RMT calls for an end to the attack on guards

13 November 2017

RMT Press Office:

RMT calls for an end to the attack on guards as rail safety body confirms union fears over growing danger at platform train interface.

RAIL UNION RMT today called for an immediate halt and reversal of plans to axe guards from Britain's trains after the rail safety body, the RSSB, produced new research warning of a growing danger at the platform train interface and increasing risk to passengers of potentially lethal trap and drag incidents - exactly as RMT has been warning during the current fight to retain our guards.

RSSB points out that there were over 1500 incidents at the platform train interface in the past year and says in today's report that:
"....rail companies will want to do everything they can to make passengers safe. That includes managing the risk when trains leave stations and fully learning from incidents when they do occur."

RMT says that this proves conclusively the need for guards on our trains with platform staff working with them as part of the over-arching rail safety team. It also reinforces the unions central argument that greedy train companies are putting their profits before passenger safety.

‎General Secretary Mick Cash said;
"This research reinforces the growing dangers to passengers at the platform, train interface on Britain's overcrowded railways and underlines why RMT is fighting attempts to remove guards and station staff in the drive for increased profits.

"Trap and drag incidents are‎ a clear and present danger as this study highlights and the safety body should stop propping up the train companies and the government and start supporting front line rail staff.‎"

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