The number of acts of aggression towards NMBS personnel remains exceptionally high, according to Roggeman. In reality, the figure is much higher, as not every act of physical or verbal aggression is reported by the staff member. In most cases it involves threats or insults. In 925 cases it actually involved physical aggression, such as assault and battery. The acts of aggression caused 348 employees to become incapacitated, which is equivalent to 57,000 working hours.
That’s enough for Roggeman. He says that he has already called on Gilkinet and his colleague from the Interior to take action several times, but there has been no change in the matter. On the contrary, says Roggeman. “NMBS staff have to go to work day after day with the idea that they could be the next to be hit.” A solution proposed by N-VA to increase safety among railway staff was even rejected by the federal majority parties because they first wanted to wait for the evolution of the figures. “This is culpable negligence,” says Roggeman.
N-VA proposed a different interpretation of Securail’s tasks and requested more efficient communication between Securail and the Railway Police so that more decisive action can be taken. In addition, the opposition party requested extra security officers on trains and in stations and wants to offer them the opportunity to handcuff unruly people pending the arrival of the police. To avoid discussions afterwards, N-VA also asks for Securail agents to be equipped with body cameras. NMBS CEO Sophie Dutordoir supports the proposal, says Roggeman.
Tags: Hallucinating figures railway staff victims aggression times year calls action Domestic
