NETWORK SOUTH CENTRAL BECOMES CONNEX SOUTH CENTRAL
ON THE 26th MAY 1996
ALAN PENTNEY COLLECTION
This badge was designed in 1996 by Dave Griffiths & Simon Weller and the proceeds went to
creating the Brighton A.S.L.E.& F. Banner
Three other colours were made, plus a black version for Brighton Branch Officers of 1996
Barnham Branch visit to A.S.L.E.&F. Head Office c1996.
Brian Pegg, Phil Sparkes (Branch Secretary), Kevin Eade & Steve Sylvester
BRANCH BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON APRIL 9th 1996
SPECIAL REPORT ON RECALL A.A.D.
Our delegate gave a report on events as follows
Recall lasted just one day, 40 out of 46 delegate rejected E.C. rule proposal report. This being the findings of the “Ruskin College Cambridge” into the running of our Society.
A call to retain a national roll identity restructuring cost estimated at £90,000 approx, and nothing has been achieved.
Members expressed their deepest concern on the delegates and following further debate proposed the following.
“That this (Brighton) branch wish to express it’s dismay and discuss to the fact that no progress was made at the special recall A.A.D. Further, although the principles of some of the items were not to the satisfaction of the delegates. The agenda items were not debated for guidance and discretion of the E.C., with a view to draw up of further proposal.” Moved P. White & Seconded P. Edwards.
TONY ALLEN RETIREMENT PRESENTATION 12th AUGUST 1996
Left - Right: Floyd Langridge, Mark Thompson, Chris Newton,
Tony Allen, Dougal & Spike Jones
BRIGHTON BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON
A.O.B.
Proposed motion
Following the issuing of letters by the Pension Management to members on the issue of B.R.A.S.S. 2 contributions a motion was put forward. All members present were concerned by the action of Connex Rail Ltd., and the Pensions Management.
Proposed P. White & seconded M. Allen.
“That this Brighton (A.S.L.E.F.) Branch instructs the E.C. and South Central D.F.C. to register its disgust with Connex Rail Ltd. In its action to no longer match increases in members BRASS Contributions and that matching contributions will not be made for new applicants.Thereby making the Railway Pension /scheme less favourable to existing members than it was under the B.R. Board.Also that members were not made aware of these changes until seven days after the cut off date. Furthermore the E.C. be instructed to investigate the possibility, in conjunction with our sister trade unions of mounting an effective challenge to Connex Rail Ltd. Action in this request.” Vote carried.
Special Report D.F.C. Rep. R. Luxford.
New Connex Rail Ltd uniforms type style etc and what’s being issued,
New revised Brighton – London fast service using 319 units.
Issues regarding Horsham staff reps Bro. Mark Allfrey and his dismissal on a charge of fraud. Following this report, the branch proposed the following resolution.
“That this branch instruct the branch secretary to write to the General Secretary and the E.C. regarding the disciplinary action taken action against our staff rep. Mark Allfrey, of Horsham Branch.Furthermore we instruct the G.S. to seek an urgent review of the discussion to dismiss our colleague, and failing to get a retraction, instruct the E.C. to sanction a ballot of Connex Rail Ltd. Members for possible industrial action over this issue.” Proposed P. Edwards & seconded D. Swaffield. Vote Carried.
Restructuring, Connex Rail Ltd, new negotiator to take the job of restructuring is a Mr. Gary Smith, talks have et to get underway, although management seem to think it will in by 1997.
BRIGHTON BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON NOVEMBER 11th 1996
South Central (Connex Rail Ltd) were due to start talks with D.F.C. Reps on November 5th,
and talks were also due to start with South Eastern. As with other deals the membership
would decide.
E.C. Member Bill Mackenzie also reported on the latest package. A list of all companies that
have been settle had been put into the journal.
BRIGHTON BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON DECEMBER 2nd 1996
Driver Restructure Package
South Central (Connex Rail Ltd)
As members will have seen posted the offer of £17k basic has been rejected by the D.F.C. and that they would now be going back to the E.C. with this offer.
A.O.B.
Bro. M. Hawkins acknowledge the work of the current chairman had done during his term of office and wished it to recorded in the minutes and called for a vote of thanks. Moved M.
Hawkins & seconded C. Newton.
“That a vote of thanks be given to Bros. D. Griffiths.”
Voted carried.
Tony Allen raised the item referred to earlier regarding the position of retired members. He
sort the chairman’s permission to submit a motion on the subject, chairman agreed.
Speaking on the item, Tony Allen now a retired member raised the issue that was questioned
at the previous branch meeting. In that meeting a member questioned the rights of a retired
member in moving or seconding a motion or minutes of the branch.
Society policy on this was contained within the Societies rules and the rights of retired
members was held in rule 6 clause (11) the only thing these members were barred from was
to vote, in all other aspects they could speak for or against motions. The action taken by the
member was to attempt to stop retired member having any influence on debate, which was
against society policy and disloyal to trade union members in general.
The member stated that he was not intending to stop retired members from attending
meetings only to their rights as he felt that they were only able to speak.
He apologised for causing some doubt about the retired members involvement in the branch.
Resolution.
“That this branch condemns the action of some branch members in attempting to
silence retired members by restricting them from moving and seconding a motion or to
assisting branch officers.This is a disloyal act against those who have retired after a life
time of loyalty to our society, and who are Honoured members of the branch.”
Moved M. Allen & seconded P. White.
Votes for 24 & against 16, vote carried.
Brighton Driver Danny Lodge
BRIGHTON BRANCH COLLECTION
The Brighton A.S.L.E.F. Branch’s original banner design by Simon Weller
