SIPTU recently met with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to discuss the trade union’s ongoing ‘Respect Transport Workers’ campaign, which is demanding greater protection for staff members on bus, rail and Luas networks against anti-social behaviour and abuse, including proposals to develop a unit dedicated to policing the public transport system.
More than 80% of public transport workers suffer regular incidents of abuse, according to the findings of SIPTU’s first survey, which were announced at the launch of the ‘Respect Transport Workers’ campaign in Dublin’s Liberty Hall.
SIPTU’s campaign outlines three main priorities: (1) The immediate establishment of the National Transport Advisory Council which has been part of legislation since 2008; (2) The development of a unit dedicated to policing the public transport system; (3) A ‘Transport Charter’ outlining the unacceptable behaviour by members of the public towards staff.
“We had a productive meeting with the Minister and his team. We shared the results of our survey highlighting the rise in anti-social behaviour and the need for a strong government response,” according to Adrian Kane, SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction Divisional Organiser.
John Murphy, SIPTU Transport Sector Organiser, added, “The Minister committed to continued engagement on this issue. He will consider our proposals for a dedicated transport police force and a user charter for public transport.”
SIPTU also commended the increased Garda presence on Dublin’s central public transport network and plans to meet with Garda representatives to discuss the ‘Respect Transport Workers’ campaign further. The findings of a second survey in April will focus on the union’s concerning rise of drug use and racialised abuse on public transport, noted Kane. He said that the campaign will continue until effective solutions are implemented to address the security concerns of transport workers.
“We believe a new transport policing structure and a national forum involving public representatives, Gardaí, unions, community groups, and passengers are crucial steps towards achieving this goal,” Murphy added.
At the campaign launch in February Adrian Kane said: “Members employed within public transport provide a vital service to our communities. They should never be the subject of abuse during the course of their work. Unfortunately, the survey of members employed in the transport sector revealed the grim reality that in excess of 80% felt that abuse and anti‐social behaviour was an issue for them at work.”
