STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST STAFF

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2017 :: RMTnews 14 RMT held protests this month at Hamilton Central station over a surge in violence towards staff – a situation which the union says management are choosing to ignore despite repeated warnings. RMT members with banners, flags and publicity materials highlighted the escalation in violence and anti-social behaviour over the past two years. The protest is focussing on the scandalous situation at Hamilton Central but reflects a problem with violence and abuse across the network. In a leaflet handed out to passengers the union says: “workers at this railway station are under direct fear of violence and other variations of assault whilst just turning up for work to serve you. “For over two years we have asked the employer to take action. “We have yet to see any significant action or change from Scotrail on the matter; that is why we are holding this demonstration. We are desperate to see changes that give our members and workers here at Hamilton Central some protection from violence and assault whilst they are at work. “We do not believe that is too much to ask for in 2017,” it said. Staff Hamilton Central have made it clear in quotes gathered by the union. “The gangs are winning; it's open season on employees with no protection from the company.” “It's a struggle every day going in to work, I’m afraid to go out of the booking office.” “As a lone worker, I feel very vulnerable at this time and struggling to cope at work.” RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that it was truly appalling that rail workers had no option but to mount protests to force the rail operators and the Scottish government to wake up and take action over the surge in violence on the Scottish rail network. “Our members are telling us in stark terms that the gangs are winning and it is open season on the front-line rail staff who are offered no serious protection by Scotrail. There are also clearly some issues in terms of the justice system and the restrictions it places on the police in terms of taking serious action to stop the gangs. “This scandal has to stop before it’s too late and RMT expects those in control to take responsibility and act to protect our members out there in dangerous and vulnerable conditions,” he said. STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST STAFF Union protest at Hamilton Central station in Scotland against growing violence