB Schenker.
01 February 2011
I have worked on the railway for aprox 24 yrs in a variety of jobs both passenger and freight.
I became a member of ATCU only 12 months ago after being in a union for 23 yrs. I feel my regional organiser and the ATCU have already done more for me and my fellow colleagues than the other union that I was in for 23 years.
In the 12 months I have been a member of the ATCU they have gone on to resolve a lot of safety issues we have had for months and years. YES, some of the safety issues date back YEARS.
As soon as the ATCU rep became aware of these safety issues they started to deal with them very swiftly and all have now been resolved.
I truly only have good things to say about the ATCU and I truly advise anyone who works on in the railway industry to become a member, YES a MEMBER not just a number.
Put them to the test and you will not be disappointed.
Also you will save money £9.75 a month per member.
But most important you will have someone at the other end of a phone who knows what he/she is talking about and will advise you on what to do PRICELESS
(I REST MY CASE)
DB Schenker
Freight Yard Shunter.
18 January 2011 Fastest growing union in the UK
We are pleased to say that this union has again opened new grounds of representation and commitment to the rail community.
2010 saw our membership base increase by 50 percent and contrary to office gossip the finances of the union remain strong. Naturally we are not the largest union but on the face of it; a growth of 50 percent would make ATCU the fastest growing trade union in the country with new branches continuing to open throughout the UK, the latest being at Leeds.
The union remains in an economic stable condition. It is because of our commitment to good housekeeping that the membership subscription remained at £9.75 for the fifth year running. That is a zero percent increase over five years.
The meeting was informed that over the last 12 months our financial commitments to solicitors have reduced and it is predicted that by March 2011 this will be stable.
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However, concerns were raised that solicitors see trade unions as a lucrative income, an issue which all trade unions experience. Unease was expressed that it could be considered that it was the solicitors who owned the unions rather than the members. Every penny will go to representing our members but it will not fill the pockets of others. |
The meeting was informed that legal support and advice is about to experience a massive change.
It will not be long before we see the likes of Tesco’s moving into the lucrative legal sector of injury claims, employment tribunal and litigation to name but a few.
It is a fact that today you no longer need to go to a high street solicitor for counsel. Rather, all you have do is log onto the computer and ask a question to the many online legal support websites where you will find young law students sitting at a computer offering legal advice.
ATCU says “we either continue to be beholding to this financial outlay or we seek alternative ways to the benefit of the members”
In order to combat the ever spiralling legal costs and to face the challenges ahead, it was agreed that we would move towards employing our own in house solicitors. This will be done by offering Regional Organiser the opportunity to attain a law degree and a rolling program that will allow as many people attain a degree with the ultimate aim of becoming certified solicitors and therefore continuing to represent our members at the highest level.
14 December 2010 Increase in cost of rail travel may contribute to next month’s inflation figures
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November saw an increase in consumer prices index (CPI) from 3.2% to 3.3% and further increases are expected in January as we see a rise in the cost of rail travel. Dearer food, the impact of rising cotton prices on the cost of clothes, and higher mark ups for furniture and furnishings were the main factors behind the Novembers increase. The report from the Office for National Statistics said that prices rose by 3.3 per cent in the year to November, from 3.2 per cent in October, on the CPI measure. It is the 11th month in which inflation has been at 3 per cent or more, and thus more than 1 percentage point above the official 2 per cent target. |
On the more traditional RPI measure, still used for wage bargaining although being phased out for many pensions and benefits, the rate stands at 4.7 per cent, up from 4.5 per cent in October. The higher RPI rate reflects the inclusion of housing costs. Overall, the pattern of price rises will again target the pensioners and the poor hardest.
Inflation is expected to rise further over the coming months as record petrol prices, the January increase in VAT to 20% and higher rail and energy costs push up the cost of living.
The rise and possible future rise has ignited a call for the Bank of England to immediately increase interest rates.
Talking on the world at one Andrew Sentence, one of the nine monetary policy committee members (MPC) said “The worry I would have is that if we don't begin to move interest rates up gradually now we will find further down the track we actually have to move them up more sharply. That could deliver a bigger jolt to confidence in the economy in the future."
However, this view is against the majority nine members of the MPC who say inflation is temporary, blaming commodity prices and the 25% drop in the value of the pound since the onset of the financial crisis in 2007.
27 October 2010 H&S Progress Report
ATCU have yet again made good progress in Health & Safety issues. This has been achieved by forging relationships with the TOCs/FOCs and having a tried and tested system of work with our H&S reps.
The latest achievement is with DB Schenker at Northwitch. The goods yard where our shunters had not experienced an H&S inspection for over 12 months. Dozens of hazard reports had been submitted by the reps but no action taken by the company.
ATCU got involved and contacted the DB Schenker area manager explaining that the situation could no longer be tolerated and that ALL H&S issues must be addressed immediately.
Failure to comply would force ATCU into reporting their findings to the Office of Rail Regulation.
Following our involvement DB Schenker arranged an urgent meeting with the owners of the goods yard and has agreed to commence regular H&S walkabouts with the owners of the yard and H&S reps. Further, ALL points we have raised are to be completed on an urgent timescale, the work has already started.
This is testimony to the way ATCU can achieve and forge working relationships with TOCS.
Companies have to listen to H&S issues; they also have to act on unsafe working practices and repair unsafe equipment.
What we have done to achieve this in the North West is to create a proactive working practice with our H&S representatives. Our reps simply submit hazard reports to their manager. If the work they have reported is ignored or not done, the reps contact their Regional Organiser who then contacts the relevant manager expressing his concern that safety is being overlooked and the said work is not being carried out.
If this request is still ignored (as was the case recently at DRS) we contact the ORR (HMRI) who sent in their investigators and made sure all the safety issues and practices we raised were adhered to.
The next time we contact DRS we believe that our concerns will be listened to and acted upon in the interest of the workers whose safety is paramount.22 October 2010 Major railway upgrades survive government's spending review
Following the government’s announcement; rail has seen a number of major railway upgrades surviving the government's spending review.
Midland Metro expansion is to go ahead along with the modernisation of Tyne & Wear Metro, and upgrades on London Underground, which will be ‘protected’.
As expected Crossrail has survived the axe and investment in rail electrification between Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Blackpool will also be carried.
The Chancellor, Mr Osborne said the amount of money for transport projects over the next four years would be greater than for the previous four years. Speaking to the House, the Chancellor said: “Mr Speaker, after our defense requirements are met, the Department for Transport will receive the largest capital settlement. Over the next four years we will invest over £30 billion in transport projects, more than was invested during the past four years. £14 billion of that will fund maintenance and investment on our railways.
However, not surprisingly, plans to increase rail fares more sharply from 2012 remain controversial. In his statement the Chancellor said, “the cap on regulated rail fares will rise to RPI +3% for the three years from 2012”.
This delays the price rise for one year which means that the price cap on increases for regulated tickets – such as season tickets and off-peak long-distance trips – will stay at one percentage point above inflation, pegged at the retail prices index figure for July. As a result, fares will rise by 5.8% in January.
From January 2012 regulated fares will be allowed to rise by 3% above RPI for three years from 2012. Campaigners indicated that this will represented a 30% increase in fares by 2015. Under the RPI+1% regime, the increase would have been 20% over the same period.
of course this will assist in the reduction of the government’s £5bn annual expenditure on the railways but at the at the cost of squeezing the commuters.
What does the government actually believe will happen when customers start to see their fares rising well above inflation figures? Passengers’ decisions to keep off the roads are based on the calculation of several variables but price is the big factor.
What does the government think the reaction will be when passengers begin to see hikes in their fares of over £1000 per annum in the next five years?
Campaigning group ‘Better Transport’ said “These eye-watering rises are unacceptable at a time when we should be growing the railways in order to tackle congestion on our roads and reduce carbon emissions in line with Government targets."
Other announcements included:
Yorkshire and Humber -£90 million will be spent to improve rail platforms across various towns and cities and we will also improve line speeds across the Pennines.
North East - £500 million will be spent refurbishing the Tyne & Wear metro. In the North West
Rail and roads devolved to the Scottish executive, as are roads in Wales but major rail investments around Cardiff, Barry and Newport will go ahead.
West Midlands - will extend the Midland Metro and completely redevelop Birmingham New Street station.
London -on top of the Olympics, a major investment in the capital city’s transport infrastructure will take place.
Key Tube lines will be upgraded for the twenty first century
Disappointingly nothing was said about main line electrification, despite rumours that the Midland Main Line was poised to replace the Great Western Main Line at the top of the list.
The Chancellor said he had only announced some of the projects, and that more details would follow.
20 October 2010 WORKERS AND STUDENTS SOLIDARITY
Demonstration at the Dutch embassy
London Buses Division ATCU (LBD) will be demonstrating outside the Dutch Embassy on 21 October in protest against the dismissal of Abellio drivers, some of whom are London Buses members
The eight workers have been accused of ticketing irregularities but this does not always imply fraudulent intent. In this case it seems that Abellio management have started with the premise that fraud has taken place and it is shown by their action that the company’s only objective was to prove such. This becomes a smoke screen for the managers’ failings and poor/non existent procedures.
We have a number of drivers dismissed by what can only be described as ‘kangaroo courts’, all on the basis of one Mystery Passenger. So mysterious in fact he/she has been unable to present himself/herself for cross examination during company “disiciplinaries”. In any democratic court of the land, one would assume that natural justice would allow the accused to question the accuser but with Abellio this is not the case.
Appeals were rejected, except in one LBD case where the employee was reinstated but without back pay for the time of his suspension and having to sign an admission of guilt.
The UK (Dutch appointed) managers came straight out of Dickens Victorian England (English students: look up GradGrind.)
Vindictive Abellio managers lack basic concern for the welfare of their employees or the public. Along with the aims for solidarity with students and workers in an anti Abellio committee, all trade unionists and all students should support our protest!!
If you are free on the 21st October and able to attend please arrive at the Royal Netherlands Embassy 38 Hyde Park Gate SW7 5DP from 0830 to 1030 hrs
Hyde Park Gate is a small road off The Kensington Road, which is the main road running along the south side immediately on the south side of Hyde Park and a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Albert Hall.
