Bus unions demand enhanced security measures after Nicosia assault

Cypriot trade unions OMEPEGE-SEK and SEGDAMELIN-PEO have formally requested that bus companies implement stricter security protocols to protect drivers and passengers. The demand follows an incident on April 12 in Aglandja, Nicosia, where a driver was attacked and sustained head and knee injuries. Unions have sent a joint letter to transport companies including NPT, LPT, EMEL, OSEA, and OSYPA, as well as to the Ministries of Labour and Transport and the Police. Proposed measures include the installation of protective driver cabins and operational security cameras in all buses. Additionally, unions are calling for legislative protection for transport inspectors and increased surveillance in high-traffic areas. They have also requested the authority to ban passengers who exhibit delinquent or violent behavior from using public transport services. According to SEK representative Charalambos Avgousti, there have been approximately 12 serious violent incidents reported across the country over the last two years. The unions warned that failure to adopt these safety measures could result in industrial action to protect workers' rights.