Unite union launches campaign in aftermath of the death of Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson
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UNITE the union has launched a campaign to protect bus drivers across Scotland by offering a ‘road map’ to improve their safety.
The union which represents thousands of bus workers has written to the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, in the aftermath of Keith Rollinson’s death following an assault by a 15-year-old boy at his place of work in Elgin.
Unite is urging the First Minister and the Scottish Government to work with the union and bus companies to implement a series of safety measures to discourage anti-social and violent behaviour on buses.
The road map includes increasing the presence of police officers or community wardens on buses, CCTV coverage on buses and at bus stations, panic buttons and other enhanced safety features installed on buses including internal locking systems.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Thousands of bus drivers across Scotland are increasingly anxious and nervous about going to work.”
“Unite has set out a road map which would significantly enhance safety and it is one that could be implemented immediately. We will do everything possible to ensure that proper measures are in place to protect bus workers.”
Unite has repeatedly called for legislation to be enacted which makes it a specific offence to assault, threaten or abuse transport workers while at work. Currently, the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 only makes it a specific offence to assault, obstruct or hinder someone providing an emergency service but the union has been gathering evident that shows bus and taxi drivers are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery with many fearful about returning to work following incidents.
The union has repeatedly highlighted that there has been widespread anti-social behaviour for years on buses which pre-exists the extension of the travel scheme. However, it has raised with government ministers that the frequency of these incidents has unfortunately increased in turn with the scheme’s extension.
Unite Scottish secretary Derek Thomson said: “Unite’s road map towards greater safety for bus workers is one which can be adopted right away. We need support from industry and government to work with us in delivering this plan in the interests of thousands of bus workers and passengers.”
“The road map however will only take us so far down the road in addressing the wave of anti-social behaviour and violence towards bus workers. We also need legislation which provides stronger statutory protection for transport workers, which is enforced.”
“Unite is asking that the First Minister provides his support to our campaign, and we will hold the Scottish Government to account for any inaction.”
