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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. 

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.

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”. 

Shaun

Jim

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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.

		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.
		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.

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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.

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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”

 

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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.

 

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8 October 2008     Acting General Secretary wins libel case

Yesterday, before Deputy Judge Mr Richard Parkes QC and a jury at Court 14, the Royal Courts of Justice, London, ATCU Acting General Secretary Shaun Brady won his libel case against ASLEF General Secretary, Keith Norman.

Following the unfounded statements Shaun Brady’s only avenue was to take proceedings for libel in order to undo the untruths and vindicate his reputation.

The jury retired after hearing the evidence to consider their verdict on liability and the amount of any damages to be awarded. After just 40 minutes the Jury returned with an unanimous decision in favour of Shaun Brady, and awarded a sum of £30,000 for damages.

Shaun Brady expressed his sincere thanks to his legal representatives, solicitor Dawn Kiddy of Stevens and barrister Adrian Davies of 3 Dr Johnson's Buildings, and said “this result is a victory not just for me but for my family and supporters who have always known the truth”.

“It is also a victory for those within ASLEF whose voice has been silenced.”

 

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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.

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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

 

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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.

 

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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.

		"Even more people will have the opportunity to make the switch to public transport” he said. The minister went on to say that "the rail network in Scotland makes a significant contribution to our economic and social health, which is why we are investing record levels in public transport to promote the sustainable growth of our national economy."
Transport Minister

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.

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24 September 2008     TRANSPORT SECRETARY PUTS FAMILY 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.
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.

 

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15 September 2008     LETTER OF CONDOLENCE SENT TO AMERICAN EMBASSY AND RAIL UNIONS

ATCU has forward letters of condolence to the American Embassy and the rail unions, following the tragic train crash in Southern California.

“Our thoughts go out to those who lost their lives, their families, and to their loved ones," said Shaun Brady.

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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

 

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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.

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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.

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5 August 2008     Branches Meet to Discuss ATCU Policy

ATCU Branches are meeting throughout the country to discuss the report from the recent Organisers Committee meeting.

“This is an exciting time for ATCU” said Shaun Brady.

“We are a new union, a fresh union and a union with a vast amount of knowledge and experience to draw upon. One of the many attributes of ATCU is that we are flexible enough to change, we are not monolithic. As we develop it will be paramount that ATCU members are encouraged to become involved with this process”.

Shaun Brady went on to say, ““We have several primary objectives that are aimed at effective representation but most important, to bring to the members a sense of belonging. This is based on members, family and community. All aims and objectives will ultimately follow from this such as wages, Health & Safety, working conditions and Pensions”.

“I encourage all members to attend their Branch meeting and be part of a defining moment in the history of this union and the trade union movement”.

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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.

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14 July 2008     Reaching you, North, South, East and West

New members signed up following successful meetings at Scotland Central Branch and Bournemouth. Acting General Secretary Shaun Brady visited each venue over a two day period explaining the rapid development of ATCU. “We have the same aspirations” said Shaun Brady, “a union that members feel they belong to”.

“This is a union that puts forward a vision of the future that goes beyond pay negotiations, a union that does not advertise its financial benefits but actually creates its financial benefits”.

Speaking with Shaun Brady at the Scotland Central Branch was Jim Carrigan, President of the ATCU. Jim explained in detail the rapid transition of your union over the last three months.

“The structures are now in place with Regional Organisers successfully representing members and experienced people running Head Office. Now that communications are up and running this union will continue grow stronger”, said Jim

Following the meeting Shaun Brady travelled back South and with Paul Whiteman Regional Organiser for South Western & Western Region they met up with fellow workers at Bournemouth.

Speaking at the Bournemouth depot Paul Wightman said “we are at an historic moment within this union. New branches are opening up all over the country”.

New Branches consist of Portsmouth, Basingstoke and combined Bournemouth and Weymouth.

Shaun posed the question. Why are we a strong union? “Because every member that joins ATCU does so not because he or she has to, or is forced to, but actually wants to”.

“So let no falsehoods, bullying or victimisation distract us from the vision which all present and future members share”.

“Let no circulars, no lies and no untruths deter us. Together we will protect our beliefs by not allowing others spite and anger to deter us from that journey”.

 “Each member is an intricate part of the cog that will drive forward your union for the benefit of each and every member and their family, the rail industry and the trade union movement”.

“It is now time to say, one union, one voice”.

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13 July 2008   Legal Representation

The announcement of membership legal representation has been long and protracted, simply because we expect only the best legal support for you, the member.

 Shaun Brady said that “I would never ask people to join the ATCU if we could not protect them, your welfare and your families welfare comes before anything else.”

 ATCU have an agreement with one firm of solicitors, Stevens, but we also have the support of two other firms who provide you with specific and specialised skills.

 Further discussions with the solicitors concerned an educational programme for Regional Officers to conduct Industrial Tribunals (IT). The advantage of this is Regional Organisers have a vast amount of knowledge within the industry that can be drawn upon. It will be the intention that Regional Officers will start the IT process whilst at all times supported with the guidance of your legal team of solicitors. This will create an assurance that the IT process is working to the best advantage of the member. The Regional Organiser will always be on hand to update the member providing the member with a clear understanding of the process.

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08 July 2008   Strong foundations

At the recent meeting of the Regional Organisers  Committee held at the beginning of June a vote for the position for President of the Committee was taken and a unanimous vote was given to Jim Carrigan.

President of the ATCU, Jim Carrigan, thanked the members present for their vote of confidence.  Jim said “our strengths lay in our desire to bring people together”.

Opening the first official Regional Organisers Committee meeting,
Jim Carrigan said “we represent working people and we stand above careerist elitism, there will be no place in this union for such people”.

The President put to the meeting the question of the General Secretary.

Following a lengthy discussion a vote for the position for Acting General Secretary was taken and a unanimous vote was given to Shaun Brady.

Shaun Brady thanked the Regional Organisers Committee giving special thanks to the Formation Committee. “It was their belief and fortitude that paved the way for this union. Against all adversity they stand head and shoulders above those who criticised” Shaun said.

“So thanks go directly to Gary Chillingworth, Phil Butler, Tony Statham with special thanks to Steve Trumm”. 

Shaun Brady went on to say, “they have set down strong foundations for a  union that will be an alternative.A union with a vision and that vision is the members, and everything we do will be purely in the interest of the members and their families”.

“As we grow in numbers our strength will grow and so will the strength of those who join us”


Further reports of the conference can be found on the forum

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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.

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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.

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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

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10 June 2008    New Branches, new members, new future

ATCU welcomes the new Central Scotland Branch. Chair Ian Goldie, Sec Gary Horne, Regional Organiser Jim Carrigan, vice-chair W Turnbull, vice-sec P Murray.

We are also pleased to announce the formation of the ATCU
Brighton Branch.

ATCU welcomes the new members and we look forward to hearing their voice in a union that listens.

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20 May 2008             Legal Representation and more

Following successful talks with the ATCU’s solicitors, an agreement has been made regarding further benefits to the extensive range of support that is already in place.

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.

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7 May 2008 SWT Pay Referendum

Result of the SWT Pay Referendum can be found on the Members 
Notice board within the Forum.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 Website
Construction 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

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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

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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

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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.