Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/507/3346
From The Socialist newspaper, 25 October 2007
Train drivers prepare for action
A period of relative quiet in the rail industry has ended, management plans to attack pensions and conditions are meeting resistance from train drivers.
An Aslef member
At Midland Mainline a dispute has broken out over the failure by the employer to uprate pensions when pay has increased. Apparently this only came to light due to the impending change to franchises which affect the company.
In a ballot of ASLEF members, 86.9% voted for industrial action and the executive committee has agreed strike dates of Thursdays 25 October, 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 November. This is unusually decisive for the EC and reflects members' anger that pensions are again treated by employers as an optional extra rather than deferred pay.
ASLEF is to ballot members on Scotrail about disciplinary procedures which the union calls "utterly disproportionate", the result is expected on 14 November.
At Central Trains, which will cease to exist in November due to franchise changes, an industrial action ballot is underway, over the issue of driver managers driving trains when the work should be done by drivers.
When ASLEF members have asked if the action will go ahead, even though employees involved in the ballot will move to three different firms on 11 November, apparently the advice is that the dispute goes with you to your new employer.
Welcome to the wacky world of franchising and privatisation. Members may be striking against an employer who had no part in the original dispute.
Donate to the Socialist Party
Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 25 October 2007:
Public health not private wealth
Join the 3 November NHS demonstration
NHS: What the Socialist Party says
Michael Moore's latest film 'Sicko' reviewed
Huddersfield SOS: Class fighters' bold initiative
Postal dispute
Reject Royal Mail deal: Vote 'No' and reinstate the action
Striking Liverpool postal workers return to work
Campaign for a New Workers Party
Respect in crisis - what lessons for socialists?
Socialism 2007
Socialist Party feature
Pakistan: Suicide bombings at Bhutto rally
International socialist news and analysis
Turkey's invasion threat increases regional instability
Release Saburi Akande Akinola, Taiwo Hassan Soweto and Olatunde Dairo now
France: Biggest public transport strike action since 1995
Socialist Party women
Do women still have the 'right to choose'?
Socialist Party news and analysis
Liberal Democrat leadership: Two candidates, one background, no answers
Classroom assistants challenge the Stormont Assembly
Who's to blame for teenage obesity?
Workplace news and analysis
Glasgow: On strike for a fair deal
Train drivers prepare for action
Fight Cadbury's factory closure
Teachers' union election – time to change!
BBC threatens hundreds of jobs
Home | The Socialist 25 October 2007 | Join the Socialist Party
2020