SAFE WORKING PRACTICES FOR BUS WORKERS

R MT has called on all bus operating companies to adopt the following practices during the COVID-19 crisis: • a transition to cashless travel during the emergency • enhanced cleaning and sanitisation regimes on buses, buildings, mess rooms, facilities etc. especially on common touch points • assurance that toilet and washing facilities and hand sanitisers are readily available so that staff can comply with government guidance • where screens are not currently fitted to buses, these to be installed to give drivers greater protection RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that buses were an essential service being run for and by frontline workers. “It is crucial that the health risk to both the workers that run the buses and the passengers who have to travel are kept to an absolute minimum. “That is why RMT is calling for cashless travel, enhanced cleaning and washing facilities, and for screens to be fitted to all buses for driver protection as part of the fight against the spread of Covid-19,” he said. The bus Industry has already called for a £1 billion state funded rescue package to protect ‘tens of thousands of jobs’ and RMT has reiterated the urgent need for the government to commit emergency funding to maintain bus networks, which are a vital lifeline for key workers and the most vulnerable. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed that the Government’s response to the Coronavirus crisis is likely to include taking private operators into public ownership. RMT resolutely believes that to ensure that bus services can continue to transport key workers to where they are needed, the government should bring in emergency powers to allow all local authorities to run their bus services in the public sector. “It is absolutely imperative that the government steps in now to protect our bus networks which are vital to the mobility of key workers. “We have already heard that one of the largest bus operators National Express is likely to lay off staff as it reduces its services and we are concerned that more will follow suit. The government must intervene to protect the jobs and skills of the UK’s bus workers, who, alongside other transport workers, are now classed as ‘key workers’. “RMT believes that the government must provide emergency funding to protect the UK’s bus networks and allow local authorities to run these vital services in the public sector, to ensure they can serve those who need them most,” said Mick Cash. RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april bulletin 1 2020 :: RMTnews 10 SAFE WORKING PRACTICES FOR BUS WORKERS