ACTION ON ASSAULTS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2011 :: RMTnews 20 The most effective way to tackle assaults and abuse at work is by finding out the true picture, presenting the evidence to the employer and demanding appropriate action. That is why members’ reports are so important. It is no longer acceptable that transport staff take abuse as ‘part of the job’. So the message from the union is report, gather evidence and make a stand against workplace violence. It is also important to remember that repeated verbal abuse can have similar effects to a physical attack and this is why it is vital that verbal assaults are reported too. Victims of assault should also make sure that their RMT reps are given copies of any reports they make so reps can ensure all incidents are followed up and investigated. RMT has been pushing for stronger protection for all members whatever their workplace or grade as part of the union’s workplace violence policy which was launched a few years ago. The union has also been lobbying for changes in the law through Early Day Motions by MPs in order to encourage debate in parliament. Part of this work has included getting involved in research projects with the Rail Personal Security Group (RPSG), a sub-committee of the Railway Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) which has resulted in best practice procedures for reporting assaults and the production of industry standard - training for dealing with conflict. It has launched two Stop Workplace Violence (SWeRVe) initiatives which are both valuable trainer-led packages that have been used throughout the industry to give workers some of the tools they need to deal with conflict. All of the scenarios have been researched using real-life incidents and after interviewing some of the staff involved. The result is credible situations that are discussed amongst the training group. RMT is happy to endorse this kind of training that moves away from blaming the staff member or expectancy that assault or aggression should be accepted as part of the job. The union has also been instrumental in drafting workplace violence policies for some shipping companies. The British Transport Police’s crime recording system suggest that assault levels against staff and the public have been steadily falling since a peak in 2005. However, it is not possible to separate the figures to see whether crimes against staff alone are falling or rising. It is also important to remember that not all assaults against staff are reported to the BTP, nor do they all generate a crime reference number, so internal reporting mechanisms should be a more accurate reflection of the picture. Where the BTP’s figures concur with the union’s is in the violence and assault ‘hotspots’, which are still in the London South region. According to the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), which all Train Operating Companies use to record incidents against staff, workforce assaults increased by 11 per cent in the first quarter of 2011/12 and the same period last year saw an increase of 12 per cent. This shows a steady increase in physical assaults against staff. Threats against staff are also on the increase and while RSSB believes that a portion of these could be attributed to an increase in reporting, clearly the increase in physical assaults indicates a very real threat to staff. SMIS also shows a slight decline in verbal abuse incidents. The main contributory factor in assaults remains ticketing disputes. Drugs and alcohol also play a part but usually coupled with another factor such as ticket irregularity. This echoes the results of the survey that RMT carried out four years ago into staff assaults. As SMIS does not record the exact location of assaults, it is supposed that ticket barriers can be a contributory factor, as are other points where ticket irregularities may be uncovered such as on the train during a ticket check. SOUTHERN RMT has also been instrumental in improvements to assault reporting mechanisms and aftercare procedures. Southern trains set up a committee that dealt solely with assaults taking on board the views and reports from RMT representatives. Southern has introduced ‘eyewitness’, a text service for all train crew who are given a Blackberry phone to report incidents they witness as they happen. The BTP or other staff can be called to meet the train further down the line. The system is proving a success but must not be mistaken for an assault reporting mechanism. All instances of assault and abuse should be reported using the company’s internal systems and then to the BTP if deemed appropriate by the victim. RMT almost went to ballot at Southeastern Trains over the issue of assaults three years ago, as members were not satisfied that the company was taking the problem seriously. The ensuing negotiations saw the establishment of a staff assaults committee. The company has recently deployed Rail Enforcement Officers along the Medway Valley route following representation from RMT after an increase in assaults in the area. Whilst it is encouraging that some TOCs are responding to the union concerns, members must remain vigilant and consider their own safety when approaching or dealing with unruly passengers. We must remember that physical and verbal assaults on transport staff are anti-social acts of violence that can have far-reaching repercussions. ACTION ON ASSAULTS Union calls on members to report all verbal and physical abuse to ensure that the menace of workplace violence against transport workers is dealt with