TRANSPORT workers say they are “sick and tired” of workplace violence as new figures today showed a sharp rise in incidents on London’s commuter networks.

The RMT union called for “real action” as Transport for London data showed that acts of violence on London’s tube, bus and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) systems are soaring.

Assaults on TfL employees shot up from 505 in 2016 to 628 in 2019 — an increase of approximately 25 per cent.

Knife-related violence against workers also jumped by 84 per cent, from 19 incidents in 2016 to 35 in 2019.    

The figures were released as RMT, which represents the bulk of Underground staff, launched a new campaign for action to prevent violence against London Underground workers.  

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Violence on the tube network is out of control — and I am sick and tired of hearing warm words from the politicians and bosses running the system while my members are risking their lives every time they book on for work.

“The situation is that serious and RMT is demanding real action, right now.

“That means an end to lone working, a reversal of the damaging staff cuts and a culture that supports and protects tube staff — rather than the toxic atmosphere that has been allowed to fester for too long.

“RMT has made it clear that we will take whatever action is required, including industrial action, to protect our members safety, their status and their working conditions.”