Why ASLEF are backing Diane Abbott

22.07.10 - Simon Weller

Simon Weller

Why ASLEF are recommending our members vote for Diane Abbott

ASLEF’s Executive Committee is recommending that its members give Diane Abbott their first preference vote in the leadership ballot. They met all five candidates before concluding that Diane is the only candidate committed to a publicly run, publicly owned railway who clearly understands the need for change in trade union laws.

The Executive was also impressed by her desire to put ‘life, enthusiasm and democracy’ back into the Party. She knows what needs to be changed because she’s worked in the Party at every level, and is untainted by ‘parachutes or patronage’. Finally she wants to end a culture where ‘people felt they couldn’t speak out, even in favour of popular policies which Labour should be supporting – like less privatisation, no Trident, putting rail back in public hands and more investment in public housing.’

ASLEF feels Diane represents an opportunity for genuine change at a time we desperately need it.

Simon Weller is ASLEF's Acting General Secretary. ASLEF is Britain's trade union for train drivers. Its 18,500+ members are employed in the train operating companies, the freight companies, London Underground and some Light Rapid Transport.