ASLEF Locomotive Journal - Special Strike Issue February 1924

Published by ASLEF in 1924, 96 pages. Booklet - c.24cm by 19cm (SVWSO)

This booklet was published by the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) in 1924, and provides a detailed account of the strike in February of that year. ASLEF is the Trade Union of train drivers, and the Locomotive Journal is a monthly publication published by the union and distributed to its members (it is still published by the union today).

In the early 1920's hundreds of small railway companies in Britain were merged into 4 large regional train operating companies, and these 4 companies subsequently proposed to reduce the pay of their train drivers, as well as undermining their working conditions and extending working hours. ASLEF opposed these changes, and when the railway companies refused to change their proposals, the union called its members out on strike. The dispute was acrimonious because the other railway Trade Union (the National Union of Railwaymen - NUR) told its members, including a small number of train drivers, to continue working. The strike lasted for several days, and was a total success for ASLEF. The companies were forced to withdraw their draconian measures, and ASLEF members protected their pay and terms and conditions. This strike cemented the position of ASLEF as the trade union for train drivers, and enhanced its industrial strength within the industry.

The condition of the booklet is generally very poor, but is ok as a reading copy or reference for study. The card covers have lots of scuffs, blemishes and creases, and nibbling and tears along the edges and corners (which include some pieces missing). The cover has become detached along the top staple, there is yellowing to the inside pages throughout, and some foxing and creasing.