Nearest tube is High Street Kensington on the Circle and District Line.
or Knightsbridge on the Piccadilly Line.
Solidarity with the dismissed Abellio drivers!
On the day a letter will be handed into the Dutch Ambassador demanding to know why industrial relations at Abellio, formerly Travel London, have so badly deteriorated since the Dutch took over.
We also refer to STENA LINE, a DUTCH MANAGED company operating ferries from Harwich to the Hook of Holland employing Filipinos on £2.20 an hour!!
For information call London Bus Division
Steve Blewitt 07917182359
or William Spring
Tel 07988874778
Tel 02083761454
28 September 2010 Unions are the voice of the ‘workers’ and not the voice of the ‘union’
ATCU has received many complaints from Branches and employees of Freightliner Heavy Haul regarding changes to terms and conditions. Changes that workers were not consulted on.
We stress the point, ‘workers’. It is important to recognise this because workers are individuals with individual concerns and problems.
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However, workers also come together as a collective within their local community or working environment. They come together to improve their lives for the betterment of each and everyone. At work they also come together to assist in the economic development of the company because if the company is prosperous then they will, in turn, become prosperous. It is a simple formula; until it is abused by the very person who represents them, by people who refuse to listen to the workers issues, preferring to dictate to the workforce. What makes it doubly worse is when the employer accedes to such a practice, knowing full well that the representative has neither consulted nor informed the whole workforce and where the representative has become the minority. |
Considering the above, ATCU in line with branch resolutions and concerns from Freightliner workers will be writing to Freightliner to seek open talks. Also in line with branch resolutions your union will provide regular updates concerning this issue. Due to its very nature Head Office will also keep Intermodal members up to date with developments relating to this issue.
Remember, the role of the union is to represent the workforce as a whole, without any distinction; and at no point should any union draw a line between differences. That is enshrined in the tenet of trade unionism. Any organisation that deviates from this must be considered with suspicion.
08 August 2010 What goes on behind the scenes at ATCU
Regional Organisers often take all the front line glory for what goes on in the union. I am sure you have seen it; the mess room grapevine starts to glow after we have guided and assisted management towards a sensible conclusion. Particularly when one of our colleagues has been seen by the opposition mob as a ‘no hoper’. However, I need to enlighten readers that this can only happen when you have a first-rate team supporting you.
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At Head Office we have a group of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes in order that you get the best representation. Head Office often starts work around seven in the morning and on many occasions not leaving until late in evening. It is not unusual to find me calling the office at eight in the morning for assistance. They guide us about employment law and are constantly in touch with our solicitors gaining information regarding cases that we, the Organisers, are dealing with. Everyone in Head Office is trained to deal with employment disputes and often give their opinions on how to deal with issues that arise. |
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Steve Gommersall |
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It is through this dedicated teamwork ethic which makes ATCU different from all others. We are an organisation that sees office staff as an equal component to that of the Organiser or General Secretary. And it is you, the membership, who benefits from this type of teamwork. But it does not stop there. Head Office also deals with the myriad of administration which, to be honest, is a job to keep on top of.
It’s not just a simple case of registering the constant influx of new members. It’s also about printing, faxing, copying, phoning, posting, collating, emailing and documenting. It is this ‘behind the scenes’ activity which keeps the ATCU machine rolling along.
So occasionally, when the ATCU next wins a case or get’s your conditions changed, give a thought to those who had their input into your Organiser gaining that success.
As the Organiser for the North West I am proud to be part of my “local” Cumbria branch. They do see a lot of me around the area, then again, I have been in touch with many of you around the country over a vast array of issues and believe me; it is never too much trouble (it never is if you enjoy doing your job).
I have just come back from a meeting with the Office of Rail Regulators in York where we have hopefully sorted out some serious safety issues for our DRS members and also for our Freightliner members down at Eastleigh.
I have also supported Mick Fitton from TPE (my right hand man) to have all charges dropped for one of our TPE driver’s who was up on a form one. Again with the help of Head Office, Mick and I spent many hours on the phone building a case which Mick presented and won the argument.
Individual Grievances are too many to mention. However, it is important that recognition goes to the Cumbria branch secretary Tex Houghton and chairman Nick Jarvis who won their case after going to stage two. The issues were conceded by management which related to conduct of management and lack of info to our train crew up here in Cumbria. This has now been addressed and is being monitored by our members for any further occurrences .
Our recent branch meeting went really well and we’re looking forward to our next one in Carlisle with Ross Hunter and our Heavy Haul members.
No matter where you are in the country we are here to help. If you need anything, give me a bell on 07920014238.
Steve Gomersall (Gummy) Regional Organiser NW
19 July 2010 Welcome to ATCU North London Suburbs Branch
It is with the greatest pleasure that we welcome the latest branch of the ATCU, North London Suburbs.
The branch was opened at the inaugural meeting of 15 July 2010. In attendance was Head Office staff who received a warm welcome by the newly elected Branch members.
Special recognition was given to the Jon Woodward Branch Secretary of North London Suburbs for his tireless determination and passion to the trade union movement and your union.
Those who attended are the strong foundations which the ATCU is built upon and as we see others joining, our goal for one union in the rail industry will quickly come to pass.
09 July 2010 Reply to TSSA untruths and false information
ATCU has always taken the view that we should not take part in a war of attrition; however, we will not refrain from replying to any organisation or person if the ATCU is wrongly criticised.
The TSSA has stated on its website that they are aware that materials are being distributed around Freightliner from the ATCU. They state that we are attempting to petition staff in order for us to gain company recognition via the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC). We find the above somewhat confusing as this is exactly what TSSA was considering in a recent item posted at Crewe.
TSSA are spreading false information to honorable hard working people within Freightliner and to their own highly respected members.
Firstly, ATCU is petitioning everyone in Freightliner not just staff. We are seeking an I&C agreement for all workers, irrespective of what union they are in. This also means that all union members, including TSSA members, can stand for nomination as an I&C negotiator. What is more important is that ‘everyone’ will have a democratic right to vote.
This is democracy, this is decency and this is respect for all workers, not TSSA nor ATCU but the rail workers as a whole. Presently that does not happen and the TSSA know it.
TSSA go on to say that “the leaflet also states that the current system for trade union recognition and bargaining is “failing”.
Why would the TSSA disrespect its members so much that they would deceive them by saying such untruths?
Nowhere within the leaflet does it state that ‘the current system for trade union recognition and bargaining is “failing”. In fact we make the point in the literature that ‘this is different to collective bargaining’
This has nothing to do with recognition and bargaining which comes under Employment Law. Election of local representative under the I&C falls within the Information and Consultation Regulations 2004 Act. We repeat, it is not trade union legislation and it has nothing to do with collective bargaining. It is a law for workers rights.
TSSA continues to provide its readers with disinformation by saying that the leaflet says that ATCU is ‘questioning the current system for the election of union representatives.’
ATCU is not questioning the current system for the election of union representatives. It is up to each individual union on how they elect their representatives. What we do say is that ‘the present system for electing local representatives is failing because the best person does not get the chance to stand for election and the majority does not have a say. It is discriminatory and creates division’.
This has nothing to do with union representatives. The I&C 2004 Act has nothing to do with unions. It is about electing local workers representative, not a trade union representative.
TSSA are mindful to remind its members that we are ‘not [a] Trades Union Congress (TUC) affiliated union’. Let use remind the TSSA, it was they who supported the refusal of the ‘imagined request by ATCU’ to affiliate to the TUC.
TSSA continue to misguide all workers and members when it states that the ATCU ‘even attacked the TUC on their website accusing them of “hypocrisy, spewing out vociferous and poisonous lies” after a recent TUC Congress meeting’. We did use the words hypocrisy and spewing out vociferous and poisonous lies. This was directed to the unions, who stood on the TUC rostrum and attacked the ATCU with lies, similar to the TSSA article.
They say that the ‘CAC will collate the letters returned and identity will be kept confidential, yet it is requested to return the letter to their Barnsley address, where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed’.
Why would the TSSA stoop so low as to insinuate that the ATCU will divulge information that is protected under the Data Protection Act (DPA).
YES, WE DO GUARANTEE YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY. THAT GUARANTEE IS IN PLACE TO PROTECT YOU FROM THE EMPLOYER DISCOVERING WHO HAS SIGNED THE REQUEST FOR I&C ARRANGEMENTS.
If we did not protect you then you have the right to use the laws under the Data Protection Act. And if we or anyone breached the (DPA) then we would unequivocally state, in no uncertain terms, that you should use that law.
When someone sinks to the sordid depths of misleading their own members then you have to stop and ask the question, can you really trust others who propagate such untruths.
The TSSA has the audacity to say that we are attempting to ‘divide the trade unions’ and that we are ‘poach[ing] members from existing unions’. I think ‘kettle calling the pot black’ comes to mind. Can they honestly face their members and say that none of the unions are poaching from each other.
ATCU has always argued for ‘One union, One Voice’ and that unions should cast aside their separatist views that have lasted for a 100 years. Not to do so does no justice to workers in the rail industry and will forever be weak in the eyes of others.
We put it to those among you; who is it that fears the call of uniting the rail workers under one banner, a banner that will proudly say ‘we are the Rail Union’. Is it the unions, the employer or both?
We say to the TSSA, please be truthful with your members.
As good honest working people, not only do they deserve the truth but they have a right to the truth. A request for Information and Consultation strengthens and unites all workers. Please don’t tell them otherwise
We urge you to exercise your democratic right and return the request for information and consultation. Not for the ATCU or TSSA but for you, a proud and honourable rail worker.
17 June 2010 What is it they actually do to warrant such bonuses?
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Following the announcement last week that chief executive of Network Rail, Iain Coucher, will step down following eight years with the company, it is now revealed that he will walk away with a bonus of more than £348,000, plus £293,000 from a management incentive scheme. This perverse revelation comes at a time when the government is intent on making deep cuts into the Department for Transports (DfT) budget. |
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Ian Coucher |
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Announced yesterday, Network Rail top executives would share more than £2m in bonuses, despite government calls for restraint on excessive pay.
