RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey has challenged London Underground over disciplinary action against a Tube inspector who faces possible dismissal after intervening during an assault on staff and a passenger.
The incident happened at Bond Street station in October 2025, when the inspector and colleagues were carrying out a ticket check. According to the union, two men verbally and physically assaulted staff and a member of the public after inspectors attempted to deal with suspected fare evasion.
Minimum force
RMT says its member, a London Underground revenue control inspector, used the minimum force necessary to prevent further assaults on staff and customers.
British Transport Police arrested and charged the two men, who were later convicted at City of London Magistrates' Court of offences arising from the incident.
London Underground has nonetheless referred the inspector to disciplinary proceedings, alleging that his actions fell outside its policy. The passenger who was assaulted has written to London Underground and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, expressing outrage that the inspector faces possible dismissal.
Eddie Dempsey: 'Members must be able to protect themselves'
Eddie Dempsey said: "Our members must be able to protect themselves and the public during violent incidents, and their actions must be assessed in the context of the violence directed at staff and passengers.
"Violence and assaults are becoming an all too familiar feature of our members' working lives, and they should not have to go about their duties whilst feeling under threat."
He added: "We will be writing to the Mayor of London and calling on London Underground to explain how it has assessed the inspector's actions in the light of the violence directed toward them and passengers."
Wider concern
Violence against transport workers has been a long-running concern for rail unions. The RMT has also been highlighting the role of train guards in supporting passengers through difficult and distressing situations, publishing first-hand accounts from its members.
