STUC Women’s Conference backs RMT demands on travel safety and Driver Only Operation
THE WOMEN’S Conference of the Scottish TUC (STUC) has today backed an emergency motion from rail union RMT on the urgent need to improve the safety of women travelling on public transport and linking the issue with plans by Scotrail to introduce Driver Only Operation (DOO) on the proposed new rail service between Glasgow and Edinburgh via Airdrie to Bathgate.
The RMT emergency motion states that:
Conference is concerned that the decision to extend [Driver Only Operation] DOO demonstrates that the safety concerns of women passengers have not been adequately addressed and Conference therefore agrees to:
* Campaign to persuade the Scottish Government and First Scotrail to halt the extension of DOO in Scotland,
* Urge the Scottish Government to work with the STUC and affiliates to produce an up to date study of women in transport to assist in improving the safety of women using all forms of public transport.
Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said:
“The backing of the STUC’s Women’s Conference for RMT’s campaign against Driver Only Operation on the planned new service between Glasgow and Bathgate is a massive boost for our efforts to ensure that a safe, properly staffed service operates on the line.
“We cannot have a situation where travelers are left vulnerable because corners are being cut on staffing levels in order to maximise profits. Our campaign on this issue is gaining momentum and we know that we have the support of the travelling public who recognise the importance of having a trained guard close at hand.”
ENDS
Further information:
Geoff Martin 0207 255 9146 07831 465 103