Among the top directors, the asset management director, Peter Henderson, gets nearly £243,000 annual bonus and a further £210,000 from the incentive scheme. His salary is £440,000, while Coucher's was £613,000.
Transport Secretary of State, Philip Hammond expressed "disappointment" at the scale of Network Rail's largesse. "In a week when everyone has been asked to share the burden of reducing Britain's deficit, people will rightly be asking how Network Rail's top executives feel this is appropriate," he said.
Mr Hammond went further by asking if directors should accept their bonuses and Network Rail (NR) would "need to bear in mind the potential for damage to the company's reputation if senior management remuneration is widely perceived to be excessive in relation to performance".
There is one item that ATCU would like to view and that is the job spec for these people. What is it they actually do to warrant such bonuses?
Network Rail’s defense of the bonus payments was that Britain's railways were safer and more punctual than ever before. This is an insult to the common person.
In the first instance, that is what they are paid for. In the second instance, it is the people at the bottom doing the day to day hard graft that makes it safer, not board room members.
In an attempt to pacify the outcry, Network Rail also announced yesterday that the directors' incentive scheme bonus for 2009/10 was being cut by 20%.
Let’s get this into perspective. Directors are already rewarded in terms of large annual salary payments but to receive additional large bonuses at any time where jobs cuts are on the horizon, shows a complete lack of judgment, sense, and reason.
17 June 2010 A warning that cannot be ignored
Local authorities are sweating their transport budgets following last week’s enouncement that local transport schemes have been frozen pending a review.
Transport secretary Philip Hammond told MPs that he will be suspending the DfT’s major transport scheme approval process with immediate effect. It is expected a revised system would be launched following completion of the Government’s spending review this autumn and following a review of how transport schemes are prioritised.
An estimated £683m in-year budget cuts will be made.
Details of the cuts came as the chancellor, George Osborne, outlined the nine tests that the DfT, and all other spending departments, will have to subject their main expenditure to in the run-up to the spending review.
Prior, during and post general election saw a deluge of economic warnings which boarded on neuroticism – debt interest payments of £70bn, more than the combined budgets for schools, transport and climate change; cuts of up to 20%; an outlook generally far far worse than predicted. Suggestion where muted at the early stages that cuts would be in the region of 10%.
Former chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, Sir Roy McNulty has been appointed to lead a review of the rail industry's finances. A draft version warned that government funding of £5bn a year could be untenable.
The McNulty report is expected to analyse eight areas: overall strategy, the industry's leadership structure, incentives, fares, asset management, supply chain management, innovation and safety, and people.
It is understood the outline statement highlights an Office of Rail Regulation study which shows Network Rail, the owner of Britain's tracks and stations, is 30% more expensive than its counterparts in France and Germany. However, McNulty said: "Improving Network Rail efficiency on its own will not address the challenges facing the industry."
In a meeting with Philip Hammond to discuss industry funding the train operators once again raised the issue of fewer and shorter trains, as well as higher-than-expected fare increases. However, it is believed that Mr Hammond prefers tackling Network Rail's costs rather than taking carriages out of service.
Expect over the coming months a manic freneticsim at the DfT as they continually re-appraise their spending programmes to meet their contribution to the budget deficit. A warning that cannot be ignored.
14 June 2010 Enjoy the world cup safely
A visit today to fill up the car included a confrontation that filled me with horror.......world cup merchandise!
Football has generally passed me by as an interest but the world cup is different. It is about coming together in one unified sprit to support your country as they battle in the world sports arena.
I also know that many of my colleagues are very much followers of the sport where there will be a desire to keep up with the latest news can lead to traps which could lead us into temptation that in turn could ultimately lead to career ending difficulties.
It is likely that managers will be becoming increasingly vigilant in their efforts to detect anyone tempted to step outside of rules of our trades.
Be aware that telephone detectors may be available to managers, we all need to take best practice to heart with regards to mobile phones and other electrical devices such as MP3 players, ipods etc and try where possible to keep them away from the workplace.
Good habits need to be developed to ensure phones are off and to avoid the need to answer any awkward questions asked.
Now might just be a good time to review management protocols on these items to ensure we are all up to speed and properly protected.
If you are unsure of the correct rules, feel free to check with your Reps or check with Union HQ who will be writing to all relevant employers for copies of their policies.
Management are likely to follow up the World Cup with a similar period of enhanced vigilance for the London Olympics in 2012 and will learn lessons. Let’s not help them but help each other by talking about this issue, recognising the risks and avoiding the traps.
Let’s all be careful out there!
Yes, I do now have a flag on my car.
National Express Driver
Name and address supplied
21 May 2010 Coalition blue print for transport
The launch of UK’s political coalition’s ‘Programme for Government' saw the combination of Liberal Democrats and Conservative transport policies expressing its commitment to move forward with its plans for a high speed rail network, support for Crossrail and further electrification of the rail network.
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The coalition also plans to reform transport decision making so that low carbon proposals (such as light rail schemes) are fully recognised. The document states that they believe “a modern transport infrastructure is essential for a dynamic and entrepreneurial economy," "We need to make the transport sector greener and more sustainable, with tougher emission standards and support for new transport technologies." |
Proposals also consider the granting of longer rail franchises in order to give operators the incentive to invest "in the improvements passengers want".
Part of the Conservatives manifesto which is incorporated into the document will see new reforms for Network Rail which aim to make the infrastructure controller more accountable to its customers and there are also plans to "turn the rail regulator into a powerful passenger champion".
It also adds that the government is committed to fair pricing for rail travel.
Theresa Villiers MP has been appointed a transport minister dealing with rail. Shadow transport secretary in the run-up to the election, Ms Villiers is to lead a transport appraisal review which the ATCU will be seeking participation.
Norman Baker MP, LibDem shadow transport secretary for transport receives a seat at the table as the minister in charge of, among others, regional and local transport, Buses and Taxis.
The third member of the ministerial department is Mike Penning MP whose responsibilities include road, highway and freight logistics.
ATCU has forwarded a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, to open discussions on areas of concern. These include the precarious situation within our rail freight industry which received no mention within the document.
11 May 2010 London 1 Branch Opens
On Sunday 9 May ATCU had a historical meeting when the first Branch of London Bus Division of ATCU was opened.
On Sunday 9 May ATCU attended an historical meeting to open the first London Buses ATCU branch where it saw an impressive turn out by people who were looking for change but paradoxically stability.
The meeting was also attended by former London Bus Workers Committee members and officer holders, Steve Blewitt, William Spring, Kadir Caferoglu, Asif Khokar, who are now are part of London Busses of ATCU. The meeting was chaired by William Spring.
The meeting began with an introduction about ATCU and Unions aims. Brief information regarding the history of ATCU was provided to all listeners.
The meeting was informed how some TUC affiliated unions have lost their way which gave rise to members’ misgivings and inconsistencies within unions,
This culminated in the thrust of the speech whereby some have forgotten the main objective of protecting and representing its members. ATCU also brought to the audience what should be done in order to get back to the basics of true unionism with ATCU.
ATCU’s contribution was followed by Steve Blewitt, London Bus Division Regional Organiser, who talked about current affairs, mistreatment of members by fellow unions, importance of organising London Bus workers under LBATCU roof, so called ECO friendly driver tracking systems, validity and legality of such devices, stress that has been caused to drivers by these systems.
William Spring, who has a comprehensive research and ongoing case with the Information Commission talked about his own experiences.
“Our very first branch of London Bus Division of ATCU , London 1 Branch (whose name was chosen by the attending members), whereby the Branch name was offered to the votes of our attending members and accepted” said Kadir Caferoglu .
Kadir says that this is “our very first branch London 1`s and first elected management.”
“All in all, it was a very useful and productive meeting for everyone. It is the latest proof that London Bus Worker is tired of has been's, dinosaurs of trade unionism and now demands its own identification and its own representatives”
“Once again this meeting has proven the fact that London Bus Workers want to see the changes that they deserve, not some extended arm of garage managements”.
“London Bus Workers have now officially a branch that carries their name, their interest at heart and focused only on the welfare of London Bus Worker”.
28 April 2010 Will Gordon Brown’s gaff become Labour’s achilles heel?
In an extraordinary exchange today with a voter in Rochdale, Gordon Brown who was visiting members of a community scheme was confronted by a prospective labour voter Ms Duffy.
By the time you view this report, this conversation will have been publicised on all news channels in the UK and across the world.
The summery of the discussion saw Ms Duffy raising a number of questions including issues on pensionable tax, benefits, immigration and student fees.
Following the long talk Mr Brown got into his car feeling very irritated and said among many other things that he felt that she had been a bigoted woman.
Mr Brown has apologised for his comments unreservedly.
Although Lord Mandleson has publically stated that Mr Brown’s comments are not a full reflection of his feelings the danger is other people will see it as a revealing moment.
There is always the possibility of making a mistake or gaff during a long and hard campaigned but irrespective of how well their policies the gaff becomes the substantive issue.
Visiting a Leeds radio station during his time as Prime Minister, James Callaghan was heard telling staff: "What a nuisance and a waste of time it is to have to go into the House of Commons twice a week to answer questions".
Ronald Reagan made one of the most memorable gaffes of all when he gave a joke radio address in 1984, at the height of the Cold War: "My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes."
John Major was unaware that the cameras were still rolling when he referred to Eurosceptic Cabinet colleagues as "bastards" at the end of an interview with ITN's political editor, Michael Brunson, in 1993.
For good measure, the Tory PM also said on the subject of sleaze: "Even as an ex-whip I cannot stop people sleeping with other people that they ought not..."
Walking past a television screen playing Chancellor Gordon Brown's speech to Labour's annual conference in 2006, Cherie Blair was said to have snorted: "Well, that's a lie." She later denied it.
22 April 2010 Stranded holiday makers go from one nightmare to another
Throughout Europe some have seen the recent issue surrounding the volcanic cloud emission as a cloud with a silver lining.
At the same time for a call of EU crisis funding by the air carriers, those same companies were negating on their responsibility in providing stranded travellers with accommodation and food. It was also an opportunity for Hotels to hike up their prices in order to exploit the misery of holiday makers while insurance companies refuse to honour their policies.
