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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

ASLEF welcomes Chiltern Railways coming into public hands today, another step towards ending the failed fragmentation of our network. Public ownership of our railways is key to ensuring they work for the good of the public. #OnTrackForPublicOwnership

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Congratulations to our Assistant General Secretary, Simon Weller, on his election as the new TUC President. He's only the third ASLEF member to hold the role, the last being in 1985. We're proud to see Simon in this role, a train driver at the heart of the trade union movement.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

We welcome the preliminary report by RAIB on its investigation into the derailment near Lewes last week.

Image shows ASLEF General Secretary Dave Calfe with quote: 'We welcome the preliminary report by RAIB on its ongoing investigation into the 13 August derailment of a train near Lewes.

'ASLEF will assist the investigation as it continues – and we’ll work with the industry to ensure all necessary processes are put in place to prevent incidents like this in the future.'

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Money on the track, not offshore. It's time to Own Our Trains.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

The safety of our members and of passengers is paramount. ASLEF will work with industry to ensure lessons are learned from these incidents and ensure every necessary measure is taken to keep our railways safe. (2/2)

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

General Secretary Dave Calfe has been in contact with the prime minister following a second derailment in as many days, this time near Wickford, Essex. Our thoughts are with all those who were on board, and we thank the emergency services for their response. (1/2)

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Our thoughts are with the two people who were seriously injured when a train derailed near Lewes yesterday. We are supporting the driver and will support the investigations into the incident.

Image shows ASLEF General Secretary Dave Calfe with a quote that reads: ‘Our thoughts are with the two passengers who were seriously injured when a train derailed near Lewes yesterday.

‘We are also thinking of the passengers and crew who have been through this traumatic experience. Thank you to the emergency services for their swift response.

‘ASLEF will continue to support the driver of the train, and will support the investigations into the incident.’

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Today, and always, are thoughts are with the loved ones and colleagues of the three people who tragically died in the incident near Carmont.

ASLEF General Secretary Dave Calfe. Quote reads: 'Six years on from the tragic derailment at Carmont, our thoughts are with the loved ones of our member, driver Brett McCullough, and of conductor Donald Dinnie and passenger Christopher Stuchbury.

'Difficult anniversaries like this one are a reminder to all of us in the rail industry that we must work tirelessly to ensure avoidable accidents such as this never happen again. At ASLEF, that is what we will continue to do.'

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

A single freight train can remove between 75 and 129 HGV movements from our roads – reducing congestion and cutting carbon emissions. Rail freight is the cleaner, greener and safer alternative.

A freight train. Text reads: '1 freight train can take up to 80 HGVs OFF our roads'

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

🚆 NEW: Rail freight is *78× safer* than road freight Moving freight by rail instead of road can reduce risk by up to 98%. New research from @pactsuk.bsky.social

Two-column cylinder chart showing Fatal and Weighted Injury Rates for road and rail freight. Text reads: 'Rail freight is 78 times safer than road freight. Source: PACTS, 2026'.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Hours without a toilet break. Unsafe, dirty, inaccessible facilities. No access to sanitary products. From periods to childbirth to menopause, the rail industry is failing women train drivers. By not improving toilet access they're placing barriers in front of women who may wish to join the grade.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

'Drink water.' That's what employers are telling train drivers in this scorching weather. But you can't hydrate if you can't urinate. We need #DignityForDrivers now.

Image taken with thermal camera shows temperature of 53.3°C inside a train driving cab. Text reads: "68.5% of ASLEF members surveyed said their employer does not provide safe, clean, accessible toilets that they can easily use throughout their working day"

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Train drivers' health is suffering because of industry inaction. It's time for the companies to deliver what they promised 12 months ago: no more than four hours without a toilet break. #DignityForDrivers now.

A train station toilet with toilet paper all over the floor. Text reads: "I am diabetic... It makes me urinate more times during the day. The company does not support me."

A train station toilet with an out of order sink. Text reads: "I have Crohn's disease. Being unable to use the toilet when I need to can increase pain and discomfort."

