PETE GRANT is a member of | the train drivers' union, ASLEF. Based at Old Oak Diesel Depot London, he is a member of the UNHORS Paddington branch.
In an interview with Oliver The explained background to the ASLEF strike and wny ine arivers are angry. He began by spelling out the background to the dispute.
*The present claim for a 10 percent responsibility payment originated from a productivity deal negotiated by the NUR for some train guards.
*The argument that this should apply to drivers as well has been going on for over a year.
'An inquiry recommended refusal of the ASLEF claim, but said that drivers of high speed trains (HSTs) should get £3.63 per long distance trip.
*It was the unofficial rank and file organisation of drivers on the Southern Region which torced the CACCULYC union into taking action on the claim.
At present the basic rate for drivers is £62 for a 40-hour week As well, said Pete, we get a few quid extra for having to do shifts, nightwork or weekends. We have to come in all times of the day and night, there's no fixed time.
such wages conditions the militancy of the the drivers is understandable, so how did Pete see the present mood of the ASLEF members?
*It varies a lot from depot to another, on whether they've got HST mileage jobs and the extra money.
•Most drivers are angry that they've suffered from government pay policy workers. fighting mad.
*But at Old Oak Common, for example, where there is a high proportion of work in main line HS some are ever threatening to scab The main thing that will deter any sell-out militancy of the Region.
Although the ASLEF dispute is mainly about money, explained that there was more at stake than just the extra 10 percent:
*Management is trying to