Transport Union RMT seeks answers over the impact COVID-19 is having on BAME workers in the industry

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers union (RMT) are seeking answers and protections regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) workers in the transport sector.

The union has written to industry bosses and safety regulators seeking answers and protections regarding the ongoing issue highlighted.

RMT has reminded employers that there is concrete data regarding the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME workers.

The union, who represent workers in a number of different sectors within the industry, including train, bus and London taxi drivers, has raised a series of questions with transport bosses and safety regulators. These include whether companies have sought advice as to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME workers and whether they are monitoring the impact on BAME workers. The union has also asked companies what measures they are considering to protect BAME employees from COVID-19. RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Concrete evidence is continually emerging that shows that BAME people are far more likely to die from COVID-19 than white people. “We have therefore written to all transport employers and safety regulators asking them what actions they are taking; that includes determining what is happening at the workplace and identifying the protections that can be implemented. “RMT will use every means at our disposal to protect our members.”

Image credit: Pixabay/RMT