Auckland train staff attacked

File photo / Greg Bowker

Serious concerns have been raised for train staff in Auckland after two inspectors were assaulted in broad daylight, one of them kicked and punched to the ground by eight people.

Two Transdev train inspectors were assaulted on Saturday afternoon at the Ranui and Swanson stations, the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) said today.

The group attack left the worker with a fractured eye socket.

The latest incidents came just days after a Transdev worker and a KiwiRail staff member were each punched in Avondale.

"These are shameful acts and those responsible must be held to account,'' said RMTU general secretary Wayne Butson.

"Rail staff should be able to come to work, do their job and go home safe at the end of their shift.

"We are calling on the travelling public of Auckland to leave our members working on the trains alone.''

The union is meeting with Transdev this week, and is calling on the operator and Auckland Transport to take steps to improve the safety of train operating staff, he said.

"We need improved security for our members on Auckland's train network.

"Rail transport is an excellent mode of transport for hundreds of thousands of Aucklanders, the vast majority of whom are respectful. But for the few who aren't, there needs to be better security in place to ensure the safety of train operations staff.''