An out of order train station urinal. Text reads: "I have been in and out of hospital with bladder problems, which I believe is a direct link to driving a train over the years."

A discarded Diet Coke bottle filled with urine. Text reads: "You're encouraged to drink water to flush out a bladder infection. That's difficult if I have a long job with very short turnaround."

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

The rail industry agreed that train drivers would not go longer than 4 hours without a toilet break. A year later, they still haven't done anything about it. The time for talking is over. #DignityForDrivers now.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

The nationalisation of British Steel is excellent news for the railway.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

NEW: Merseyside’s rail network will be run for passengers, not private profit! The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has decided that Merseyrail will be publicly owned from 2028. Profits will be reinvested back into the service instead of being paid out to private operators.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Following the Executive Committee's nomination of Andy Burnham for Labour leader, ASLEF General Secretary Dave Calfe said: 'To deliver real change for working people, unions must be true partners in this Labour government.'

Dave Calfe, ASLEF general secretary with quote: ‘As Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham showed real commitment to public transport and pushed for the government to invest in high-speed rail.

'His government’s key task must be to invest in our infrastructure to generate secure jobs, raise living standards and meet our net-zero targets.

To deliver real change for working people, unions must be true partners in this Labour government.’

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

The ASLEF Executive Committee has nominated Andy Burnham to be Leader of the Labour Party.

Andy Burnham MP speaking to a crowd at a rally. Text says: 'ASLEF Executive Committee nominates Andy Burnham to be Labour leader.'

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

ASLEF members and East Midlands Railway colleagues involved in last month's awful incident near Bedford have met with Rail Minister Lord Hendy. ASLEF continues to support all members affected. Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of our member Shaun Burton, who tragically lost his life that day.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

It’s hot outside. But it’s even hotter in a train driving cab. Could you work in heat like this?

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

ASLEF will ballot members on Avanti West Coast for industrial action after the company failed to make an acceptable pay offer.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

📣 NEW: From today, you can begin training to be a train driver once you're 18. ASLEF has worked closely with the government to bring about this hugely important change for the future of our industry.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

It's one week since the tragic incident near Bedford. Members are invited to observe a minute's silence at 17:15 today, where safe to do so.

Members are invited to observe a minute's silence at 17:15 today to mark one week since the tragic incident near Bedford, where it is safe to do so.

We remember our colleague, Shaun Burton, who tragically lost his life, and all those who were injured.

Let's all of us across the railway take a moment to reflect in silence.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

We now need to wait for the full RAIB report to understand, in detail, what happened and what went wrong, and what lessons there are to learn. Britain’s railway is one of the safest in the world. We have to invest, now, in the safety systems and technology to ensure it stays that way.' (5/5)

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

TPWS (train protection and warning system) has been installed throughout much of Britain’s rail network. Unfortunately, TPWS had not been installed here. If TPWS had been installed, this accident would not have happened, the driver would not have died and no passengers would have been injured. (4/5)

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

came to an unexpected stop; the risk assessment at this location and why TPWS was not in place. Because what will concern passengers and what concerns us is that there are safety systems that can be put in place to prevent such accidents happening and the network should have been able to cope. (3/5)

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

and it is now important to understand how and why this happened. We welcome the news that the RAIB is to investigate the crashworthiness of both trains; the reason the other train, the 15:50 East Midlands Railway service from Nottingham to London St Pancras (2/5)

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Responding to the interim RAIB report on the Bedford train collision, ASLEF general secretary Dave Calfe said: ‘The investigation is not concluded, and has a long way to go, but it appears that the 16:40 East Midlands Railway service from Corby to London St Pancras passed a signal at danger (1/5)

Response to the interim RAIB report on the Bedford train collision

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

ASLEF General Secretary Dave Calfe has responded to Keir Starmer announcing a timetable for his resignation as prime minister. "We now need a PM and Labour leader who will work with trade unions to deliver the New Deal for Working People in full."

