The RMT is demanding stronger legal protection for transport workers, as violent incidents continue to rise.
The union has called on the Government to introduce a specific criminal offence for assaulting public transport workers ahead of a House of Lords debate.
It is also calling for support for a cross party amendment that has been tabled by Peers which would introduce a specific offence for assault of a public facing worker, including transport workers.
The RMT says the Crime and Policing Bill risks creating a ‘two-tier system of protection’. It points to the provision in the Bill which creates a specific offence for assaults on retail workers but not for those working on public transport.
The latest figures from British Transport Police show a 21 per cent increase in violent incidents against transport workers between April and November last year, while a survey of more than 6,000 RMT members found nearly two-thirds had experienced violence in the past year, often repeatedly.
Staff frequently carry out enforcement duties, including checking tickets, dealing with fare evasion, and applying railway byelaws, which makes them particularly vulnerable to abuse and violence.
RMT’s survey found fare disputes and incorrect tickets were the most common trigger for assaults, cited by nearly two-thirds of respondents.
General secretary Eddie Dempsey said: ‘Violence and abuse against transport workers is rising at an alarming and unacceptable rate.
‘However, the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill in its current form risks leaving our members without the legal protection they need.
‘Rail and transport staff amongst other duties, enforce ticketing rules, railway byelaws and safety regulations every day. This means they are at risk of violent assault, abuse and harassment and must be protected.
‘It cannot be right that a retail worker and a railway worker could be assaulted in the same station but only one of them benefits from a specific criminal offence.
‘British Transport Police themselves have warned that the current approach is not sufficient, and they need both the legal powers and the resources to properly protect staff and passengers.’
The RMT has also pointed to developments in Scotland, where a government-led working group involving unions, operators and law enforcement has recommended exploring new legislation to strengthen protection for railway staff. The Scottish Government has accepted the recommendations in full.
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