Minute’s silence for fallen transport workers

A minute’s silence has been observed for London’s transport workers who have died after contracting coronavirus. It was reported that bus drivers have pulled over when and where safe to pay their respects at 11am today (17 April).

At the time of writing, 21 London transport staff have passed away after contracting coronavirus, 15 of them bus drivers.

Unite regional secretary for London, Pete Kavanagh, said: “Far too many bus workers have lost their lives during this crisis and our members are well aware that the danger has still has not passed. Unite has 20,000 bus worker members across the capital. It is quite clear to us that they are running out of patience with the operators and TfL, and we share their frustrations.

“These workers should feel that everything possible is being done to make them feel safe at work, but they don’t. We call again upon TfL to close the front doors on all buses to ensure central boarding only by passengers.”

In addition to central loading, Unite is demanding that TfL instigate a London-wide inspection regime for cleaning at all garages. The union is also calling for the establishment of limits on the number of passengers that can board at any one time, as well as the requirement that passengers cover their faces while using public transport.