SIPTU transport representatives have called for the mandatory introduction of face masks for passengers using public bus, rail and tram services. They said that its members are disappointed at the announcement today (Friday, 15th May) by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, that the Government is to issue an ‘advisory notice’ to the public to wear face coverings. “It very disappointing, to say the least, that today’s advice is advisory and not mandatory for those using public transport. We wrote to the National Transport Authority and the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, on the 27th April calling for the introduction of mandatory face covering for passengers. This correspondence was copied to all public transport operators as they have a responsibility under Health and Safety legislation to protect their employees. “Public transport workers are frontline essential workers and their safety and that of their families must be afforded every protection possible to allow them to continue to provide a service. The union will again contact transport operators to seek their support for the mandatory use of face coverings for all public service passengers.”
SIPTU members seek mandatory face covering for public transport
