Labour Research June 2017

Health & Safety Matters

Unions highlight rail safety

Rail union RMT held a national protest outside Parliament to mark the one-year anniversary of the union’s industrial action against the extension of Driver Only Operation (DOO) on Southern Rail. 


Other unions supported the action on 26 April, including the PCS public and commercial services union.The PCS said that it was encouraging its members to take part in “the last opportunity to make some noise outside parliament until after the election”. 


It added: “The DOO dispute is about safety, security and accessibility on the railways, and is one which puts passengers before profit. 


“DOO means the driver will be the only guaranteed member of staff on the train. The driver will be expected to drive the train and be responsible for passenger safety.”


The RMT and the disability campaign group Disabled People Against Cuts also held demonstrations in Glasgow in protest at the impact that DOO will have on disability access.

https://www.rmt.org.uk/campaigns/rail/keep-southern-trains-safe

https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/glasgow-protest-in-support-of-disabled-peoples-access