Unite says that the law must be made tougher to deter those who commit crime against transport workers following the death of a Stagecoach driver
In the wake of the recent stabbing of Stagecoach bus driver Keith Rollinson in Elgin (see last week’s issue and this week’s editorial comment), trade union Unite says stronger legal protection is needed for bus drivers.
Following the incident, in which emergency services were called to Elgin bus station at around 2240hrs on Friday 2 February where a teenage boy had attacked driver Rollinson, leading to his death in hospital a short while later, Unite added its voice to others across the industry in sending condolences to the victim’s family.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “The appalling news that Mr Rollinson died following an assault at work has shaken our union to its core. We want to express our deep and sincere condolences to Mr Rollinson’s family at this unbearably difficult time.
“The stark reality is that bus drivers regularly and routinely confront dangerous incidents. It has become an intolerable occupational hazard for bus drivers on a daily basis, especially for those working late at night and in remote areas. Any abuse of workers is entirely unacceptable and Unite will continue to do everything possible to ensure that proper measures are in place to protect workers.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the union pledged to do all it can to bring in stronger legal protection for bus drivers. It has previously called for legislation to be enacted which makes it a specific offence to assault, threaten or abuse transport workers while at work, as currently the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 only makes it a specific offence to assault, obstruct or hinder someone providing an emergency service.
Unite Scottish Secretary Derek Thomson said: “We need legislation which provides stronger statutory protection for transport workers, which is fully enforced. Unite is committed to make this a reality in the interests of thousands of workers who urgently need protection. The Scottish Government must act to ensure that transport workers are properly protected and Unite will ensure that ministers introduce the necessary measures.”
The union says it has mounting evidence which indicates that transport workers, including taxi drivers and bus drivers, are particularly vulnerable to assault and robbery, and that many are fearful about returning to work following incidents. It says that assaults and abuse directed at bus drivers have increased exponentially in the past decade.
