Marvin OnumonuTSSA said violence against transport workers is “out of control,” as new figures showed more than half of workplace representatives have faced violence or abuse on the job.
TSSA published its ‘Keep Transport Workers Safe on Britain’s Railway – Reps Violence at Work Survey’ on Workers’ Memorial Day, which found 55.5% of reps had experienced repeated abuse, including verbal and racial abuse, spitting, physical assaults, threats with weapons, harassment and sexual assault.
The report showed staff working in offices, depots and stations are being exposed to aggression from passengers and the public.
Some described risks before even starting work, such as walking along poorly lit routes and facing abuse at work sites.
TSSA said the increase in violence is linked to wider issues, including the cost of living crisis, wage stagnation and reduced access to mental health services.
The union also raised concerns that not enough perpetrators are facing consequences, as the British Transport Police are not being given enough resources to deal with the problem.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary at TSSA, said: “On Workers’ Memorial Day we remember those who have lost their lives because of their work, and that must include our member Belly Mujinga.
“Belly was spat at by a passenger carrying Covid and later died after contracting the virus. We must remember her and do better as an industry to protect transport workers.
“Let’s be honest this is getting completely out of control. Our members are being punched, spat at and abused just for doing their jobs.”
Eslamdoust added: “I am seeing women being repeatedly hit for trying to stop fare dodging on my own doorstep in Liverpool Street station.
“No one should have to put up with that, not for a second.
“This isn’t happening in a vacuum. People are under huge pressure, the cost of living is biting, wages are not covering the basics, and access to mental health support has been hollowed out.”
She said: “But transport workers are the ones getting it in the neck and that is not acceptable.
“And too often, the people responsible are getting away with it. That is not good enough.
“The British Transport Police need proper resources so they can do their job.”
She added: “Employers also need to step up especially after the stabbing on LNER. Posters, CCTV and the odd campaign will not cut it anymore.
“We need properly staffed stations and trains, an end to lone working, and real protection for staff on the frontline.
“No one should go to work worrying they will be assaulted. It is horrendous and it has to stop.”
