SQUASH in the Cab
‘SQUASH IN THE CAB’ – is ASLEF’s campaign to improve our members’ working conditions within driving cabs. We’ve called the campaign ‘SQUASH’ because it reflects what many cabs are like today - and outlines our objectives.
ASLEF wants it's members to work in cabs that are:
Safe
Quiet
User-friendly
Air-conditioned
Specially seated
Healthy
To expand on the slogan OUR DEMANDS are cabs that are:
SAFE
WE WANT cabs that have no hazards - such as water leaks that can reach electrical elements
QUIET
WE WANT cabs that conform to office standards - which means you should never be subjected to single high-volume noise or regular whines which can affect your hearing. Sound emissions must be muted. Twenty years ago we didn't expect to be able to speak to the person next to us in our cars - but times have changed. It's time the railway caught up.
USER-FRIENDLY
WE WANT cabs with controls that we can reach with ease and don't involve leaning or stretching to operate. We need to be able to keep our eyes on the track and not be scrambling across the cab to find a button or a lever.
AIRED
WE WANT all
This is no longer a luxury - the most basic motor-cars now have this fitted as standard. If we are to be alert and able to concentrate for long periods, air-con is not an extravagance, but a basic necessity. It is what we are used to in our cars and in our carriages. It must become the norm in the cab. Remember, there are few occupations in the land as safety-critical as our own.
SPECIALLY SEATED
WE WANT chairs that are ergonomically designed to maximise comfortable working and prevent back pain that distracts from concentration. Seating height from the floor, length from controls and back position should all be adjustable In an office environment, this is standard: in our cabs it is often a sick joke.
HEALTHY
WE WANT cabs that protect our drivers and add to rail safety for passengers. That is why we demand train-driving specific mandatory temperature limits (both hot and cold) for cabs.
