IT’S been a busy 12 months for our trade union. Although, if we could speak to our predecessors, up there in the top link in the sky, they would probably say that every year has been a busy year since our union was formed.

“Aslef — established 1880.” That’s what it says on our badge. And it was here, in Leeds. We are proud of our history and proud of what those who came before us have achieved for rail workers in England, Scotland and Wales, where we organise – and the aims, aspirations and ideals of Aslef are, essentially, the same today as they were back in 1880.

They are enshrined in our rule book: “Aslef exists to secure the best terms and conditions for train drivers; to negotiate on behalf of our members with the train and freight operating companies; to promote a pride in the job we do; to champion equality in our industry; to provide education services for our members; and to work for a fairer, more just, and more equitable society. A socialist society.”