The following is a report from one of our members who experienced such despair as he tried to find his way home from Spain.
Steve Blewitt was to travel back on Thursday of last week (15 April) when he received an email on the Wednesday informing him that his flight had been cancelled. “When I tried to access the air companies internet to rebook the site I experienced an internet overload which stopped me changing the flight. The one telephone number provided on the website was no good either as this was continually engaged. This left me with no alternative but to wait until the next day”.
Steve arrived at the air carrier’s booking office and waited with several hundred passengers in the hope that another flight could be arranged.
Eventually the carrier said the next possible flight may be the following Tuesday. Unfortunately this flight was destined for the Bristol and not Luton where Steve originally flew from.
As Steve had booked out of his accommodation, this left him with the problem of finding somewhere to stay for the next five days. He reminded the carrier that under EU rules cancellation they were obliged to provide accommodation and food. The company representative simply said “no we don’t”.
“I argued that they were wrong” said Steve “but all I got back was - go back to your hotel and keep any receipts and then forward them onto your insurance”.
“I knew he was incorrect but the desk was inundated with complaints so I reluctantly went back to the Hotel”
“I had just checked out a couple of hours before and when I returned and asked the Hotel receptionist if I could have my room back”?
“Yea no problem” they said, “you’re lucky that we have still got it, there are a lot of people looking for rooms”.
Steve asked how much, bearing in mind that he previously paid 17.50 euro’s per night. They quoted 197 euros.
“Is that for the week”?
“No” said the receptionist “that’s for each night”.
“Hold on, it was 17.50 a night and now it goes up to 197”.
The receptionist apologised and gave the argument of a supply shortage.
“You’re full of it", Steve replied, “you’re taking money off people who are in a bad situation which you benefit”.
The receptionist smiled and said “that was what he had been told to charge”.
Fortunately Steve still had his rental car so when he went back to the rental company and informed them that he would need to extend the rental for at least another week.
No problem they said, “we will invoice you”
Steve slept in the car on the Thursday night and the next morning went back to the airport in the hope that he could resolve his accommodation and food problems.
“There was no one to help; I saw people struggling, elderly couples and families walking about in desperation and like previously I got nowhere”.
“I again returned on the Sunday, it was the same response but with different faces”.
His only option was to go to the hire car company and asked that he take the car to Calais. This they refused saying that he was not allowed to take it out of the country. Steve phoned the company in the UK and the representative said “you’re not supposed to do this but everybody was taking the car all over Europe and making their way to Calais”. The rep told Steve “you would probably be billed about £1,600”. He continued by saying ‘I’m not suppose to say this but I would probably pass this onto the insurance or the airline’
Desperate and despondent Steve made his way back to the car park.
When he got to the car park he came across an elderly couple who had made a makeshift camp. Steve asked how long they had been there. They told Steve that they had camped for five days with very little money and no medication. “I’ll tell you what” he said, “get in the car, we are going to Calais”. The couple smiled as he packed their bags into the car.
After driving sixteen hours and a cost of some 600 euro’s for tolls and petrol he arrived at the port of Calais. After another 65 euro’s for the ferry they arrived at Dover. The car was left at the port where he saw hundreds of different hire cars dumped. The hire company said that “he will be billed for this”.
“Send me an invoice and I will forward it on to whoever should be paying for it” said Steve.
Now that one nightmare is over the next nightmare begins. Steve rang the insurance company and the carrier company but each said that they are not paying anything and blamed it on adverse weather.
“I know its adverse weather” he said.
“If Willie Walsh and is merry bunch of men are complaining and wanting compensation off the EU surly there should be something done here”.
Indignantly they said “no they can’t”.
Steve raised the issue where after every 12 hours after cancellation he was entitled to £35 a time to a maximum of £200.
“O’ no we can’t do that, it’s not under the terms and conditions of the contract”
Steve said “I really hope you are proud of your job”.
In his conversation to the carrier they told him that “we can refund your flight, there is no problem about that, but regards to any other costs you will need to sent in all the documentation and receipts and we will consider it”.
“Consider it” he told them” even if to take into consideration the £1,600 plus all the other excesses it would still work out cheaper than the hotel and food for I don’t know how many weeks”.
To rub salt into the wounds Steve told the ATCU that he was “charged 10 pence a minute on the phone plus the cancelation charge, which they have not waivered”.
Although too late for some, Labours Foreign Secretary David Milliband was reported on this morning’s news criticising the air carriers for failing in their legal duty to provide stranded holiday makers with accommodation and food.
Ryanair have today said that they will agree to pay back reasonable expenses to customers stranded by the ash crisis. The airliner up to now had earlier refused to comply with EU rules to repay hotel and food bills. Mr Milliband said that he was “not impressed by a European company which we have negotiated, around Europe, that all European carriers will pay for food and accommodation [and] if people are stuck… get them back. Mr Milliband went on to say that “Ryanair and anyone else cannot start renegotiating contracts half way through”.
“While the government was doing all it can”, he said, “the companies have to live up to their side too”.
For Steve and many more people the nightmare continues as they try to rightful claim compensation from insurance companies which use the volcano cloud as an intervention by god as a reason for not to paying and air carriers who failed in their legal responsibility of care.
They should hang their heads in shame.
This report will be forwarded to the parliamentary transport representatives.
20 April 2010 Will Nick triumph over the Goliaths
ATCU was one of the first to announce that the LibDem’s would be in a position of power under a hung parliament, which now seems a reality. Since the live broadcast of the big three, Nick Clegg has pushed his Party to the forefront of the 2010 general election. How did this happen.
Quite simply, during the debate Gordon Brown and David Cameron focused on each other while dismissing Mr Clegg as a mere bystander. One fundamental rule in politics is that you see must view everyone as a potential candidate. This they failed to do.
Brown and Cameron had been coached on the opposite’s policies and the other’s failings which they used to attack one another. This left Mr Clegg to quietly capitalise on their mistake. Since that time Mr Clegg and his party have surfed the crest of public popularity.
Did this lead to an opening for a vote for ‘none of the above’, maybe so. Voters who saw the parliamentary exploitation of expenses were looking for a way of giving the Conservatives and Labour a side shot across the bows and since the debate they now see the LibDem’s as the cannon in which to do so.
Initially the LibDem’s strategy was to increase their vote marginally but the recent polls show a mixed picture of increased votes which could ultimately place the LibDem’s into near or equal position as Labour and in some polls they are actually in front of both Parties.
Today’s (20 April) LibDem press conference saw the room packed not only with main reporters from the UK but also foreign press from around the world. This is in contrast to previous press conferences when there were arguably more empty seats than full.
The Conservatives and Labour are trapped in a conundrum, how do they stop the surge to the LibDem’s?
For the first time the Conservatives and Labour are fighting battles on two fronts. The alternative is to make a joint frontal attack on the LibDem’s but this could ultimately leave them open to accusations of political bullying, which may in due course force even more voters to the LibDem’s.
Harold Wilson once said “a week in politics is a long Time” and there is an expectation that the LibDem bubble will deflate as we get closer to 6 May. The truth in this statement will come on Thursday’s second live debate between the big three. In the first round we saw Gordon and David (Goliaths) as the main contenders, this time we see a ‘David’ in Nick Clegg battling against the Goliaths and we know how that story went.
15 April 2010 Manifesto's have a bit of something but not a lot of everything
ATCU have met with parliamentary representatives calling on all parties to agree a consensus on the rail industry. One area that each of their respective manifesto agrees is investment in a high speed rail network. We argue that such a move benefits the environment, the workers and the economy and look forward to the politicians developing further consensus policies for the rail industry.
ATCU welcomes the Liberal Democrats pledged to open thousands of miles of new railway in their election manifesto, funded by £3bn Rail Expansion Fund. By switching funding from road to rail underlines the importance of train travel to boosting Britain’s growth and to the country’s development as a low carbon economy.
Labours suggested not-for-profit and mutual or co-operative franchise enterprises to bid for rail franchises are a progressive move forward. Such a move will enable any profit to be reinvested in the industry rather than going to shareowners.
In the interest of the environment ATCU supports the Conservatives scraping of the plans for a new runway at Heathrow with the focus on making the airport better rather than bigger.
For further information on the parties manifesto on transport and the environment please go to the main page and click on the big 3 political parties banner link.
14 April 2010 Time off for training
April 2010 saw the introduction of The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (the “Act”), the main provisions of which came into force for businesses with 250 or more employees and will give certain qualifying employees the right to request time off from work to train or study.
Who has the right to request time off for training?
The Act will amend the Employment Rights Act 1996. The new right will apply initially only to organisations with 250 or more employees from 6 April 2010 but will be extended to employees in all businesses from 6 April 2011.
The right will not apply to agency workers and workers aged under 16. Workers aged 16-18 years already have a similar statutory right under 'The Right to Time Off for Study or Training Regulations 2001'.
Requesting time off
Employees will have the right to request time off to undertake training or study which they believe would improve their effectiveness as an employee and would improve the performance of their employer’s business.
This is a broad objective and covers a wide spectrum of training or study, from accredited study leading to a degree, to worksite training on a specific task, to general study to improve literacy. There are no limits on when, where or for how long the employee can undertake the training or study and the request may be for more than one course.
An employee may make as many requests as he/she wants, but the employer is only required to consider one request in a rolling twelve-month period.
No entitlement to time off
Employees should be aware that they are not entitled to be given the time off; they are only entitled to make a request. It is also not a right to take a 'training holiday'. The new right aims to assist economic recovery by enhancing individuals’ skills and employability. Employers who agree to requests are not obliged to pay salary for or to meet the cost of any courses, although some may wish to do so on a voluntary basis.
What does the employee have to do?
For the request to be valid, it must be in writing and dated and contain the following information:
- a statement that the request is made under section 63D of the Employment Rights Act 1996;
- the subject matter of the training or study;
- where and when it would take place;
- who would provide it or supervise it;
- what qualification (if any) it would lead to;
- how the employee believes it would improve their effectiveness as an employee and the performance of the business; and
- the date and method of the last request submitted by the employee
If the request is granted, the employee must also inform the employer if he/she does not undertake the study or training, fails to complete it or if the study or training differs from the description in the request.
