Union seeks to keep masks on in London
Unite the union is urging mask wearing among passengers in London beyond the 19 July cut-off point for all coronavirus restrictions. Face coverings are due to no longer be mandated by the Government in all settings, including transport, from that date.
The union, which represents over 20,000 London bus workers, is seeking meetings with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and senior figures at TfL, to argue that passengers in the capital should continue to be required to wear masks.
With infection rates rising and with many people who travel on London buses, such as schoolchildren, being unvaccinated, Unite believes the risk of transmission is unacceptable.
With office-based workers being encouraged to return to the office, ridership on public transport is set to increase dramatically, according to the union. However, it believes that could be stymied if passengers lose confidence in the safety of public transport because of the ending of the requirement to wear masks.