Rail union RMT has issued a stark warning to train operators over a rise in assaults against staff, signalling a potential national strike ballot if urgent action is not taken. The union has entered into dispute with East Midlands Railway (EMR) following two violent incidents at the company over the past weekend.

In one case, staff were reportedly attacked with hot water, while in another, a fire extinguisher was used during a brawl involving rival football fans on a train that had stopped at Derby.

RMT members have long raised concerns about what they see as insufficient British Transport Police presence, unsafe or malfunctioning safety equipment, and a lack of meaningful engagement from the company on these critical issues. According to the union, internal reporting channels have been exhausted with no effective measures implemented to address the day-to-day risks faced by frontline staff.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said:

“No railway worker should be going to work fearing they may be assaulted or be expected to deal with violence. However, that is the reality for too many of our members on East Midlands Railway and across the rail network. Employers have a duty of care and this is simply not being fulfilled. What our members want is a regular BTP presence at stations and on trains, faulty equipment fixed or replaced and proper engagement by the employer on these matters so our people do not feel isolated. RMT will not rest until these issues are dealt with and we are fully prepared to launch a national strike ballot of our members if there is no improvement in the situation.”

The dispute highlights growing safety concerns for rail staff across the network, as unions push for stronger protections and more consistent security measures to prevent assaults and ensure staff wellbeing.

Image: East Midlands Railway