THE STUC has united behind calls for action on soaring levels of abuse faced by public transport workers.

Delegates welcomed the nationalisation of ScotRail, a composite motion tabled by the RMT, seconded by TSSA and supported by Unite, but warned the change in ownership had failed to stem growing hostility to workers.

Pointing to a 19 per cent surge in attacks on women and girls on ScotRail over the last year, RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey told congress: “People I know personally in my union have been stabbed, knocked out, spat at, racially abused, sexually assaulted.

“And all too often what our members tell us is that when they have to deal with violence there’s no support from employers.

“You’re much more likely to be disciplined and even sacked if you’re forced to defend yourself.”

TSSA delegate Katrina Faccenda said: “We need immediate action from employers, from the lawmakers.

“We need to work together with people who are reaching out to young people and make them understand the consequences of their actions.”

The composite, demanding an end to lone working and greater support for workers, passed unanimously.