c2c - A Family Affair

The rail industry has traditionally been a family affair . Many employees followed family members into the industry, sometimes for several generations. And it appears the tradition is alive and well on c2c. On International Day of Families (15th May) two Southend families are upholding this tradition and promoting the benefits of working together.

The Snelling family - Trevor, wife Sue and son Peter - all work for c2c, and follow in Trevor's dad's footsteps. Jim Snelling worked for the railway as a train driver with c2c and retired in 1996 after 50 years (and 1 week!) with the company.

Although Dad had been a driver, I had no burning ambition to join the railway remembers Trevor. When I joined in 1974 I saw it as a stop gap job, as I really wanted to be a pilot! Well here I am still! Somehow the railway gets a hold and before you know it you're hooked!

Sue was the next to join, as a guard in 1995. In 2004 she joined the revenue team. You may think that Trevor influenced me but in fact the decision was mine says Sue. I had been an auxiliary nurse, and then worked in a baker's but then decided I wanted to do something completely different, but still involving dealing with the public. I saw the job advertised, applied and got it .

Then came Peter who joined c2c in 2000 as a part time, then full time guard, then a depot driver before becoming a main line driver in 2004.

Three members of the Lovely family were also attrackted to c2c. Dad Ray joined in 1987 and his two sons, Anthony and Michael in 2002 and 2004. With no railway history in the family, he also responded to an advert and was taken on as a guard. Four years later he passed out as a driver and for the past 16 years has been helping thousands of commuters get to and from work, as well as taking leisure travellers to their destinations. Ray is also a Driver Instructor, which means he helps to train new drivers, passing on all the skills and knowledge he has gained in 20 years of service. I like the family atmosphere that exists, and that does not just apply to people related to each other says Ray. It is a very friendly railway and we all know each other. Having my two boys working with me is great - it probably means I see more of them than I otherwise would, and having the job in common always gives us plenty to talk about - although you can sometimes have too much of a good thing! We don't talk 'shop' all the time!!

Elder son Anthony followed his father into the railway in 2002 and passed out as a main line driver in the middle of April. His brother Michael, who followed his brother into c2c in 2004 passed as a depot driver just last week and will, for the next 6 months, have the vital role of helping to get the trains ready for the morning peak or putting them away afterwards, before moving on to main line work.

Sue Snelling sums up the advantages of working with your family: When you all work for the same company it brings you closer together. When one of us is late home or tired the others are sympathetic as we're all used to shift work and the demands of the job. We can also have a laugh together about work experiences!

c2c route Director Kevin Frazer says:

Here at c2c we are only as good as the people who work for us and we recognise that without them we would not be able to offer the great service that our customers enjoy. We are delighted when family members recommend us as good employers to their friends and family. The Snelling and Lovely families are a real asset to c2c and we are delighted to have them working for us. All our staff are ambassadors for the company and the Snellings and the Lovelys are excellent examples of this.

Tuesday 15 May is International Day of Families. This annual observance recognises the importance of the family across the world.

Governments worldwide, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, religious groups and individuals are encouraged to promote a better understanding of the functions and problems, strengths and needs of families on this day.