31 July 2020
RMT Press Office:
RMT calls on passengers to avoid crowding Brighton trains tomorrow as fears grow that unofficial Pride events may compromise social distancing.
RAIL UNION RMT has issued a call to passengers to avoid crowding Brighton trains tomorrow amidst concerns voiced to the union by local members that services may end up rammed out as the public head to the area for unofficial Pride events and other attractions, seriously compromising social distancing and other COVID-19 safety protocols.
Although the official Brighton Pride has been cancelled due to the pandemic a combination of unofficial events and other attractions on a summer Saturday have sparked RMT members’ concerns.
RMT Senior Assistant General Secretary Mick Lynch said;
“RMT has a strong history of supporting Brighton Pride and the organisers took the correct decision to postpone it this year in light of the COVID pandemic to ensure everyone's safety. As the main rail union we welcomed that decision and look forward to the event being organised again at a future date when it is safe to do so.
“However, we have been made aware that unofficial events have been organised this weekend which, combined with other attractions on a summer Saturday, could lead to a surge of passengers that compromises social distancing and safety measures and it’s important that is not allowed to happen.
“Concerns have been raised by RMT members and we would expect both the train company, GTR, and the travelling public to take those concerns seriously and avoid placing either staff or the public at risk amongst growing reports of COVID-19 cases rising.”
ENDS.
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