Newcastle Bus Drivers Walk Off Job in Response to Charlestown Stabbing
Bus drivers in Newcastle have taken immediate industrial action, walking off the job in a snap strike on Friday evening. This decisive move comes after a driver was stabbed on a Charlestown route earlier in the week, highlighting escalating safety concerns in the public transport sector.
Details of the Assault and Police Response
According to reports, the incident occurred just after 11pm on Wednesday, February 25, when a bus driver had his hand slashed and was allegedly punched by a passenger. Paramedics assessed the driver's injuries at the scene before transporting him to hospital for further treatment. Police swiftly responded, arresting a man at a bus stop on Pearson Avenue in Charlestown. The suspect, identified as Natan Rodney Cooper, 23, was charged with reckless wounding, hindering or resisting police, assaulting an officer, and failing to comply with a direction. Cooper spent Wednesday night in custody and had bail formally refused during a court appearance on Thursday morning. He will remain in custody until his next court date in Newcastle scheduled for next month.
Union Calls Strike Over Unsafe Working Conditions
The Rail Tram and Bus Union declared the workplace unsafe at 4pm on Friday, leading to an immediate strike called from 6pm that evening. Union spokesman Peter Grech emphasized that this stabbing is part of a disturbing trend of assaults on drivers in the region. "Our drivers are being spat on, assaulted and now stabbed. Enough is enough," Grech stated. He acknowledged the disruption to commuters but stressed that safety must be the priority, adding, "We know this will disrupt people's lives, but safety comes first. No one should get on a bus wondering if they'll make it home safely."
Failed Negotiations and Driver Demands
Grech revealed that union members met with Keolis Downer, the network's operator, on Friday to discuss safety measures but were dissatisfied with the outcome. This led to the resolution to strike. He highlighted a "pattern" of similar incidents and demanded that the company commit to addressing these safety issues comprehensively. Buses already on their routes at 6pm on Friday were expected to complete their runs, but no new services commenced after that time, causing significant disruptions to public transport in the area.
Broader Implications for Public Transport Safety
This strike underscores growing tensions between transport workers and operators over workplace safety. The incident has sparked renewed calls for enhanced security measures on buses, including better protection for drivers and stricter enforcement against violent passengers. As the situation develops, commuters are advised to seek alternative transport options, and stakeholders are urged to engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent future occurrences. The union's actions signal a firm stance against ongoing violence, aiming to compel operators to implement effective safety protocols and ensure a secure environment for both drivers and passengers.
