Unite, the union for the UK’s bus workers, has warned that there is “no time for trials” of the new safety measures introduced to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and said that bus operators, regulators and the government must take immediate action to ensure bus worker safety.

Immediate action
Unite made its call following the announcement today (Wednesday 8 April) by Transport for London (TfL) that it was trialling closing the front door on buses on a limited number of routes.

Unite believes that the front doors on London buses should be locked immediately and alternative arrangements should be made for payment during this time.

UK action
For buses outside of London, Unite is demanding that all buses are fitted with a fully enclosed screen separating the driver from passengers, and that cash payments are no longer accepted to significantly reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.

Unite further believes that the maximum number of passengers on a bus must be reduced to ensure that social distancing occurs in order to further protect drivers and the travelling public.… Read on ...

Tuesday 28th April from 10:45-11:45
Every year on April 28th, all around the world the trade union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day.

Waltham Forest Trades Council is organising an online event. Invited speakers include John Cryer, MP (Leyton & Wanstead), Matt Wrack, (General Secretary, Fire Brigades Union) and Sam Gurney, (Secretary, TUC London, Eastern and South East Region). More speakers will be announced when they are confirmed.

Register here…

The coronavirus pandemic has affected every worker regardless of sector or locality. Tens of thousands of workers worldwide have died. More have fallen ill or continue to go to work risking their lives. Many workers are still attending work ill-equipped and without necessary safety measures in place.

We could not have a starker reminder of the important role of trade union health and safety reps in saving and protecting workers’ lives, than the current crisis we are living through.… Read on ...