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RMT to launch campaign over increase in assaults on bus drivers

RMT will launch a campaign against violent attacks on bus drivers following an increase in incidents.

A union survey in 2019 found that 72 per cent of RMT bus members suffered violence and assaults, with 90 per cent of those having been attacked more than once.

Moving the unanimously backed motion, South Devon bus branch delegate Julie Tobin said: “We are asking for our employers to keep us safe and ensure that they are held to account.

“It is not in my job description to put up with sexual assault, being spat at and other kinds of abuse. We don’t get paid enough to put up with that and it should not be an expectation that we have to put up with it.”

Highlighting declining living standards in Devon, Ms Tobin said: “When you have poverty and deprivation, you have higher levels of crime and abuse of our members on buses.

“Part of the bus company directors’ bonuses is [for] maintaining good PR. It is bad for business when bus drivers get assaulted, so it is swept under the carpet.”

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