17 October 2018
RMT Press Office:
RMT responds to news that Virgin Trains are rolling out use of body worn cameras
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said;
"There must be zero tolerance of assaults on rail staff and this is a victory for RMT's campaign to reduce attacks on our members. However, there is still much more to be done and the use of devices such as body worn cameras must be accompanied by proper safeguards to protect staff which don't leave them singled them out for disciplinary action.
"It is also no good bringing in such protective measures when at the same time the Government and train operators are de-staffing trains and stations, leaving the workforce and the travelling public more vulnerable to assaults and anti social behaviour.
"The fact that body worn cameras are being rolled out is just another reflection of the state of Britain's violent railways. Assaults and abuse are on the rise and yet the Government are inflaming the situation by demanding driver only operation on their franchises. That dash to de-staff the railway needs to stop.
"There is no point bringing in bodycams if there is no one to wear them and that fact alone highlights the dangerous stupidity of companies like Northern and South Western Railway and their plans to axe guards."
Ends
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Tagged with: virgin trains, bodycams, guards, railway violence, arriva rail north, south western railway
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