NBRU calls for new law against abuse of frontline workers

The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) has called for the next government to legislate for a new offence of verbal or physical assault and threatening behaviour towards frontline workers.

In a policy document sent to parties, political groups and independent candidates, the NBRU said that the new law should cover workers including gardaí, nurses, doctors and transport workers.

The union has proposed that any attack on a frontline worker would be dealt with at circuit court level and would carry a minimum sentence of 12 months.

The document also called for funding and resources to be provided for the establishment of a dedicated garda public transport unit under the remit of the Department of Justice.

The NBRU said it was calling for a commitment to end what it described as the "race to the bottom" style auctioning off of publicly-owned bus services.

The union said it also believes that a portion of the Apple tax money should be spent immediately on the development of a rail link to Dublin Airport.

Other calls included improved public transport access for people with disabilities and the reinstatement of the Navan rail line.

"Many of the challenges our members face are shared by citizens across the nation," said NBRU General Secretary Dermot O'Leary.

"When exercising their valuable right to vote, our members will focus on the issues that impact them, their families, and their communities," he said.