TRANSPORT unions today urged the public to respect travel workers over the festive season after a railway worker was fatally attacked at work.

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said the shocking death of Jorge Ortega, who died after being attacked at Ilford station last Wednesday, was a “grim reminder of the unacceptable levels of violence faced by transport workers.”

She added: “While many people are celebrating the season with parties and gatherings, countless transport workers are working tirelessly to ensure everyone gets home safely.