The number of acts of aggression towards NMBS personnel remains exceptionally high, according to Roggeman. In 2023, this was an average of more than six cases per day. “In reality, this figure is many times higher, as not every act of physical or verbal aggression is reported by the staff member,” it said. The acts of aggression caused 348 employees to become incapacitated, accounting for a total of 57,000 working hours. In 1,373 cases it involved threats or insults, in 925 cases it involved actual physical aggression, such as assault and battery.
That’s enough for Roggeman. “Time and again we call on Minister Gilkinet and his colleague from the Interior to finally take action, but no progress is made. On the contrary: NMBS staff have to go to work day after day with the idea that they could be the next to be hit. Even a resolution by N-VA to increase safety in rail transport was voted down by the federal majority parties, stating that they wanted to wait and see how the figures evolved. This is simply culpable negligence,” says Roggeman.
N-VA requested, among other things, a different interpretation of Securail’s tasks and more efficient communication between Securail and the Railway Police, so that more decisive action can be taken. In addition, the opposition party asked for additional security officers on trains and in stations and to give them the opportunity to handcuff unruly persons pending the arrival of the police. To avoid discussions afterwards, N-VA also asks that Securail agents be equipped with body cameras. NMBS CEO Sophie Dutordoir also supports that proposal, says Roggeman.
