Labour demands urgent action for transport workers safety
- SIPTU survey reveals alarming abuse
- Establishment of dedicated public transport police unit through An Garda Síochana needed
Labour’s Transport Spokesperson Duncan Smith TD today called for immediate action to address the safety concerns of transport workers across the country. Following a survey conducted by SIPTU union members, which highlighted the pervasive abuse and antisocial behaviour faced by staff on the public transport network.
Deputy Smith said, “The findings of the SIPTU survey are deeply troubling and demand immediate attention. We urgently need intervention to protect these essential workers.
“Our transport workers are the backbone of our society, ensuring that our cities and country keep moving. It is unacceptable that they face such abuse and harassment while carrying out their vital roles.
“The demand for transport services in the future will only increase. To meet this demand, we must attract more people into careers in transport. This can only be achieved if workplaces are safe and secure environments.
“No worker should fear for their safety while simply doing their job. I have written to the Oireachtas Committee calling for urgent discussions on this critical issue, and I welcome that it will be discussed today. It is imperative that we take concrete steps to address the safety concerns raised by transport workers. If the goal of this government is to encourage workers to prioritise using public transport, then there needs to be a real push to protect the workers across our public transport network. We cannot afford to ignore their pleas for help any longer.
“The obvious solution is to establish a dedicated public transport police unit, through An Garda Síochána. Now more than ever, we must focus on and defend the safety of our transport workers. Action must be taken to ensure that they can carry out their duties without fear or threat.”