Luas inspector tells of ‘draining’ abuse at work

A Luas ticket inspector has described how he can be racially abused “up to five times a day” while doing his job.

Speaking to RTÉ News, Kabir Alade said that this level of anti-social behaviour can be “mentally draining”.

Mr Alade was speaking as SIPTU representatives appeared before the Oireachtas Transport Committee to discuss the issue of anti-social behaviour on public transport.

Research conducted as part of the union’s Respect Transport Workers campaign has revealed that three quarters of staff from ethnic minorities had reported incidents of racial harassment and abuse while at work.

The survey also found that just under 80% of respondents said the issue of drug use by passengers on public transport had got worse in the last 12 months.

Nearly three-quarters said that they witnessed drug abuse in their workplaces several times a month, while just under 20% said drug use was an issue they dealt with on a nearly daily basis.

More than 650 SIPTU members employed across the public transport network were surveyed for the study.

Public transport operators have said they have taken steps to address anti-social behaviour through increased cooperation with gardaí, staff training, educational programmes and investment in CCTV.