Transperth drivers could abandon dangerous routes on the Perth network – or resort to strike action – if measures are
Transperth drivers could abandon dangerous routes on the Perth network – or resort to strike action – if measures are not taken to protect driver safety, the Transport Workers’ Union WA (TWU) has warned.
The TWU met with the Public Transport Authority, bus drivers, the police and bus contractors at 10 am this morning (August 3) after two drivers were attacked on Friday, July 31.
A Public Transport Authority spokesman was still involved in talks when ABC called at 12.45 pm (Perth time).
TWU spokesman Kevin Starr told a local radio station violence on bus drivers had escalated in the past 4-5 months, but had “just got out of control” in the last two months.
Bus drivers were demanding a redesign of security cabs. Starr reportedly called for CCTV on buses to have the capability to record sound.
“We’re always reactive, not proactive. Where’s the legislation to protect us?” he was quoted as saying.
The 59-year-old driver involved in Friday’s attack, Gerard Sin, received blows to the head with a piece of concrete.
Sin was subjected to a vicious attack, after a group of about six to eight youths slapped the bus to gain his attention as he drove down Church Avenue Armadale.
The youth boarded the bus and hit Sin with a piece of concrete before kicking him on the left side of his torso.
As the assault was taking place, several of the other youths threw another piece of concrete at the front of the bus, smashing the windscreen.
He told a local radio station he does not know what will happen to his damaged eye, but doctors warned him “not to be too hopeful”.
He said one of the youths who kicked out at him could not be more than 16 or 17 years old.