POTENTIAL OF FAR-RIGHT VIOLENCE

Our ref: HSR

2^nd August 2024

To: All TOC Members

 

 

Dear Colleague,

 

POTENTIAL OF FAR-RIGHT VIOLENCE

 

Members may be aware of reports on social media of the far-right and neo-fascists organising a rally and march not only in Liverpool this Saturday (indicating 14.00 at Pier Head) but also in Manchester and other towns nationally. Clearly there is potential for violence. I am aware from local government reports that attendance could be significant and also involve travel, so clearly there are implications for the safety of railway staff.

 

If these far-right thugs turn out in large numbers, no doubt they will feel emboldened and the potential for civil disturbance will be high.

 

I am sure, like me, after the terrible and tragic events in Southport, it is appalling that far-right extremists now seem intent on creating division and civil disturbance around the country and this presents a risk for rail staff.

 

I am therefore reminding members of your rights under the company's Work Safe Procedure and in legislation (Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996), and for you to remove yourself to a place of safety if you feel you are in serious and imminent danger and not to work if you believe your safety is compromised. 

 

I refer you also to RMT's booklet on Serious and Imminent Danger, which can be viewed at 

https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/publications/serious-and-imminent-danger-booklet/.

Yours sincerely,

 

Michael Lynch
General Secretary