Union calls for more to be done to stop violent attacks on TfL staff
The RMT union claims physical and verbal abuse on transport staff in the capital has gone up by 9% in the past year
Urgent action is needed to protect transport workers in London amid an increase in violent attacks and aggression, according to a union.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said its analysis of official figures showed a 9% increase in incidents of violence against staff across London Underground, London Overground, the Elizabeth Line and the Docklands Light Railway in the year to November 2025 compared with the previous year.
The union said its own study found that nearly two-thirds of staff experienced workplace violence in the past year, rising to 85% among London Underground station and revenue protection staff.
Around half of those incidents occurred while staff were lone working, said the RMT, which called for action to tackle violence against staff.
**_“It is completely unacceptable for our members to have to face such an intolerable situation."_**
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Violence and abuse against transport workers is a serious and growing problem on London’s public transport network and our members are reporting that incidents are becoming more frequent.
“It is completely unacceptable for our members to have to face such an intolerable situation.
“Increasing staffing levels across the network, ending lone working, providing safe places of refuge and an increased British Transport Police presence are key to tackling the risk of violence.
“Transport workers keep London moving and they deserve to be able to do their jobs without fear of abuse or assault.”
The mayor and Transport for London (TfL) today brought together senior transport leaders, the police and trade union representatives for a summit on work-related violence and aggression, aimed at reducing violence, abuse and intimidation against transport staff, including its operators and contractors.
Comments from TfL commissioner and London's mayor:
Transport for London commissioner Andy Lord said: “Every member of our workforce deserves to feel safe, respected and supported as they carry out the essential job of keeping London moving.
“While we’ve made real progress in reducing the most harmful forms of violence and aggression, the rising levels of hostility and hate across society make it clear that we cannot be complacent.
“Today’s summit is about strengthening our shared determination, across TfL, our trade unions and the police, to build on the improvements we have achieved and to focus relentlessly on safety and protection for our people.”
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “Violence and aggression towards anyone at work is completely unacceptable, and we must have zero tolerance for this on London’s transport network.
“Everyone has the right to work without fear of being assaulted, abused or threatened, and I’m determined to stamp out these harmful and traumatic incidents.
“Today’s summit reaffirms our commitment to eliminating work-related violence and aggression, while setting out further decisive action to protect all those who do vital work every day to keep the capital moving, as we continue building a safer London for everyone.”