26 November 2025
RMT Press Office:
Rail union RMT, have put employers on notice over increasing assaults, warning of a national strike ballot across all train companies, if action is not taken.
The union has gone into dispute with East Midlands Railway (EMR) following two recent violent incidents at the company.
Staff members have had hot water thrown at them and been attacked with a fire extinguisher while at the weekend, rival football fans engaged in a mass brawl on a train stopped at Derby.
RMT members have raised repeated concerns about reduced British Transport Police presence, faulty or inadequate safety equipment and the company’s lack of meaningful engagement on these issues.
Members say they have exhausted all internal company processes, but no effective action has been taken to address the daily risks they face.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “No railway worker should be going to work fearing they may be assaulted or be expected to deal with violence.
''However, that is the reality for too many of our members on East Midlands Railway and across the rail network.
"Employers have a duty of care and this is simply not being fulfilled.
"What our members want is a regular BTP presence at stations and on trains, faulty equipment fixed or replaced and proper engagement by the employer on these matters so our people do not feel isolated.
"RMT will not rest until these issues are dealt with and we are fully prepared to launch a national strike ballot of our members if there is no improvement in the situation."
END
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Tagged with: RMT, Eddie Dempsey, Assaults, East Midlands Railway
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