Calling ASLEF Drivers! Don’t cross the picket lines!

Posted in OnGuard's blog on ,

With some Drivers at Northern supporting the Guards strike by refusing to cross picket lines, we know many others will be thinking about doing the same.

As we have covered in previous issues of On Guard:
YES: you can refuse to cross the picket line
NO: you can't be sacked for doing so
YES: the company is allowed to discipline you but as yet they have not done so and are highly unlikely to put themselves into dispute with ASLEF.

Confidence
The company is very keen to point out, in every Special Brief it puts out, that the industrial action "only involves members of the RMT". It would be best in On Guard’s opinion if both unions were openly fighting the bosses over DOO. Many drivers do not feel confident to show their solidarity outwardly by refusing to work. This is because their union has not given clear guidance on what to do or what support they will get from the union. The union must give leadership to their members.

Two cards?
If in the meantime it gives drivers more confidence to do the right thing why not take out dual membership of ASLEF and RMT for the duration of the fight against DOO? Although ASLEF has a rule preventing any member who is also a member of another Trade Union from holding a position in the union, there is nothing stopping rank and file members joining RMT while retaining their ASLEF card.

More protection
It isn't necessary in order to stay the right side of the picket line but it might make you feel more protected. Besides, your subs will help the only union that is currently fighting DOO on Northernm and you will get a right to say in that union via its structures, as well as any vote in any future ballots on the issue. You don't have to tell the company either, you can sign up via Direct Debit.

One law for them...
On Guard has been informed of an- other manager causing problems whilst working trains in place of striking Guards. On the second strike day, the 8th April, the door procedure was carried out incorrectly by the scab manager. The doors were opened from the front! If one of us had done it we would have been placed on retraining or even disciplined. But management will probably brush it under the carpet for one of their own. It stinks.

Drivers - if you don't want to risk working with incompetent scabs who could leave you in the shit, don't cross the picket line!

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.