Union believes that LU’s plans to close all its ticket offices and remove nearly 1,000 staff from stations will make women passengers more vulnerable to assault

On the day designated by the United National to highlight and oppose violence against women http, rail union RMT has revealed that while some employers are working with the union to develop a policy on domestic violence, London Underground has refused to do so. The union also believes that LU’s plans to close all its ticket offices and remove nearly 1,000 staff from stations will make women passengers more vulnerable to assault.

A survey last year conducted by the End Violence Against Women coalition revealed that 14% of women (including 31% of women aged 18-24) have experienced unwanted sexual attention while travelling on London’s public transport.

The survey also showed that an “alarming” number of women said that they did not feel safe when travelling at night, with 28% saying that they did not feel safe at any time. Women survey respondents said that they wanted more staff, not fewer. http://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/news/20/4-in-10-young-women-in...

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said, ‘Removing a thousand staff from Tube stations and closing all ticket offices will make those who harass or assault women feel more confident to do so, and will make it harder for women who are assaulted to find help. This is one more reason why we are determined to stop these cuts.’

Tracey Darker, chair of the union’s women’s committee added, ‘It is deplorable that London Underground refuses to adopt a policy outlining how it will support its employees – women or men – who suffer domestic violence. Many companies [several of which are listed here: http://www.caadv.org.uk/our_members.php have adopted such a policy, but LU has arrogantly refused to do so, ignoring its basic duty of care.’