Unite's reaction to the London Mayor's announcement on DNA
kits
23 May 2008
Peter Kavanagh, Unite's Senior Industrial Organiser, says: “We
welcome the planned roll out of this programme across the bus
network, which has been in development for a number of years.
Spitting is the ultimate act of disrespect and abuse. We have
members who are punched, beaten, have stones thrown through their
windows - all in the course of trying to keep our city moving.
“The training and implementation of these initiatives will only
be effective with the active involvement of the union that
represents all London's bus workers. Unite has already been
involved in the development of DNA spit kits within Metroline and
Arriva over the past few years. Where DNA spit kits are
already in operation, drivers are expected to complete the police
procedures within their own time. In order to increase the
chances of drivers taking advantage of this positive announcement
and to increase the likelihood of the culprits being caught, we
expect the operators to release these drivers during paid time.
“The establishment of a specialist Workplace Violence Unit is
recognition of the total unacceptability of any form of abuse and
assault upon our members. We also welcome the comments from the
Mayor about London's bus workers being the worlds finest, and the
clear message that violence and abuse against these key public
servants will not be tolerated. We need to see action to meet these
words - too often there has been an inadequate response to drivers
under threat and a lack of robust prosecution by the employers and
the CPS. We look forward to this changing."
-ENDS-
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo 07768 931 315
