UK union reps heading down under

Representatives of the UK train drivers’ union, ASLEF, are coming to visit. 

ASLEF General Secretary Mick Whelan and Executive Committee Member Dave Calfe have accepted an invite to the Loco Division’s next Divisional Council meeting being held in October.

Loco Division Secretary Bob Hayden said the visit an exciting opportunity to share ideas with our UK counterparts.

“This is the first time the leaders of the UK train drivers’ union have come to Australia,” Bob Hayden said.

“It’s always good to share ideas with comrades from other parts of the world. We know that we often experience similar issues in terms of companies and governments attempting to cut corners at the expense of workers and the travelling public. It will be a good opportunity to discuss what unions around the world are doing to help protect members’ rights.

“The UK union movement is historically strong and the train drivers in the UK have seen a lot in terms of union action over the decades. Having the ASLEF representatives at our executive meeting will be a good way to share stories of our respective histories and discuss the best approaches going forward.”

The UK delegates will attend the Loco Division executive meeting after they head to New Zealand to attend the RMTU (the NZ equivalent of the RTBU) Conference.  Two representatives of the Loco Division have also been invited to attend the RMTU conference.