What does the employer have to do?
The employer must consider the request seriously and reply to the employee within 28 days of receiving it and, if the employer requests a meeting, respond with a final decision within 14 days of holding that meeting. The employee’s right to be accompanied at that meeting, to postpone the meeting if their companion cannot attend and to appeal must all be communicated to the employee.
The application procedure for the new scheme will be similar to that for current flexible working applications and include such business concerns as the burden of additional costs, detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand and inability to reorganise work among existing employees.
Employers must seriously consider all applications but may reject an application for specified business reasons or where, in the employer’s view, the training would not improve the employee’s effectiveness at work or the performance of its business. Those who qualify for the new right will be protected from being subjected to detriment and/or dismissal following a request for time off.
7 April 2010 Stylish and refined electorate
It would be remiss of the ATCU if we did not raise the issue of the recent announcement of the forthcoming General Election which came as no surprise; it must have been the best kept secret that we all knew about.
No one should say who you should vote for, rather, we strongly advise that everyone takes part in the election and make sure that you use your democratic vote.
Over the coming month we will see all the political band wagons beating their own drum espousing what they can do for the country while criticising what the other parties cannot do.
We will drop taxes, they will raise taxes; we will save the health service they will encumber the health service; we will promote and invest in transport, they will strangle transport, so let’s do the hockey kockey and turn around, because that’s what it’s all about.
Ok, that’s the cynical view of General Elections out of the way.
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This election will see a stylish and refined electorate going to the polling booth with clear ideas as to why and who they will be voting for. A distinct separation to what it was like in the past. Some thirty years ago I remember standing at a polling station with my red rosette pined to my lapel when a neighbour came to me with her son in tow. “I’m voting Labour and now that he is eighteen”, pointing to her son “, he will be voting Labour”. |
Those times have gone. No longer are we expected to vote on lines of class or ideology. The reason for this is that those distinct ideological positions have become grey as each party moved closer to the political central ground. Another, and just as important, is the access to information and an increasingly sophisticated electorate.
No longer will you be able to influence that eighteen year old. The new and mature voters have access to a multitude of information through Facebook, Ipod downloads, high spec mobile phones and the internet.
Through instant messaging young and older voters have real time conversations with a variety of people, not only in their own country, but also people and cultures around the world. They are the new electorate and they will vote for a party that is more akin to how they think and not what is expected.
With e-mailing you no longer have to wait for the local candidates to call at your house to ask that particular question. At a flick of a switch you can ask that question to every one of the standing candidates.
Television provides us with constant opinion polling updates that forecasts how the parties are doing. Such polling results should not be dismissed as insignificant as the electorate will use this information as one of their decision making methods.
Let us not forget the first televised debate between the main party leaders. By the time this is shown we may all be experiencing electoral overload but I predict it will be the most watched program of 2010. The electorate know that this is not a presidential campaign. They know that good social and economic policies are not based on who looks the best, who stands the best or who is the most articulate televised speaker.
Yes, this year will see a stylish and refined electorate going to the polling booth with clear ideas as to who will receive their cross. Times are changing and so has the voter.
Organisers Committee
4 April 2010 New branches opening
It is with pleasure that ATCU welcomes the new ATCU branch at Parr, Cornwall.
On 21 March Steve Trumm, Regional Organiser, attended a meeting at Parr where the Branch was officially opened.
Further meetings are to be held at Bristol, Parkway Tavern; a short walk from the Bristol Parkway Station. This is an open meeting and also the inaugural meeting of the new Bristol branch. We invite everyone to attend this open meeting which will be held on 16 April where your questions will be answered.
So that everyone has the chance to attend, the meeting will start at 12.00 noon and concluding at 19:00 hours.
Future meetings and branch opening will be at Gatwick, Leeds and Penzance. Please watch out for the dates and venues so that you can attend.
22 March 2010 This bus ain’t late
An historic meeting took place on Sunday 21 March when two of the most respected branches of the transport industry came together.
At the meeting between the London bus Chairmans’ and Representatives of the ATCU, a common theme of mutual aspirations was agreed.
The London bus Chairmans are leading the campaign for workers rights within the bus industry who look to an honest and honourable trade union that will listens to the bus workers needs.
In attendance were 15 spokespersons from each of the transport sections who agreed that there were no lines of distinction between our groups. Rail and bus are merged by the common factuality that we provide a ‘through’ service for the travelling public. We are also governed predominately by the bus companies Arriva, National Express, Stagecoach and First Group.
ATCU welcomes our colleagues from the bus fraternity and we encourage joint participation to a future where the members’ voice will not be muted and that their democratic rights are addressed.
12 March 2010 Our environment, it’s all we have
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The ATCU is committed to protect the environment including the conservation of resources. This will be undertaken through encouraging its members and other stakeholders to commit to practical actions to improve the environment. This ATCU Policy supports the findings of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
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Aims
The ATCU seeks to provide leadership in the sustainable development of the UK rail and bus industry and encourages members and other stakeholders to adopt responsible and thoughtful attitudes towards sustainable development and the environment. The ATCU encourages its members and their employers to enter into positive partnerships with respect to environmental protection and resource conservation. We further encourage members to engage positively and proactively with their employers in the joint implementation of measures designed to protect the environment.
Objectives
The objectives of this Policy are to encourage:
- Government and companies working within the rail and bus industry to work individually and collaboratively to bring about a societal shift towards environmentally sustainable modes of transport, including the promotion of public transport systems and the introduction of green travel plans to enable the travelling public to avoid using their cars.
- Government to develop and introduce policies supporting investment in environmentally sustainable modes of transport, including increased rail electrification in the UK and stratigivcally managed bus service.
- Companies operating within the rail and bus industry to have environmental policies that drive change, that are regularly reviewed and updated, and which exceed all statutory environmental requirements.
- Companies operating within the bus and rail industry to openly and publically demonstrate the integrity of their environmental credentials by seeking accreditation for a recognised environmental management system.
- Companies working within the rail and bus industry to actively measure and manage energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and to set challenging targets to continually improve efficiency and thereby reduce these.
- Members to make serious and concerted efforts to meet such targets and to incorporate energy-saving measures and techniques into their daily routines, whether these are train eco-driving techniques, reduced carbon emission bus or simply good housekeeping measures such as switching lights off in empty rooms.
- Companies working within the rail and busindustry to actively measure, manage and minimize their waste production, and reduce to zero the amount of waste going to landfill. This to be supported by the introduction of comprehensive waste reduction targets.
- Companies and members to Reduce, Re-use and Recycle waste, in that order of priority.
- Companies working within the rail and bus industry to actively measure and manage water use, and to set challenging targets to increase water efficiency and avoid contaminating water prior to discharge.
- Companies working within the rail industry to protect railway land from contamination by litter and engineering waste.
- Members, wherever possible, to reside local to where they work and to avoid using their cars to commute.
Summary
The ATCU recognises the unprecedented urgency of the need for action to be taken to avoid the worst excesses of climate change, conserve energy and protect the environment more generally. We strongly encourage our members and their employers to work collaboratively and individually towards the development of a sustainable and environmentally responsible railway and bus service.
12 March 2010 The battle for high speed rail link begins
Lord Adonis has released his long awaited white paper which sets out the high speed rail links future planning proposals. Although the link would see billions of pounds’ worth of potential growth from a faster, more efficient network; its publication will ignite the first battle of public consultations which is to begin this autumn.
Although the link has gained support from business leaders and the Liberal Democrats and ‘in principle’ the Conservatives, the £30 billion project is expected to experience many battles over its planned 335 mile network.
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Lord Adonis, the Transport Secretary’s war cry “now, as we emerge from recession, is the right time to be planning,” was met with a counter attack from CBI's director general, Richard Lambert who yesterday called for ‘tighter fiscal spending’. In the run up to the forthcoming budget the CBI director general wrote a letter to the chancellor, Alistair Darling saying the government needs to accelerate its efforts to get the public finances back on track in order to counter speculation that it is the next European country at risk of moving down the credit ratings. Attacking the proposals left flank are the environmental and protest groups citing areas that are too historically and environmentally significant to disturb. Supporting this left charge will be thousands of people and landowners who will be arguing that their property will be affected. |
Lord (Welligton) Adonis
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On the right flank is Theresa Villiers, the Shadow Transport Secretary, who yesterday published a pamphlet denouncing “Labour’s High Speed failure.” It says that “Labour have got high speed rail wrong for the economy and wrong for the environment”.
In contrast to high speed trains running to Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh along a Y-shaped network the Conservatives say that a network must run through Heathrow and have proposed a reverse S-shaped line from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
However, the big push with a full frontal approach will come from the economy.
Against a backdrop of recently published official data showing the worst January public finances on record, Lambert urged the Treasury to come up with a plan to balance the books by 2015-16, two years earlier than planned.
It is acknowledge that the project would also be competing against funds with Trident, prisons, an NHS database and other capital projects. But Lord Adonis argues that annual construction costs of £2 billion could be met.
Why o’ why do we continually argue about advancing this counties rail network as all first counties have already done. The UKrail system should be the spine of an efficient transport system and not a battleground of ideological warfare. With more people moving around the country, not only does it make economic sense but most important an economic necessity. We know that; you know that, so why do others not realise it. Paper bag syndrome comes to mind.
Unfortunately the war for the high speed network has now started and there are many battles to be won before commonsense reigns victorious.
3 March 2010 Fit note to replace doctors sick note
From 6 April 2010 the current 'sick note' will be replaced by the Statement of Fitness to Work or 'fit note'.
GPs will be able to offer advice on what work an employee may be able to perform and will be able to suggest adjustments to working arrangements which could be made in order to facilitate an earlier return to work. However, there are concerns how doctors and employers will approach these changes.
It would be insensitive of us not to agree that in the interest of the employee it is preferable that they return to work when they are able and fit to do so. On occasions, for the benefit and well being of the member, we have argued for a gradual return to work structure, but at times companies seem reluctant to put such arrangements into place. Companies seemingly prefer to pressurise workers to a ‘full return’ to duties which ultimately leaves the worker with a feeling that they are being ‘forced’ to accept an early return. It is apparently preferable for the company to let the employee stay at home rather than incur the time arranging other duties and incurring the expense of workplace adaptations for someone with a short-term acute illness. As we have previously argued, companies have preferred to use the Managing for Attendance as leverage to get people back to work.
