Solidarity with train drivers and their union ASLEF - in addition to everything else great friends of our campaign.

Our recently closed medical aid appeal received numerous donations from ASLEF branches.

ASLEF This 48hr 'agreement' as well. Hmm. 🤔 Once the daily alteration sheets go up, usually 4 days before, Drivers could then only go off, in an emergency or if there is cover available for someone else to do it. Esp when we had a RDW agreement. We can't just go off.

ASLEF Managers are paid £500 to drive trains on our strike days too. And for accommodation if they stay overnight when they finish late and aren't near home. They got a 10% payrise. One of our DM's used to chair ASLEF branch meetings. We're all sick of them lauding it about.

A note on yesterday's Transport Select Committee session - we're really disappointed that the Rail Minister misrepresented our agreements with various operators.

It's not good enough.

This dispute needs to be resolved but that must happen with honesty and respect.

They could simply talk to us.

Their package (with significant strings that can't be implemented as a one size fits all) was rejected in April '23.

We need the gov't to get round the table, but they refuse.

MSLs failed because they were unworkable, not because of 'revenge'.

Mark Harper What reforms? Tell the public the T&C's you want us to give up. Instead of repeating your fatuous nonsense. YOU are prolonging this. Get to the table and meet Mick Whelan and Simon Weller instead of trying to get gammons angry at people who actually help the economy.

If LNER had enough drivers or a rest day working agreement they may have a more resilient service. Not throwing away the goodwill of their staff may have also helped.

Why don't you meet us? We've not seen you since December 2022!
(last time we saw your Rail Minister was January 2023).
And the last time the employers met us was in April 2023.

The offer you talk of we rejected in April because of the ill-defined and inoperable strings.

#ASLEF

For those playing 'Mark Harper Bingo' get your cards and dabbers at the ready. He's started...

#ASLEF

Message from Ian Lavery MP, former mineworker and National Union Of Mineworkers member, sending greetings to #TUC23 and calling for 'maximum support' for Ukraine and its working class and unions. Ian has been to Ukraine and has strong links with miners' unions there.

#StandWithUkraine

UNISON Cymru/Wales Wales TUC Cymru PCS Wales CWU South Wales Branch Graham Colk GMB Wales & South West UniteWales Bectu Mick Whelan ASLEF Fire Brigades Union Musicians' Union National Union Of Mineworkers Ukraine Solidarity Campaign 🇺🇦✊🏽🚩 KVPU 🇺🇦 Ukrainian trade union

The only people who are responsible for the ongoing strikes in this country are the government and the employers.

Seeking a pay increase has nothing whatsoever to do with Ukraine.

Full comment from Mick Whelan ➡️ aslef.org.uk/publications/a… (4/4)

The truth is that Mr Harper should tell the train companies to get back around the negotiating table and make train drivers a sensible offer on pay. Then there would be no more strikes. (3/4)

GS Mick Whelan was there as Russian tanks invaded and AGS Simon Weller has since visited the country to speak with rail workers and share solidarity while the Russian bombs were falling. Both are also members of the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign 🇺🇦✊🏽🚩. Mr Harper isn’t. (2/4)

Solidarity with ASLEF (one of our supporting unions). Solidarity with Ukrainian rail unions, which have strong ties with ASLEF. Shameful but laughable Tory opportunism

Read ASLEF's reply to the ludicrous Tory attempt to portray train drivers' strike for a pay rise as anti-Ukraine.

A union that has unstintingly championed Ukraine + its labour movt attacked by a party with a record of championing Russian oligarchs.

aslef.org.uk/publications/a…

Labour's John McDonnell MP 'I've opposed every imperialist aggression since in entered Parliament - that's why I gave solidarity to Ukraine - and support weapons to defend themselves - only hope for peace is Ukrainian forces fend off the assault that's coming...' 🇺🇦🚩✊🏼

We agreed an increase to the normal retirement age for drivers in the railway pension scheme at the last valuation and, importantly, we're not striking on pensions.

Other than that, spot on.

The Daily Telegraph

#aslef #strikes #pension #rail way #rail

telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/02/1…

Great interview with Dr. Mary Bousted.

However, I thought Nick Robinson analysis at the end rather weak.

He, like the Gov't, doesn't seem to understand negotiation in a trade union context.

#strikes #neu #ucurising #aslef #rmt #tradeunions
bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…