Amended Motion 55
Women’s Safety Travelling To and From Work
“That this Congress notes that many women and LGBTQIA+ working in the performing arts sector along with those in healthcare, hospitality, retail, emergency services, and transport deal with late-night travel as
part of their working lives. The risks for these workers are always present but the potential of harassment and assault by the lack of adequate, safe, public transport is heightened in these hours.
“A cost-of-living crisis, especially those in low-paid/precarious employment, puts further limitations on other options such as taxis or ride-shares. Conference believes employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of their employees traveling to and from their workplace. Workers should be safe and secure regardless of their time of travel. Affordable, safe late-night transport is essential to support women’s economic participation and overall well-being in the workforce.
“Congress calls on the Scottish Government to:
- implement a national strategy supporting safe and affordable late-night transport options for workers, with particular attention to women and vulnerable employees;
- encourage local councils to invest in secure, well-lit, accessible transport services;
- urge employers to provide late-night transport assistance: subsidised taxis, secure pick-up points, and carpooling schemes in line with STUC Safe Home Campaign; ; and
- support trade unions and women’s rights organisations’ campaigns
advocating safe and affordable late night travel options.” - encourage employers to consider transport issues when setting shift patterns and ensure that areas around the workplace are well lit.
“Congress also notes the Scottish Government’s own 2023 report Women and Girls’ Safety on Public Transport found women and girls felt safer when there were staff present on trains and at stations.
“Congress calls on the Scottish Government to act on the report’s recommendation that it increases public transport staffing.”
Mover: Equity
Seconder: UNISON
Supporters: USDAW
National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
RSS