Other concerns are:
- doctors are expected to make judgements about the health of an employee without knowing enough about their employment;
- employers' responses to obligations to make workplace adjustments under current disability discrimination laws and
- real and practical workplace measures and allowances to make for those who are now 'fit' for some work.
For further information please click on the information on the right of this page
22 February 2010 No excuse will heal the damaged done to a victim
As some of our members and viewers are aware this union deplores any form of bullying and harassment and we, or any other organisation be they union or company, are not exempt from such vile and contemptuous acts.
This article follows the recent revelation of the Prime Ministers behaviour whereby he is allegedly accused of bullying junior staff. This union states for the record; no one in authority has the right to abuse by the fact of their position. Closed doors to Downing Street should not be a shield from criticism.
In discussion it was revealed that the previous PM Tony Blair occasionally became angry with his staff, blaming such outbursts on the pressures of the job. This is not an excuse. What would happen if the receptionist or advisor became angry with Mr Blair, would they receive the same sympathy.
It is argued that the reason why this story is continuing is because of the way the government is distancing itself from the issue. This is a similar situation experienced by people who suffer workplace bullying. Such action by the government is mirrored by the employers who say this does not happen in my company.
This is a Human Resource problem which at some companies is never dealt with effectively, primarily because the line managers do not have the skills to deal with the issues of bullying. 75 per cent of companies in the UK have bullying policies but it is our argument that these become nothing but words on paper.
As a result of this most bullying is underreported because staff have seen instances where colleagues have reported bullying but nothing has happened. This gives a feeling that if they do report bullying they fear for their jobs or seen as not being team players.
Although the timing of this announcement may be considered as a political play by others if nothing else it has brought bullying onto the main line news rather than swept under the carpet.
There is no excuse that will heal the damaged done to a victim.
17 February 2010 Safety Days are Scrosanct
Following our concerns that First ScotRail and other companies have cancelled attendance/reducing safety days and therefore in our opinion abrogated the Hidden and Cullen safety recommendations we immediately contacted the respective parliamentary representatives. In our letter we highlighted that after the 1988 Clapham rail disaster Sir Anthony Hidden QC made certain recommendations.
When Hidden’s 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’.
Following the Ladbroke Grove incident Rt Hon Lord Cullen PC 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 items on 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 as part of their franchise agreement.
ATCU believes, as a Trade Union, health and safety should not be compromised in any way. We believe this is important to the safe running of the railways, protection of employees and the travelling public and accordingly we are totally opposed to safety being used as a cost cutting exercise.
On receipt of our concerns the representatives wrote to ScotRail whereby the above was discussed. We are please to inform that following such action ScotRail has returned to status quo on safety days. We commend ScotRail for their understanding that such days are vitally important to the safe running of our industry.
15 February 2010 Halle, South-West of Brussels, Belgium Collision
It is presently being reported that a rail incident has happened earlier today in Halle, south-west of Brussels during the hectic rush hour. Initial reports have said that two trains both carrying commuters have collided.
It is believed that the collision has resulted in fatalities with more suffering from minor and serious injuries.
A pending investigation is currently undergoing.
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.
3 February 2010 Use your voice to express your concerns not just the pen
Although the ATCU does not affiliate to a political party this does not mean we are not political. Trade Unions are political by their nature. All we ask is that your own personal political beliefs are left at the door of this union so that we can concentrate on the politics of the rail industry.
Considering this we argue that the rail industry should not be used as a political ball which is kicked into the air every five years. This does not create a sound base for a long term strategic planning.
It is our policy that political parties should agree a consensus agreement on the development of the rail industry. Such a consensus was shown over the West Coast fast line from London to Scotland. ATCU have been in talks with representatives of the political parties who agree that such a line would be of benefit to commerce, economy and the industry and therefore a benefit to all rail workers.
This year will see the country going to the polling booths and we encourage all workers to participate in this process. What we find interesting is that the Labour Party has resurrected the Jenkins report on proportional representation. This report was originally commissioned prior to the 1997 election. It was the belief that the Labour Party may not gain enough votes to govern so it became important to woo and seek support from the Liberal Democrats. The Jenkins report became the bargaining tool for the Liberals who have continually argued for proportional voting. However, as we all know the Labour Party came into power with a massive majority and the Jenkins report was filed.
There are no guarantees to who may govern after this year’s election although it is viewed by many commentators that there may be a hung parliament. This would place the Liberal Democrats in a strong bargaining position and not unsurprisingly the Jenkins Report and proportional representation has been resurrected and Gordon Brown is now a convert to the alternative vote system. At today’s Prime Ministers question time (3 February) Gordon Brown began his wooing of the Liberal Democrats when he congratulated Nick Clegg for being consistent in his policies.
With such uncertainties it is therefore important that we all participate. However, placing a cross on a piece of paper is no longer good enough so we encourage all workers to attend meetings where potential new and incumbent parliamentary representative will be speaking.
Head Office will be collating questions that you may wish to ask that affect your industry. This will include potential candidates agreeing to a political consensus as the best way forward for the rail industry. This is important as railways may be hit hard with cuts in public spending.
At this year’s election use your voice to express your concerns not just the pen.
This union will continue to work with all political parties with the goal of attaining a political consensus for the rail industry.
12 January 2010 An extremely sad day for all who knew Mick Blackburn
On behalf of this union it is my sad duty to inform you that Mick Blackburn a stalwart and truthful comrade of the movement, I emphasise ‘a truthful comrade of the movement’, a good friend and member of the ATCU passed away peacefully on Sunday. Our thoughts are with Mick’s family during this time of sadness.
My own thoughts are one of a celebration of a man I dearly love and respect.
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We were regular visitors to each of our houses where we sat up until early hours arguing about politics of the past and present day. A deep-rooted communist I was never able to sway Mick away from this conviction. Believe me I tried. Mick was my confidant who I could always relay on for a straight no frills answer. I had no option.
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Mick was always ready to give advice
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With the Michael grin he would say “Let’s start from the beginning”. Mick was a well read political theorist and I knew what was coming and he made sure that I knew it. With a touch of Leninism I either took on board what he said or he would argue his point until I was cornered and exhausted.
This ability came from his long history as a committed trade unionist, rising to the position as an Assistant General Secretary. It is mine and others opinion that this role was cut short, which was a dreadful loss to the movement as a whole.
A keen West Ham supporter he always made sure that he dragged me to the television to watch them play, knowing all too well that I knew nothing about the game. If he could not convince me over his political view he was going to make damn sure I knew about football. And don’t forget cricket.
Together we had a love of food, particularly sea food. It became a competition to who could prepare a good table which was always accompanied with a decent bottle of wine and great conversation. Do you know, I never got it right over the wine.
I remember with fondness those days where we would sit in the garden with Mick and his partner Penny. The sun would beat down while the meat was sizzling on the fire and Mick shouting “when are we going to eat”. I was always late with the meals and this became one of Mick’s and Penny’s jibes at me.
One time when Mick and Penny came to stay while Julie and I were living in Penistone, a rural village on the fringes of the Pennines, we walked into the village square some four miles away. At my annoyance Mick always preferred to walk.
It was at the height of summer and we called at the local pub and Mick ordered a glass of wine. The barmaid stared at Mick as if she did not fully understand what he said. “Don’t have much call for this around here; I’ll see what we have”. Five minutes later she came back and put before Mick a full half pint pot of wine. Mick and I looked at each other and burst out in laughter. “hey Mick” I said, “we’re are in Yorkshire not woosey London”.
To top this we went to the pub across the road where, to our amazement, we found the rooms to be decked out in Christmas trimmings and in the corner a Christmas tree. Remember this was middle of the summer. “I may live in woosey London” he said “but at least I know when it’s Christmas”.
I will always remember and cherish these times my old friend. To me you have not gone away and I will be waiting for the next time you visit.
David Nixon
12 January 2010 Out with 2009 old style management and in with 2010 respect
We fear that the rail industry is moving towards a management crisis which they are blindly unaware. We hope that they are oblivious to the situation otherwise senior employers are guilty of unprofessionalism and mismanagement.
At the end of last year (2009) we brought to your attention the issues of management attitudes towards disciplinary and grievances (4 November 2009 - Out comes the big stick and thwack) where we highlighted the problems whereby some managers lack the necessary skills to manage.
The following is from a member and may we add that this is one of the better letters received by Head Office:
“I enjoy working for the company as they are one of very few whose work ensures most of my weekends are spent at home. I also like the conditions under which we work. However, over the last 4 years, the utter lack of man-management skills from our depot manager & his manager are taking their toll with depot moral, good-will and co-operation rapidly eroding as the company one day as more & more people leave”.
What we fear is that some appointed managers only need to attain one of two job specifications, those being a physical presence or an over vociferous demeanour. Under these circumstances and without adequate training such people rely only on the stick approach. After a period of time those newly appointed managers then seek similar people for recruitment and so it escalates.
This may be effective in the first instance but after a period of time the workers and the company will suffer. Workers and the company become polarised to the extent that at some point in the future a reaction occurs. ATCU argues that managers should be appointed because of their managerial skills and a full examination of those skills should be incorporated into the selection criteria. On appointment it would be beneficial that they attain a level of competency through regular training in areas of administration, people management and Human Resource processing.
It is infuriating that time after time we meet with managers who do not understand the law or the people who work for them. For example, we find it difficult to understand why a union representative is required to produce a letter of competency when representing fellow colleagues yet this is not required by management. It will be interesting to know many managers have attended a course on disciplinary and grievances.
It would be of further interest to know how many managers have been on a bullying and harassment course.
All of the above is worrying as we believe that such management attitudes is spreading throughout the rail industry and it is an issue that companies should immediately begin to address for the benefit of the workers and the companies.
Let 2010 be the year that both the unions and companies work together to achieve an expectancy, that being an industry where we respect one another and enjoy working together.
22 December 2009 Respect through inclusivity
ATCU believes that we should return to the values and principles of Trade Unionism which include respect for all workers in the industry, irrespective of which union or company they belong.
