Responding to the government’s announcement of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour on public transport, Unite, which represents tens of thousands of bus and tram workers, has described the plans as “well meaning” and of course giving some assistance to commuters, but “inadequate” to tackle the abuse being experienced by transport workers on a daily basis.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bus and tram workers are facing an avalanche of escalating abuse at work. Bus workers were deemed as critical workers during Covid and should get the same protection from violence, as emergency workers.

“The government’s proposals are well meaning but wholly inadequate to tackle the challenges and violence bus workers are facing on a daily basis. The proposed penalties are not going to deal with the issues facing workers. Our members are demanding and deserve protections at work that these proposals do not address."

In addition to tackling violent and aggressive behaviour, Unite is also campaigning to alleviate chronic fatigue problems among bus workers, the lack of access to toilets while at work and eradicating excessive temperatures (hot and cold buses) in cabs.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

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Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham