Driven by ideals

A history of ASLEF

Robert Griffiths, ASLEF, paperback, 275 pages, £12

This is the first history of the ASLEF train drivers‘ union for decades.

Founded in 1880, the union has a strong tradition of solidarity. The book recounts the example of a driver taking his train back to the depot on seeing a miners‘ banner draped over a bridge. It also tells of struggles against the colour bar on promotion and in favour of women train drivers.

ASLEF affiliated to the Labour Party in 1902 and has always been a political union, recording the highest vote to retain the political fund during the Thatcher years.

The union first called for rail nationalisation in 1909 and continues to make the case for public ownership.

The book is also candid about internal matters of union democracy. It describes criticism of general secretaries – including one “vehemently repudiated” by the executive 40 years ago.