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Rail workers demand urgent action to halt surge in Covid-related assaults on key workers

RMT members warn workers at Lewisham station have suffered a series of violent assaults, threats, racial abuse and intimidation

RAIL union RMT held a protest at Lewisham station today to demand urgent action to halt a surge in coronavirus-related assaults on key workers there.

Last month a staff member at the south London station was spat at in the face and two others verbally abused and threatened by a man who was vandalising property.

The incidents are merely the latest in a series of violent assaults, threats, racial abuse and intimidation that workers have reported at the station, which is served by Southeastern rail.

RMT is demanding staff be prioritised and given immediate protection.

General secretary Mick Cash said: “It is a disgrace that front-line workers have to go to work wondering if they will be spat at.

“RMT is calling on Southeastern to take appropriate steps to protect staff, request additional British Transport Police presence, and take a zero-tolerance approach to offenders.

“We are also calling for an end to lone working, which leaves [staff] vulnerable.”

A Southeastern spokesperson said: “We take the wellbeing of our people extremely seriously and we have regular engagement with all colleagues about the risk of assaults and their general welfare.

“We are investigating thoroughly the incidents at Lewisham, while working with the unions and the BTP to identify measures to further increase the protection of our staff.”

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