Socialist stands in Aslef leadership elections

Train driver Pete McNally is standing for election to the rail union Aslef executive committee, in district number six.

Pete has worked in the rail industry for nearly 20 years, and has been a driver for eight years. He is a local representative and vice-chair of his Aslef branch.

He told The Socialist: "The main issues I am standing on are:

Two-tier pay - unity is the strength of our union but we have allowed pay differentials to become a source of division. It is urgent to end this - a newly-qualified driver on London Midland earns Ł9,000 less than others - is it any wonder new drivers do not get active in the union?

Workload - companies increasingly want our members to do the work of other grades, we must resist this, we are drivers not shunters, guards or cleaners, one job is enough. We must also refuse to drive trains where guards in dispute are replaced by managers.

Pensions - we cannot accept increases in contributions or reductions in benefits. If the former bosses of failed banks can get their full pension, so must our members.

Overtime - Aslef must now move to end institutionalised overtime. There is mass unemployment, we must share the available work, there should be a job for all. Aslef can then call on young people in particular to join a trade union which has fought for jobs to be created.

Franchises - our members must have the right to retain work or follow work when refranchising takes place. We must not allow route knowledge to be lost because a new boss has a different franchise map.

Political issues - I refuse to pay the political levy which funds the Labour Party. Labour is now a party of the employers and the establishment. I believe working people must take steps to organise a party that provides a voice for us, a party for the millions not the millionaires.

If elected I pledge to work to unite our membership in defence of our jobs, pensions, pay and conditions."

Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.

In The Socialist 1 April 2009:

The G20 leaders have no solution to the crisis...