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RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april bulletin 1 2020 :: RMTnews
5
Despite the fact that less than
half of Tube services are
running, carriages are still
packed putting staff and
passengers at risk of catching
the Coronavirus.
Some London Underground
trains remain crowded despite
a further fall in passenger
numbers and Transport for
London calling for its services
to only be used for ‘essential
journeys by vital workers in
the NHS and other critical
services’.
Yet passengers are still
complaining about the lack of
space as they travel to work,
leading to them being unable
to follow government guidance
to keep two metres away from
others.
RMT general secretary Mick
Cash said that more needed to
be done in the current
emergency situation and the
union will continue to liaise
closely with LU over the
impact on staff.
"Tube workers should be
recognised for their heroic
efforts since the outbreak
began but there is still
enormous personal pressure on
the workforce who are exposed
to levels of social contact that
the Government say are
unacceptable for the wider
public.
“The only people using our
transport services should be
essential workers who have to
travel and everyone else should
stay away to protect
themselves, the staff and the
wider community.
"The government are also
ignoring the fact that large
numbers of LU staff are self
isolating and those left on the
job feel dangerously
vulnerable. We would call on
the government to work with
the tube unions and the Mayor
to protect health, safety,
livelihoods and travel services
for essential workers.
"RMT will continue to do
everything in our power to
protect our members
throughout this crisis."
Around 40 Tube stations
were closed for the foreseeable
future in an attempt to reduce
the spread of the coronavirus
outbreak. There is no night
Tube and bus services have
also been reduced.
The Waterloo and City line
is shut and TfL is gradually
reducing other parts of its
network including the London
Overground, TfL Rail, the DLR
and the tram network in south
London.
TUBE STAFF ‘HEROES’
Union demands action as virus outbreak balloons
in the capital compared to the rest of the country