Image shows ASLEF General Secretary Dave Calfe alongside a quote from him: "Keir Starmer’s resignation is the correct decision.

"We now need a prime minister and Labour leader who will work with trade unions to deliver the New Deal for Working People in full.

They must ensure that Great British Railways delivers for passengers and workers, and secure the future of rail freight."

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of the driver who died in the crash near Bedford today, and with the passengers injured in the accident. We want to thank the emergency services who responded so quickly to help those on board and are still at the scene.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

We are deeply concerned by reports of the collision of two trains near Bedford. Our thoughts at this time are with all staff and passengers on board. Thank you to the emergency services for their ongoing work responding to the incident.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

We welcomed the tabled amendments covering travel facilities, pension schemes and TUPE protections and the government's response. We will continue to engage with the government and DFTO as the work goes on to put in place the necessary structures for GBR to be a success

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Next stop on the way to GBR 🚄 On Wednesday 10 June the Railways Bill passed the 3rd reading and its final stage in the House of Commons. It now moves on to the House of Lords. This is another important stop on the way to the formal creation of Great British Railways.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Nigel Farage claims Reform 'are on the side of working people'. Then do they want to slash our rights?

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Today, Govia Thameslink Railway enters public ownership. GTR – which includes Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express – will now be run for the benefit of passengers, not private profit.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Everything that happened on Day 4️⃣ of #AAD26: buff.ly/xFT4iPB

aslef.org.uk

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Great British Railways must mean conditions on the railway go forwards, not backwards. Our annual conference today committed to work for harmonisation of Ts&Cs, national standard part-time arrangements and no use of AI to undermine jobs. #AAD26

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Proud to have @unitetheunion #BrumBinStrike rep Danny Taylor speak at our conference in Birmingham. The bin strikers are an inspiration – and their dispute has shown us the power of trade unionists standing together. #AAD26

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Full details of the third day of #AAD26 here: aslef.org.uk/news/aad-2026-day-3

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

🚽 #DignityForDrivers 🛤️ Rail freight 🎫 Staff travel 🫶 Carers' leave Day 3️⃣ of #AAD26 saw moves on a host of big issues affecting the railway.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

'When we need support, ASLEF has always been there with our members.' Thank you @usdawunion.bsky.social General Secretary Joanne Thomas, chair of @labourunionsuk.bsky.social, for addressing our conference and for your solidarity. #AAD26

Joanne Thomas speaks at an ASLEF podium.

ASLEF delegates listen to Joanne Thomas speak at a podium.

ASLEF general secretary Dave Calfe and Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas shake hands at a red ASLEF podium.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Catch up on everything that happened on the first day of #AAD26 here: buff.ly/7KRrak7

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Labour Deputy Leader @lucympowell.bsky.social says that ASLEF and our fellow trade unions are the party's 'superpower'. Lucy opened #AAD26, our annual conference.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

#AAD26 is officially under way in Birmingham. Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell opened our annual conference by thanking ASLEF members for ‘keeping our country going’. Over the next 5 days, delegates from across our union will debate and decide ASLEF policy for the next year.

Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell MP speaks at a podium at ASLEF’s Annual Assembly of Delegates.

ASLEF General Secretary Dave Calfe and Lucy Powell MP shake hands.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

This #MayDay marks 100 years since the historic solidarity action of the General Strike. ASLEF members were among the 1.7 million workers who walked out in sympathy with miners. We are proud to continue that tradition of solidarity today.

ASLEF members march with a union banner.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

So let's remember the dead and fight for the living. The formation of Great British Railways is an opportunity to take the very best practice from across our industry and improve health and safety on the railway for everyone.

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ASLEF @aslefunion.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Too often, ASLEF members are forced to work in cabs that are too hot in summer, too cold in winter and not ergonomic. We continue to campaign for Better Driving Cabs. Where new cabs are being built, we’ve worked with companies to ensure that designs are the best they can be.

Contrasting images of an old, dirty, cramped train driving cab and a new, ergonomically designed cab.

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