Each of us has a vested interest that the industry is successful and continues to grow for the benefit of each and every one of you, your family and community.
.It also means that we show respect to each and everyone who works in the rail industry and acknowledge the contribution by all.
We will not participate in a war of attrition with others because our time is valuable and it must be focused to changing this great industry and the movement as a whole. Yes this is a bold statement but for far too long we have sat back and let others decide our direction. In truth, the industry is going backwards not forward. In some areas relationship between the worker and the employer is deteriorating while the movement has stagnated. This is clearly a recipe for disaster and benefits no one.
How can we change this? We do this is through inclusivity of every person that works in the rail industry. ATCU is taking the bold yet long overdue step to make every member a participant in all future negotiations and we hope that the rest of the movement will embrace our vision.
We have recently forwarded an email to your colleagues and friends working at Freightliner concerning management attitudes.
This has been done through the use of a survey and in the New Year we will be conducting more of these on several issues that are important to you.
We see such communication as an important tool whereby members will have the opportunity to truly contribute in the negotiating process.
Presently the negotiating representatives meet with the employer and consults on, for example, pay and conditions. In the proposals a pay offer is discussed and several strings are attached, primarily on issues of productivity. This is taken back to a senior level within the union and if it is not acceptable it is bounced back for renegotiation. Occasionally this may be discussed at branch level but more often than not the worker, who is the most significant person in the process, is not fully consulted. At times a referendum is issued but this limits the workers reply to yes or no.
However, if the draft consultation is forwarded to the members through an electronic email survey they would be able to consider each proposal and even make comment. Through this process members would become actively involved throughout all levels of the negotiations.
Negotiators would then know what the members are truly saying and what the workers see as their proprieties, not what others perceive.
This is trade unionism as it should be. It is where the workers have input into their environment and participation within the union. It is trade unionism with values, principles and vision. It is workers taking control and gaining respect.
18 December 2009 The VOTE gives you freedom to choose
We are all too aware how frustrating it is when no one listens at work; we feel that no one gives a damn about what we say. The repercussion of this is that we feel less valued. This is not good for employer and employee relations. It’s not good for business nor is it good for the home life.
In truth, your local representatives should be the person who expresses your concerns; they should be your voice. They should take everyone’s unease – worries - problems and inform the employer through dialogue and consultation. They should discuss how to improve either your conditions of work or how you are treated by management.
But what happens if they don’t do that, what happens if the person is not up to doing the job, what happens if it is not the right person.
The present system for electing local representatives’ creates this situation. It allows the selection from the few which will ultimately fail the many, why? Because the best person does not get the chance to stand for election and the majority does not have a say. It is discriminatory and creates division. It takes away your rights.
Workers representatives either at depots, offices, ground staff, train crew etc. are there to speak on behalf of everyone not just the few. This is different to collective bargaining and do not let people convince you otherwise.
The ‘right’ for everyone to elect the local representative must be a given ‘right’. No organisation or employer should have a say on which person represents you. If this is the case it automatically smacks of corruption and manipulation. It becomes the dictatorship of the few against the many and insults the name of democracy which all unions purportedly adhere. Such a system takes away your democratic right of participation and those who support such action devalues you as a person.
Let me give you, not an alternative but the right and just way local level representatives should be elected, the democratic way.
You could put yourself forward in your own right and let every worker decide if you are the best person. Alternatively, you may know someone who is more than capable of stepping up to the mark, and then you and every worker would have the choice of choosing him or her to inform and consult with the employer. Either way, every worker decides collectively that the right person is chosen.
This union upholds the tenets of democracy and we will fight on your behalf for your right to participate in the democratic process of Local Level elections.
The right to vote is one of the greatest gifts that any people could have. The VOTE is liberating. The VOTE gives you freedom to choose. The VOTE means equality. The VOTE means people have rights. The VOTE unites people. The VOTE gives the freedom to elect those who would best serve the rail community.
7 December 2009 “a principle”
Principles are not tangible; they are not something you can touch but they are the most valuable items each of us could possess. Principles are something you experience or feel, a belief of what is right and wrong.
It is the right to be heard, the right to criticise without reprisals, the right to voice your opinion; the right to have your answers replied to; it is the removal of political and financial gleaner’s; it’s putting members, family and community first; it is an industry that is accountable to members; it is the right to have your job back if you are unfairly dismissed and the right to a fair days pay for a honest day’s work.
These are some of the principles that lie at the core of the ATCU.
17 November 2009 Anti-Bullying Week - Steve’s story
Steve is a real person who contacted the union some twelve months ago with issues surrounding bullying and harassment at work. It is not for us to say whether it was a work colleague or a member of management so we will keep silence on this. Irrespective who the bully is, the event and problems are exactly the same. The pain and torment experienced by the victim is horrendous.
Steve had experienced bullying at work for some considerable time but he, like many other victims, either bares the weight of the bullying in the hope it will go away or is fearful of the repercussions.
Victims are targeted by people who, in Steve’s case, dislike or see them as a threat. Some bully’s go to the extreme by pushing the victim into resigning or quit their job by making the use of false accusations.
The use of bullying and harassment tactics also spreads among the workforce. It is seen as a means to an end. In other words it is a tactic with an objective. Those who see such actions also become fearful and thus sides with the bully so that they do not become the next target.
Bullies’ either singularly or as a group, pick out an individual or attack him or her solely with imagined justification. The bully, as in Steve’s case, sees that he is warranted in his harassment due to a previous grievance brought against him.
There is a misconception that bullying is related solely to sarcastic remarks or verbal abuse; it could also come from ‘isolation, cold shouldering or snubbing, sending to Coventry, exile and quarantine. The bullying for Steve began with the subtle sarcastic remarks followed by quite whispering and sudden silence when he walked into a room and later by unfounded accusations.
Steve said that his shoulders were broad enough to carry the weight of the bullying and in any case he feared that if he:
- started explaining, supporting, defending, justifying etc it gets worse
- If he stood up for himself, it gets worse
- If he took action, it gets worse
- If he fought back, it gets worse
Therefore Steve preferred to ignore the problem in the belief that to do so implied that he was unable to stand the heat or show some weakness.
However, the truth is, if you do not confront the problem the issue deepens.
Steve was informed to keep a book and record all incidents, dates, times and names. This becomes his proof that bullying by others is happening and is evidence if the issue is taken to a grievance.
He was told to issue a warning to the bully that they must stop and if they refused to do so he would take it further. Eventually a grievance was brought against the perpetrator and a meeting was held with management.
The majority of employers have a bullying and harassment procedure which is commendable but quite a few do not know how to how to deal with incidents when they actually arrive.
In most cases the employer delays meetings in the hope that the situation will go away. Some even say that it is mess room banter or the derogatory term that it is boys being boys or girls being girls. They even take the attitude that the victim should not take these things seriously. In defence the bully would say the same. They would argue that “I am having a joke” and the other person is “too sensitive” WRONG WRONG WRONG
Bullying is a poison and it is vicious. Bullies get self gratification by making other peoples life a living hell which ultimately reflects on the victim’s home life. This means that their partners and children also suffer. I repeat, their children suffer.
What is worrying is that, apart from employers, many other organisations that equally have bullying and harassment procedures condone such acts. They condone it simply by ignoring it as if it is not happening.
We therefore question the reason why they allow it. Is it because they are under the misapprehension that they need the fear of bullies to control?
Could it be that such bullying and harassment is endemic in the core fabric of those organisations. If that is so then they hide behind false dictum and ultimately they are false.
Following Steve’s grievance the employer approached this with an apathetic response but this was down to the fact that they simply did not know what to do. ATCU did not allow the grievance to go away and with one hundred percent support from this union, we pushed harder for a solution. Eventually the company took action and the bullies stopped their intimidation and Steve was able to resume working in an environment free of such thugs.
Following this another person within the company began to experience the same problems but the company had learned. They had learned that when such situations arrive we will protect our members and that they must act immediately and in this case they did, it did not even get to the grievance stage.
So if you become the victim of such despicable acts never think you are alone. We are here to help.
13 November 2009 MFA abuse
ATCU published an item in this news page on the 4 November about concerns over discipline meetings and how these are unfairly conduct by some managers and companies, in particular the subject of Managing for Attendance (MFA). Since the publication of this article we have received several replies from members.
As this is, rightly so, a contentious issue it has been decided to post some of those comments on the news page. Please access by clicking the link on the right of this page. If you have experience or know of such poor practices please email them to the ATCU Head office.
9 November 2009 Fear of reprisal by companies
David Nixon, Head Office and Steve Gomersall, Regional Organiser, North West, met with inspectors of the Office of Rail Regulation HSE. The meeting consisted chiefly with issues relating to Freight and in particular those surrounding working conditions and cab noise levels. Evidence of this was given to the ORR.
I am please to inform that the ORR has agreed the importance that a site inspection is to be carried out at one of the sites that we raised.
Steve Gomersall presented Valerie Partington, HM Principle Inspector of Railways with the North West recent research into passenger to staff and passenger to passenger abuse. Steve made reference to the problems associated with low staffing levels within the British Transport Police (BTP) citing Cumbria as an example where there are only three officers to cover such a large area.
ATCU was informed that the ORR HSE freight side have recently created an umbrella group who have been visiting several freight sites and depots throughout the country. The purpose of this group is to establish a benchmark for the industry. The benefit of this is that the ORR will eventually introduce a formula of good practice and identify improvements for all rail fight companies. We commend the ORR HSE for this initiative and it is our intention to work with the group to ensure its success.
One item of concern at the meeting was that of the reporting of health and safety issues. Although the ORR HSE does eventually become aware of certain issues surrounding health and safety at paces of work, they find that workers within the freight industry are seemingly reluctant to highlight their worries to them. David told the meeting that “ATCU is not surprised at this. We have discussed this on numerous occasions on our own website”.
“It is not the fear of the HSE but the fear of reprisal by companies if they truly express their thoughts” he said
Members of Freight companies have recently been emailed requesting that they pass to ATCU Head Office their issue/s which will be forwarded to the ORR and raised at subsequent meetings with them. All correspondence will be strictly private.
