Ticket workplace closure plans spark contemporary security considerations from rail unions
R
ail unions have raised contemporary security considerations over the closure of ticket workplaces forward of a protest on the eve of the ultimate day of session on the controversial plans.
All three fundamental rail unions are stepping up campaigning in opposition to closures amid an enormous response from greater than 460,000 individuals to the proposals.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) is holding the demonstration reverse Downing Street on Thursday night.
The union stated the plans to shut as much as 1,000 ticket workplaces will threaten 2,300 station employees job losses.
The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) stated an incident at a London station final week when a drunk man tried to spit at a feminine ticket workplace employee highlighted security considerations of employees.
TSSA president Melissa Heywood stated: “We will not accept a situation in which our members are put at risk because of the Conservative Government’s cost-cutting measures.
“It is clear from the incidents of abuse against station staff that have been reported to us that ticket offices help make our members safer.”
The chief of the practice drivers’ union Aslef has written to the practice operators asking them for an evaluation of the dangers to drivers’ well being and security beneath the plans to shut ticket workplaces.
These plans lock in age and incapacity discrimination
Mick Whelan wrote: “As you will be aware, employers are legally required to consult on the introduction of any measure at work which may substantially affect the health and safety of employees.
“Employers must also make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to their employees’ health and safety whilst they are at work, and must review it when there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid; or where there has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates.
“Any proposed changes must be risk-assessed and consulted upon in advance.
“The planned closure of ticket offices represent a significant change to the work environment and current working practices, including for drivers who interact with ticket office staff to carry out their duties, and who will also, under the planned changes, find themselves in new lone working situations.”
RMT common secretary Mick Lynch stated: “The public response to the Government wanting to shut every ticket office in Britain has been very encouraging.
“People from different walks of life recognise the value of ticket offices and the station staff that support passengers on their journeys.
“Rail companies and their masters in Government do not care one jot about disabled people, vulnerable passengers and those travelling alone who welcome a human presence on our railways.
“These plans lock in age and disability discrimination and if they are carried out, it will mean many vulnerable passengers will not feel safe using the network.
“We will be lobbying MPs, several of whom from across the political spectrum have been supportive of our campaign, and RMT will increase the pressure on the Government to abandon its increasingly unpopular policy.”
London TravelWatch and Transport Focus will assess the response to the session after it ends on Friday.
Michael Roberts, chief government of London TravelWatch, stated: “With more than 460,000 responses received already, it’s clear that there are strong views on the future of ticket offices.”
The watchdogs stated they are going to be contemplating points reminiscent of whether or not stations will proceed to be staffed, accessibility, the choice choices for purchasing tickets, and whether or not passengers will proceed to have the ability to entry amenities like lifts, ready rooms and bogs.
Rail unions and passenger teams are warning the closures would notably have an effect on disabled and aged passengers.
Rail firms say many workplaces promote few tickets due to growing on-line gross sales, and argue that shifting employees from ticket workplaces on to station concourses will provide extra assist for passengers.
A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group stated: “We welcome all of the feedback received so far.
“Train companies are committed to making sure customers’ views are taken into account and will continue to engage with passengers, accessibility and safety groups.
“There is still time to help shape final plans, and we encourage everyone who wishes to take part in the consultation to go to their local train company website or visit Transport Focus or London TravelWatch by 1 September.”