As lockdown eases RMT calls for zero tolerance of any breach of transport Covid safety measures or abuse of staff

As lockdown measures ease today and passenger numbers rise, transport union RMT has a issued warning regard to transport staff safety.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said

“The Government and transport authorities must be clear to the travelling public about the importance of observing public transport Covid regulations - passengers need to be told they must comply with measures such as face masks to protect passengers and workers and to prevent the virus spreading.

"There should be zero tolerance of any breach of transport Covid safety rules or abuse of transport staff who have been key workers heroes throughout the pandemic. Transport workers have the right to go to work - and not be assaulted.

"Transport employers must do all they can to ensure compliance and the responsibility for enforcement of these rules should not fall on rail staff.”

"RMT supports a recovery in public transport but this must be done in a safe and sustainable way.”