The RMT has declared a dispute with East Midlands Railway following two ‘violent’ assaults by passengers.

In one case staff had hot water thrown at them and were attacked with a fire extinguisher, while in a separate incident rival football fans were involved in a ‘mass brawl’ on a train which had been stopped at Derby.

The union said its members had raised ‘repeated concerns’ about reduced British Transport Police attendance, faulty or inadequate safety equipment and the company’s ‘lack of meaningful engagement’ in connection with these issues.

Members say they have ‘exhausted’ all internal company processes, but that ‘no effective action’ has been taken to address the daily risks they face.

The RMT is also warning that it is prepared to hold a national ballot which could lead to nationwide walkouts, and that it is putting employers ‘on notice’.

The union’s general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: ‘No railway worker should be going to work fearing they may be assaulted or be expected to deal with violence.

‘However, that is the reality for too many of our members on East Midlands Railway and across the rail network. Employers have a duty of care and this is simply not being fulfilled.

‘What our members want is a regular BTP presence at stations and on trains, faulty equipment fixed or replaced and proper engagement by the employer on these matters so our people do not feel isolated.

‘RMT will not rest until these issues are dealt with and we are fully prepared to launch a national strike ballot of our members if there is no improvement in the situation.’

Railnews has invited East Midlands Railway to comment.

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