Senior train operators will recall a time when LUL took their training seriously. With sole responsibility for several hundred passengers, often in inaccessible locations, it’s essential that a driver knows how to take remedial action to get a train moving should it become defective. Likewise, drivers need to know and understand the rules and regulations that help make the underground system operate safely.

Defect handling and knowledge of rules and regulations are the two most important requirements of the job that not only allow drivers to undertake their roles and responsibilities in a safe manner, but also protect a driver’s livelihood by adhering to safe working practices. Drivers will remember when such refresher training was considered to require five days. These five days included, not only refresher training on stock and rules and regs, but also awareness training on various issues such as fire prevention, disability, assault prevention, line route knowledge, shift work, etc.

Management cut the five days’ training to four last year and are now proposing to cut it to three in May this year. Do your own sums and see if you can find the logic behind the reduction in your refresher training. Your TU Reps have explained to management that drivers need to know what they’re doing in order for them to be competent and LUL have a duty to provide us with sufficient training on all aspects of our job. The rules are constantly changing and every day there seems to be another hot topic that LUL are keen for drivers to adhere to.

The bottom line is if LUL introduce three-day refresher training, and at the end of it you still feel uncomfortable undertaking all your activities, then demand more training before you pick up. Hopefully, LUL will see sense and maintain the status quo with regard to our refresher training.

Article from March 2010 edition of Finsbury Park Monthly News