East Coast trains - soon under workers' control?
ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, is to put in a bid to run a railway – the East Coast Main Line – when the Government puts the franchise up for sale at the end of this year.
Keith Norman, the union’s general secretary, said: “If there is one thing ASLEF members have learned over the 130 years of our existence it is how not to run a railway. We have seen mismanagement that has closed vital lines, produced ludicrous rosters, overcharged passengers, undermaintained track and undersold a national treasure and a vital service. We’re experts in how not to do it. Now we’re going to take a more positive attitude. We’re going to say how it should be done. We’re going to buy a railway.”
Even if the bid is unsuccessful it will give the union an opportunity to push its plans for a “not for profit public service” for passengers, employees, business and freight.
