THE BRIGHTON BRANCH OF A.S.L.E.F.

  What I mean by socialism is a condition of society in which there should be neither rich nor poor, neither master nor master’s man, neither idle nor overworked….....
 ........in which all men would be living in equal condition, and would manage their affairs unwastefully
William Morris (1834-1896)

 BEFORE THE DAYS OF THE RAILWAY TRADE UNIONS
Twelve railway strikes are recorded between 1831 - 1871, most were of fairly short duration and of which seven involved 
enginemen, and four by porters. The strike of enginemen on the North Eastern Railway in April, 1867 lasted two weeks and 
was broken by the N.E.R. employing blacklegs recruiting from other railway companies and giving special payments to those 
grades not joining the strike. 
During the early days of unions sectional unions which were formed were short lived because of the lack of power to combat 
the methods of the railway company directors.
IN STILL SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE
Most companies thought it desirable to employ only literate men. Even in the literacy test applicants for employment were 
required to pass, the attempt was made to install a spirit of obedience. Those seeking employment on the Great Western 
Railway in 1837 were required to write these words:
‘Zealous strive to excel. Industry is commendable. Perseverance deserves success. Quietude of mind is a treasure.’
FINES AND SUSPENSIONS
An elaborate system of fines and suspensions kept the discipline of the railways service as severe as it was in the Army. On the 
Eastern Counties Railwa, in August 1850, two drivers were fine 2s.6d. each because a cotter pin broke in a drawbar on their 
train of 56 wagons. The cost of a new counter pin was 3d.
BLACKLISTING AND EVICTIONS
Thousands of railwaymen lived in cottages owned by the companied that employed them. For these, joining a trade union 
might mean not only the sack and “black-listing” - which precluded similar employment with other companies - but also 
eviction and ultimate resort to the workhouse, In May 1871, some of the engine drivers who struck work on the London North 
Western Railway were evicted from their company owned homes in Camden Town.
DISCIPLINE
Discipline was severe and there was an elaborate system of fines for every sort of alleged misdemeanour.
Discipline on the Taff Vale Railway was perhaps the strictest to all. The rules of that company included the warning that
‘not an instance of intoxication, singing, whistling or levity while on duty will be overlooked, and besides being dismissed the 
the offender will be liable for punishment.'
LONDON BRIGHTON AND SOUTH COAST RAILWAY CIRCULAR 1857
The directors are in principle opposed to combination of any description for the purpose of interfering with the natural course 
of trade. They think that masters and men should be left in every establishment to settle their differences without foreign 
interference or dictation. 

THE BRIGHTON BRANCH OF A.S.L.E.&F. WEBSITE.

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THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES 

THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F.,  THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS 

& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES

WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE 

HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE 

THEIR WORKING LIVES

During the 1860s, Enginemen and Firemen around the country started to realise that they had industrial muscle and by 
standing together they might be able to resolve various grievances within the many railway companies that made up the 
increasing size of Britain’s Railways at the time. 
Many of these companies during this period faced industrial unrest with Enginemen and Firemen in their employment who 
where trying to improve their often appalling working conditions. With Enginemen striking for better working conditions they 
run the risk of  being sacked and in some cases the Railway Companies when bankrupt as a result of their action. It was not 
uncommon for Enginemen and Firemen at this time to be expected to work for up to 16 hours a day often for 7 days a week.   

A maximum of a 10 hour day. Payment for overtime with time and a half for Sunday working.
Daily limits of 150 miles for mainline trains and 120 miles on local trains. An immediate increase in basic levels of pay. 
A number of the biggest railway companies conceded some or all of these conditions rather than have a costly dispute. This 
was such the case on the London Brighton & South Coast Railway, were a little known strike took place in March 1867. 

 STORIES FROM THE SHOVEL
extracted from RTCS book on locomotives of the LBSCR
THE LOCO WITH A MIND OF IT'S OWN
 
On the 29^th May, 1867 when Driver Marley (New Cross?) was unable to close the regulator of a 'Craven Standard Passenger 
2-4-0 loco' No. 185  as it run into Brighton station with the 8.0 a.m. down express. Despite a full application of the tender 
brake, and assistance from the guard, the speed could not be reduced below 20 to 25 m.p.h. Fortunately, this train was booked 
to call at the ticket platform before running on to the terminus, which gave just sufficient time and distance for both crew 
members to force the regulator closed, and then reverse the engine and apply steam. The buffers were hit, but only at a 
walking pace and no serious injuries were suffered. Subsequently the driver, fireman and guards were fined for ‘running into 
the Brighton ticket platform dangerously and at too high a speed’, the regulator on No. 185 having been found in good order.
Driver Marley, however was not satisfied, and found on other occasions that the regulator failed to close completely as well 
as at times opening slightly on its own. Complaining of this eccentricity, he was not believed and no thorough investigation 
was made until there came the day when No.185 had to be moved on New Cross shed by the Staff. The regulator opened with 
ease and then stuck. Moving quite smartly the engine bumped into a line of coke wagons and propelled them towards the 
foremen’s office, from whence this gentleman appeared at high speed, warned by much shouting that all was not well. He just 
managed to leap clear before the coke wagons and the gently puffing loco enveloped the area. Halted by the debris, the 
culprit’s regulator was closed. The offending item was removed forthwith, and since nothing could still be found amiss a new 
one was fitted with apparent success, since no further mentioned appears in the accident reports. One hopes that those fined 
received a full pardon and their money back.