The RailStaff Awards 2024

Jaye Dry

G&W UK/Europe Region

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Heather Waugh

Said the following about Jaye Dry:

“Imagine being the voice of one of the biggest companies in the rail industry? Knowing that you speak for a global brand? That daily your words are viewed by CEOs, employees, competitors, customers, potential customers, and enthusiasts? And somehow you must find the words to ensure that they all feel valued and respected. Ultimately, YOU are responsible for creating and protecting your company’s brand and image? What a responsibility?

All companies have a social media team who do incredible work but the young woman I wish to nominate IS the social media team for Freightliner and her words have created the image of a company who care about their employees, their customers, their followers, and the industry as a whole. No matter what time of day or night, Jaye Dry responds with understanding, kindness and approachability, and creates an image that, as a new employee of Freightliner, I feel so proud to be associated with.

I had previously been a train driver with Scotrail for 12 years before making the move to freight in January this year. Becoming the only female freight train driver in Scotland DID concern me and I had reservations and concerns about entering the freight world. Fortunately, my concerns proved to be totally unfounded and I am currently enjoying my work more than at any other time in my life. This is thanks to MANY people within Freightliner who have combined to create an intimate and friendly working environment, but if one person stands out as deserving an award it is undoubtedly Jaye.

She cares deeply about the company, the industry, and everyone within it. I was attracted to Freightliner by the genuinely moving corporate video on their website and, prior to joining, Jaye’s posts on behalf of Freightliner consolidated my belief that I was joining a company I’d be proud to represent. She welcomed new employees on Twitter with sincerity and encouragement and made us feel valued.

And, over the months I have watched as she deals with a variety of posts and tweets and she seems to be willing to respond at any hour, on any day.

• I have seen her respond immediately and with total professionalism to a truck driver delayed by a broken crane at a Freightliner terminal late on a Friday night;

• She also responded to a video posted by an enthusiast which appeared to show a Freightliner loco making an unusual noise – no complaint had been made but she demonstrated how seriously the company takes safety by being proactive in following up on any potential problem;

• Then she responded with immediate and incredible empathy to a transgender Train Driver who described some of her issues within the industry as a transgender employee.

• I have attached a screenshot of yet another lovely post when, on Father’s Day, Jaye posted a Happy Father’s Day message which was thoughtful enough to consider those, like me, who’s Dad’s had passed away. In fact, her message really touched me and made me feel so close to my Dad as a result of her post. I responded to say as much and received another incredibly kind response from Jaye. This was on a Sunday and is totally representative of the commitment and kindness Jaye shows.

All the responses from ‘Freightliner’ have increased my pride at working for a diverse, professional, and considerate employer. I learned in time that these posts and tweets were coming from Jaye. A woman with the kindness, commitment, and empathy that defies her young age. She, along with others in Freightliner, have made me feel more valued than at any other time in my career. She has inspired me to do more to encourage others into the rail industry, and freight in particular.

Latterly I have learned that this amazing woman, who works tirelessly and goes out of her way to inspire and value others, has been going through an incredibly tough time in her own life having been diagnosed with stage 2 cancer.

I find it staggering beyond words that she has shown such commitment, professionalism, and kindness during her illness and I can only pray that she is well on the road to recovery.

Jaye is an incredible asset to Freightliner. I know many train drivers at TOCs who now follow Freightliner and have been encouraged to apply to freight as a result of the incredibly professional corporate image the company portrays thanks to an amazing Corporate Communications team led by Lynn Crump. Jaye is a massive part of creating that image. She is also an amazing asset to the rail industry as a whole and is the type of person who should be recognised at an event like Rail Staff Awards. To value and inspire is surely the greatest achievement any of us can hope to do and I hope you take this opportunity to recognise and highlight a real shining light in our industry.“