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Train drivers stand united for nationalised railways and socialism
Aslef’s annual assembly of delegates begins today in Leeds, where the train drivers’ union was formed back in 1880. MICK WHELAN looks back — and forward
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IT’S been a busy 12 months for our trade union. Although, if we could speak to our predecessors, up there in the top link in the sky, they would probably say that every year has been a busy year since our union was formed.
“Aslef — established 1880.” That’s what it says on our badge. And it was here, in Leeds. We are proud of our history and proud of what those who came before us have achieved for rail workers in England, Scotland and Wales, where we organise – and the aims, aspirations and ideals of Aslef are, essentially, the same today as they were back in 1880.
They are enshrined in our rule book: “Aslef exists to secure the best terms and conditions for train drivers; to negotiate on behalf of our members with the train and freight operating companies; to promote a pride in the job we do; to champion equality in our industry; to provide education services for our members; and to work for a fairer, more just, and more equitable society. A socialist society.”
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Aslef general secretary MICK WHELAN writes for the Morning Star on the eve of the TUC in Brighton, about the pay offer from the DfT, relations with the Labour government, and the union’s motion at Congress calling for the renationalisation of rail freight
MICK WHELAN, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ trade union, writes for the Morning Star as union activists prepare to march through Durham today in a display of working-class solidarity at the 138th Durham Miners’ Gala
MICK WHELAN, general secretary of train drivers’ trade union Aslef, writes for the Morning Star as voters prepare to go to the polls in the general election today
MICK WHELAN, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, writes for the Morning Star on the eve of his union’s annual conference in Manchester from Monday 20 to Friday May 24
