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THE government is sending out a dangerous signal that face coverings can make it safe to head back onto trains regardless of whether a journey is essential, rail union RMT warned today.
Transport unions including RMT have cautiously welcomed the announcement by the government and Rail Delivery Group that face masks will be mandatory on public transport.
But RMT general secretary Mick Cash warned that the announcement risked a surge in passengers with the principle of social distancing “blown apart,” posing a huge risk to staff and commuters.
“It's clear that the government and industry bosses are expecting our members to police this policy,” said Mr Cash.
“That will put over-stretched rail workers right in the front line once again and will leave them at risk of being abused, assaulted and spat at by aggressive passengers refusing to comply.
“This policy must be properly risk assessed with staff fully protected.”
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA union, pointed out that if the policy had been introduced sooner, members could have avoided some of the risks.
“The government need to get a grip rather than winging it with these important policy announcements,” he said.
Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon urged the government to provide “adequate guidance” on the policy, warning that leaving enforcement to transport staff would “put them in a dangerous position.”
