What is this - CSI: Railways?! Rail workers in many grades and locations are resisting employers’ moves to make us book on and off using fingerprints.

Amey set up a 'pilot' at the Port Talbot resignalling scheme, without consulting the workforce or the union, just getting the nod from a project manager.

Network Rail wants to use the pilot to spread this outrageous practice to all major project sites.

Metronet and TubeLines tried something similar. They backed down in the face of RMT objections, but you can bet that the scheme is on the shelf rather than in the bin.

It is no surprise that the contract cleaning companies - some of the worst cowboys in an industry that looks increasingly like the Wild West - think this is a great idea.

The bosses' reasoning? Firstly, to get rid of the culture of 'job and knock'. Secondly, to fight identity theft and enforce safety rules.

On the first issue … What do they want us to do? Hang around after we've finished the job, twiddling our thumbs? Or maybe work slowly to fill up the time?! That could lead to overruns, yet more late surrenders, and more fines - so probably not!

On the second … You would think they already had enough tools in their kit for this, what with safety-critical licenses, staff passes, company-issued ID, PTS Sentinel cards and site induction cards, most of which carry a photo of your mugshot.

Identity theft and dodgy licences became a problem on the railway with privatisation and the spread of sub-contracting (and sub-sub-sub-sub-subcontracting). That's what brought the horror stories of the ten-minute 'training' sessions and track certificates for sale in the pub. The answer is not fingerprinting, but ending contractor chaos, reintegrating and renationalising the industry.

Meantime, we should refuse this assault on our civil liberties. If they ask you for your fingerprint, give them the finger instead! To give workers the confidence to say no, a clear lead from the unions would be helpful.