Escalation of Violent Anti-Social Behaviour - GTR (Southern and Gatwick Express Areas)

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/121/25

23^rd July 2025

To: The Secretary,

Branches and Regional Councils

 

Dear Colleague

 

ESCALATION OF VIOLENT ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR – GTR (SOUTHERN AND GATWICK EXPRESS AREAS) 

 

I have received a report from your lead officer concerning the huge escalation in the number of incidents of violent anti-social behaviour across the South and Gatwick Express areas of GTR’s operation. The current unacceptable situation has continued unabated despite the efforts by RMT representatives to have the company address the causes, and it is my members’ safety which is at continued risk owing to the step-change in passenger behaviour and the absence of active measures to ensure a safe environment for passengers’ travel and for members to work in.

 

Following receipt of this report from your lead officer, at its meeting on 22^nd July 2025, your National Executive Committee resolved as follows:

 

That we note the report from the Lead Officer on file. 

 

Therefore, we instruct the General Secretary to write to GTR and request that they arrange an emergency meeting within 7 days, to be attended by themselves and our Industrial, Health & Safety Company Council Representatives alongside the lead officer. 

 

And also, as an interim measure, for all available appropriate resources to be diverted to the affected areas to ensure the situation is improved and members can conduct their duties without undue and unrelenting fear for their physical safety. 

Furthermore, request an updated report from the lead officer once this meeting has taken place. 

 

We also refer this item to the Health & Safety Sub Committee to be included as part of the Violence at Work File. 

 

Members, Branches & Regional Council, to be informed by Email and Text

 

I am acting in line with these instructions. 

 

Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Eddie Dempsey, 

General Secretary