Scotland Transit Workers Push for Safety Reforms

RMT union organizes April 27 campaign for transport worker safety legislation

RMT Union Plans April 27 Worker Safety Campaign

Transport workers across Britain will participate in a nationwide day of action on April 27 to demand stronger protections against workplace assaults, union officials said. The RMT union's organizing rail, bus and ferry workers in a coordinated campaign to highlight safety concerns affecting thousands of transit employees. Eddie Dempsey, RMT General Secretary, said the action will push for legislative changes and improved staffing policies across the transport sector.

Campaign Targets Rising Assault Rates

The campaign responds to what union officials describe as increasing violence against transport workers, though specific assault statistics weren't available by publication time. Transit unions have long advocated for enhanced worker protections, citing concerns that lone working practices and reduced staffing leave employees vulnerable. The RMT's demanding changes that address both immediate safety concerns and long-term policy reforms. In Scotland, the SNP, Labour and Scottish Greens have committed to legislating specific protections for public transport workers in their manifestos, according to the union.

Union Demands Include Staffing and Legal Changes

RMT activists will distribute leaflets at train stations, bus depots and ports on April 27 highlighting four core demands: safe staffing levels, an end to lone working, proper funding for British Transport Police, and legislation making assault on transport workers a specific criminal offence. The union's also calling for an end to outsourcing security staff, arguing that in-house personnel provide better protection. John Leach, Senior Assistant General Secretary, will join the campaign at Kings Cross Station in London at 10am, while Dempsey will be at Glasgow Central Station at 8:30am. Officials said the Westminster government hasn't introduced standalone assault legislation despite repeated industry requests.

Action Scheduled for Late April

The coordinated day of action will take place Tuesday, April 27, 2026, at transport hubs across Britain. Union officials said the campaign will serve as a starting point for ongoing political and industrial efforts to secure worker protections. The RMT hasn't specified how many locations will participate or how many workers will be involved in the leafleting activities. Officials said they'll continue campaigning until concrete improvements are implemented for union members.

Workers Seek Public Support for Safety Push

The union emphasized that safer working conditions for transport employees benefit riders as well as workers. Officials said reducing assaults and harassment creates a more secure environment for public transport travel overall. Transit workers can stay informed about campaign developments and workplace safety initiatives through union communications. Moovit provides real-time transit updates for rail, bus and ferry services across Britain.