6 November 2009
Every worker expects at least the minimal necessities in a working environment
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ATCU have been in several discussions with the Office of Rail Regulation Health & Safety Executive over the past week. The first was held at the ORR London offices with the ORR HSE Director followed by a meeting in Glasgow. A further meeting is to be held with the Deputy Director this coming Monday. ATCU raised several issues of concern particularly those surrounding freight. ATCU are concerned over the working conditions that all workers in the freight industry are presently experiencing. |
“We am hearing horror stories that resemble something that comes out of a Dickens novel” said ATCU.
“Simple basic things like running clean water and a place to eat comfortably do not seem to be something companies value”.
“Every worker expects at least the minimal necessities in a working environment”.
At the meetings representatives William Turnbull at Scotland and Steve Trumm at London, brought to the ORR’s attention the serious problems experienced by on board crew abuse by passengers and passenger to passenger abuse.
“All our colleagues thank the North West region for their research on abuse which is presently ongoing”
“As we grow it is our intention to produce our own research and involve more of our colleagues in this process”.
Steve Gumersall Regional Organiser for the North West and coordinator for the research said “CCTV should be fitted to ALL trains as a matter of priority. This will act as a deterrent and prevent crimes as well as protecting staff from assaults”.
ATCU made reference to companies who are seemingly providing greater support and care to passengers above those of staff. “There now seems a fear that incidents of passenger abuse to staff inevitably falls on staff culpability” he said
Another area of concern is that of unprecedented noise levels in cabs. ATCU have carried out several tests which shows levels above acceptable norms.
“It must be understood that an increase of over and above noise levels in the long term WILL have a detrimental effect on drivers hearing. As we all know, hearing is one of the factors that we must attain a high level of if we are to continue driving”.
5 November 2009 Rail travel winning the war on recession
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Latest figures from the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) show an increase of passenger travel despite the country wide economic recession. The ORR reported a total passenger kilometers travelled in 2008-09 increased by 3.4 per cent on the previous year to 50.7 billion. Total passenger journeys in 2008-09 for franchised operated services increased from 1.23 billion in 2007-08 to 1.27 billion in 2008-09. A figure that equals the total for 1946, when the network was twice its modern size. Regional operators fared better than the major hubs of London and busy lines in the South East. Regional operators saw a 6.4 per cent in 2007-08, while London and the South East experienced the lowest growth where passenger journeys increased by just 2.5 per cent. |
Total revenue collected by all the franchised train operators increased by 8.1 per cent last year — from £5.6 billion to £6.0 billion — compared with a 10.8 per cent growth
4 November 2009 Out comes the big stick and thwack
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It is becoming more unusual that reinstatement occurs after dismissal but if the argument is clear we all hope that any company and manager would listen to the facts put before them and be open and honest in their deliberations. Unfortunately throughout the industry this is increasingly not the case. Disciplines and Managing for Attendance (MFAs) are becoming business models where some companies use, to put it bluntly, the stick approach in which to beat the worker. |
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At one meeting this union asked how MFAs where conducted by their company and how the person conducting the meeting approached each members attendance record. The answer we received was that it is at the discretion of the manager. This is not acceptable, fair and just. Our members’ livelihood must not be judged on what mood the manager woke up in that morning.
What happens if the person being interviewed has a lively nature and fairly outspoken (at one time this used to be called standing up for your beliefs and your rights)? The manager pulls out the big stick at a disciplinary or MFA meeting and thwack, hits them with an MFA 1 or wallop, Form 1 and cack, dismissal.
Good management should base each disciplinary or MFA on facts with a fair and just approach to resolving and assisting that member. What seems to be happening in the industry with MFAs is that if you have an injury you go straight onto stage 1. You have a serious illness, stage 2. You are involved in an accident outside of work, stage 3 and dismissal. This is not what MFAs are designed for.
Companies and management are increasingly saying that MFAs are not a form of discipline. What planet do these people come from? Stage 1 leads to stage 2, stage 2 onto stage 3 and dismissal. ATCU is also concerned that employers are slowly removing the right of appeal at certain stages of MFAs. Workers unions should collectively and decidedly reject any measure that dilutes the right of appeal at any stage.
Companies with Victorian values
We are alarmed that companies and management are seemingly returning to the old us and them attitude and the MFA scenario is a prime argument to this fact. Over the recent decade some employers, and we stress some employers, are increasingly moving back to Victorian factory style management. The question therefore needs to be asked why this happening.
ATCU argues that newly appointed managers do not have the necessary training for their role. They do not receive manager training; neither do they receive what is potentially the most essential of all, people skills.
Politicians and employers have in the past criticised workers unions for their lack of business etiquette and economic understanding. They say that we should work together for the betterment of the company and the workforce, this we agree on all accounts but not if it is at the cost of workers being clubbed into fear and subservience.
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.
ATCU 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
ATCU 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.
ATCU 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.
ATCU 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.
ATCU 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.
ATCU 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.
ATCU 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.
ATCU 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.
16 July 2009 Safety is Sacrosanct
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’.
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.
ATCU 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
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).
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:
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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
ATCU 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 ATCU.
At the meeting a member asked “what priorities does ATCU have for the future”, ATCU 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”.
ATCU 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”.
“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”.
No blame philosophy.
ATCU argued that the industry must have a no blame philosophy. “I understand where you are coming from” said ATCU 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”, ATCU 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 above2 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 |
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. |
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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.
ATCU 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 ATCU, “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. |
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”.
| Organisers Committee |
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 |
“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.
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." |
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Transport Minister |
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. |
| The item is linked to the BBC News website |
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
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 ATCU
“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”.
““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.
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.
ATCU says “we 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.
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
20 May 2008 Legal Representation and more
The extra benefits will be discussed at the next Formation and Regional Organisers meeting which is to be held at the beginning of June.
A full report of the additional benefits will be announced to all members thereafter.
7 May 2008 SWT Pay Referendum
Result of the SWT Pay Referendum can be found on the Members
Notice board within the Forum.
6 May 2008 New Regional Organiser
ATCU are proud to announce the first woman regional organiser. The member will be introduced this coming week along with our present organisers.
6 May 2008 New Members depletes Stock
ATCU apologise if members do not receive their complementary ATCU Tie or Cravat in the new members pack. Over the last two weeks the unprecedented amount of members applying to join ATCU has deleted our present stock. A new order has been placed but this will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks. All new members names will be recorded and the ties and cravats will be dispatched immediately on arrival at Head Office.
29 April 2008 Warm welcome to the New Brighton Branch
Following recent discussions with our brothers and sister in the Southern Region of the rail industry we are pleased to announce the creation of ATCU Brighton Branch. Preparation for the new branch is now underway and should be completed for the beginning of June.
More branches to be announced shortly
26 April 2008 You are paving the way
Union expansion
Due to the rapid expansion of the Union it has now been necessary to relocate the office. The new contact address can be found in the Contact page.
Announcement of a new branch will follow shortly
Regional Officers
Soon to be introduced will be the names of regional organisers whose time, energy and commitment command the greatest respect.
New developments
Over the coming weeks we will be announcing new developments on the website.
It is the intention that all members should hear about the development of your union before anyone else. Prior to issuing specific news we will let you know first by placing a notice board in the member’s forum. New members will shortly be receiving their codes to the room.
New WebsiteConstruction of a new website is underway. It would be great if you had suggestion for its contents and structure. Please email these to HeadOffice@atcu.org.uk
22 April 2008 Your union continues to grow
Representatives of the ATCU were invited to the North West to meet with several workers in the industry. This was a lengthy meeting with many and varied questions about the unions politics, representation and its future direction.
No question was left unanswered. No area was untouchable.
The meeting resulted in a show of confidence in the union which has led to the formation of the ATCU Wigan Branch.
ATCU welcomes the new members and everyone looks forward to their participation in a union that is growing from strength to strength
18 April 2008 South West Trains Pay Referendum
You should have now received your pay referendum ballot papers. Please ensure these are returned by 29 April
If you have not received your papers please notify Head Office immediately at HeadOffice@atcu.org.uk
18 April 2008 Literature steps beyond what is acceptable
Literature is being posted to various branches for distribution in the form of A5 paper designed to look like a message from the ATCU. The content is somewhat satirical verging on VIZ like humour.
ATCU believes in freedom of speech and encourage people to voice their opinion. The only way we can intellectually progress is through unfettered dialogue. However, this literature steps beyond what is acceptable dialogue and discussion. It uses obscene verbal bullying and the overall content has racist overtones with homophobic images.
Are these the actions of true trade unionists?
ATCU says that we will never lower ourselves to the putrid, festering depths that these people infest.
In defence of all our brothers and sisters of the trade union movement, if people are found to be distributing this vile racist, homophobic literature, be warned, we will take you to court.
ATCU says “we will not tolerate bullying of any form”.
“We have a track record of ensuring the truth will out and bringing liars to account”.
At this present time two rail companies have been sent letters from your solicitors outlining the companies’ responsibilities regarding the distribution of this literature.
Mrs Dunwoody, MP for Crewe since 1974 then Crewe and Nantwich after the 1983 boundary change was a stalwart of the UK railway industry.
As chair of various transport and environmental committees Mrs Dunwoody was not one for holding back when it came to the defence of the railway industry. This resulted in 2001 in an attempt by Labour whips to remove her from the transport select committee. The Labour government immediately withdrew the suggestion after backbench Labour MPs refused to support the move when it went to a vote in the Commons.
Speaking on Radio 4s The World at One, close friend, former Commons speaker and Labour MP Baroness Boothroyd said "a fighter in every respect who just wouldn't give up". "She was always a rebel, but she was a rebel with a cause,"
To the industry she will always be known as our Gwyneth, a true hero who will be sadly missed
Congratulations to the Derby Branch officials and members who celebrate 12 months operation today 15 April. The members have shown true trade union dedication and commitment to forging a strong future for the ATCU branch. They remain steadfast in their belief that workers representation needs to return to core values of trust, transparency and the development of true democracy.
ATCU will promise you this; we will work steadfastly towards these values.
ATCU will be a union to be proud of.
And if anyone should ridicule and disparage these promises then ask the question, what is their motive?