A Transport for London (TfL) Tube inspector faces possible dismissal after intervening during an attack on staff members. The incident occurred last October when the inspector and his colleagues were carrying out a ticket check. Two men verbally and physically assaulted his colleague and a member of the public.
Union claims minimum force used
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) claims the inspector used the minimum force necessary to prevent further attacks on staff and passengers. Despite this, TfL has referred him to disciplinary proceedings, alleging that his actions fell outside its policy.
British Transport Police arrested and charged both fare dodgers involved in the attack. They were subsequently convicted at City of London Magistrates' Court.
Passenger outrage and union response
The passenger assaulted during the incident also wrote to TfL and the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, to express his outrage that the inspector faces possible dismissal, the union added.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members must be able to protect themselves and the public during violent incidents, and their actions must be assessed in the context of the violence directed at staff and passengers. Violence and assaults are becoming an all too familiar feature of our members' working lives, and they should not have to go about their duties whilst feeling under threat.”
Call for explanation
Dempsey added: “We will be writing to the Mayor of London and calling on London Underground to explain how it has assessed the inspector’s actions in the light of the violence directed toward them and passengers.”
TfL has been approached for a comment. The outcome of the disciplinary proceedings remains pending, and the RMT has pledged to challenge the decision on behalf of its member.
