Transport workers in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire demand better protection against abuse

Transport workers in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire are urging for new laws to protect them from assaults at work, comparing their situation to that of supermarket staff who receive legal protections.

Union leaders are reporting that 70% of their members have experienced abuse, either physical or verbal, in the past year. As part of their campaign, demonstrations were held across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, urging MPs and employers to take action.

Gary Jackson, Regional Organiser for the RMT Union in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, stated how the day of action included protests at bus terminals and ferry parts across the region.

Gary said: “We also demonstrating in bus terminals and ferry parts across the region and we got a day of action against assault. It's a major part of the campaign to put pressure on our employers and politicians to make concrete steps to liver vital legislation that protects our members at work.”

He explained that the campaign has been gaining momentum due to increasing violence towards workers, a situation Jackson hopes MPs across the UK will address with specific legislation similar to that already protecting supermarket employees.

Campaigners argue that proper funding for the British Transport Police is crucial, as they patrol the rail network and have been underfunded for decades. The demand is for legislation that offers workers in the transport sector the same level of protection as their counterparts in retail.

There are plans to continue the campaign with more events in the future, emphasising the urgency given the widespread abuse of employees. Transport workers hope for the creation of legislation that ensures their safety while carrying out their tasks, and they are seeking public support to ensure progress.