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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Belfast Glider attacks must stop, says Translink and unions

A £1,000 reward is on offer for help catching assailants following a spate of Belfast bus attacks.

GMB, Unite and Translink met yesterday, after multiple assaults on inspectors this week, one incident saw a Belfast Glider inspector forced to attend hospital after being assaulted.

Translink is offerring up to £1,000 for anyone prepared to give evidence which leads to a conviction.

Read more: PSNI confirm third attack on Belfast Glider staff in last three days

Peter Macklin, GMB Organiser, said: "Positive engagement between GMB, Unite and Translink continues. We support the company's zero-tolerance approach towards all anti-social behaviour and we will jointly participate in a multi-agency approach to mitigate this behaviour.

"We will work closely with the PSNI including Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Safe Transport Team; as well as community and elected representatives to reduce and prevent anti-social behaviour.

"There is a range of measures in place to enhance safety including CCTV systems on board the Glider vehicles and at halts; and staff use body worn cameras.

"No one should go to work not knowing if they will make it home safe at the end of their shift. This violence must stop."

Translink’s Belfast Area Bus Services Manager Damian Bannon said the safety of customers, staff and the wider public is their top priority at all times and that the vast majority of passengers experience safe and comfortable journeys.

"Translink and our unions, GMB and Unite, strongly condemn these incidents on our staff, which have all been reported to the PSNI and which have led to arrests in one case so far.

"We have zero-tolerance towards all anti-social behaviour. We take a multi-agency approach to mitigate this behaviour working closely with the PSNI including Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the PSNI Safe Transport Team; as well as community and elected representatives to reduce and prevent anti-social behaviour. Positive engagement is also continuing with our trade unions."

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