Sorry for amazing thread drift but in response to couple of posts above; -
ASLEF have done a remarkable job on the railways. They had true solidarity with the train driver fraternity. A lot of that solidarity in recent times came as a result of privatisation years ago - they essentially represented the entire collective of drivers in the UK who worked for BR. This solidarity carried over to privatisation, how long it will carry through in the future with the fragmentation post privatisation remains to be seen. It's still good though. Recent DB schenker advert for trainees 47k absolute basic for contracted and protected 35 hour week plus serious overtime pay if willing and one of the best pensions going. Hit your contracted 1500 odd hours a year with a rail company and you can chose the rest of the year off.