Hesselt (Brussels Morning) – NMBS faces high aggression towards staff with 2,300 incidents in 2023. CEO stresses safety seeks political support and calls for action against violence.
NMBS a company involved in cycling expressed sadness and concern after a staff member was threatened with a knife in Hasselt. The incident occurred during a discussion about bicycles in a station tunnel. NMBS has previously raised concerns about this issue with politicians and will continue to do so to address the problem.
Can NMBS Stop the Aggression?
NMBS is fed up with the constant aggression faced by its employees. In 2023 there were 2,300 reports of verbal or physical violence against train and station staff which translates to an average of six incidents per day. These incidents can range from verbal abuse to physical assault. The company believes that this level of aggression is unacceptable and needs to stop.
Violence against train staff is a significant social issue according to Temmerman, and NMBS is seeking political assistance for a solution. The railway company acknowledges that they cannot address this problem alone and are implementing measures like surveillance cameras and security personnel. They emphasize the need for collaboration with other stakeholders and call for judicial involvement. NMBS is advocating for increased authority for local police in stations to combat violence effectively.
Preventing Workplace Violence: Strategies and Solutions
NMBS has consistently brought the issue of violence against train staff to the attention of politicians on multiple occasions. They have emphasized the urgency and seriousness of this problem in these discussions. NMBS has highlighted the challenges they face in addressing this issue independently and stressed the importance of political support and intervention to effectively tackle violence against train staff. The company has expressed their commitment to ongoing dialogue with politicians to seek solutions and improve safety for their staff and passengers.
NMBS CEO Sophie Dutordoir emphasizes the importance of staff safety noting that despite employees’ dedication they must feel secure in their work environment. She hopes the next government will engage in discussions to address the issue of violence against railway staff which has resulted in significant lost working hours and injuries.
