Mr Mark Hehir, a London bus driver, was dismissed by Metroline
after intervening to protect a passenger whose necklace had been
stolen and using reasonable force in self-defence when confronted
by the offender.
Mr Hehir sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident,
and his dismissal was upheld by an employment tribunal.
The London Assembly has today
called on the Mayor and Transport for London investigate the
incident, and subject to the findings, to issue a public apology
to Mr Hehir, and to apply pressure to Metroline to reinstate Mr
Hehir or provide appropriate compensation.
The Assembly also calls on the Mayor to set out
clear guidance for transport workers protecting passengers.
AM,
who proposed the motion, said:
“This case is not an abstract policy discussion. A London bus
driver, Mark Hehir, has lost his job after intervening to help a
passenger who had been robbed, and his livelihood and reputation
are on the line right now.
“More than 100,000 members of the public have spoken out in
Mark's support because they recognise a basic injustice. This is
not about encouraging reckless behaviour. It is about whether we
are comfortable with a system that punishes frontline workers for
stepping in when crime happens right in front of them.
“By supporting this motion unanimously, the Assembly has sent a
clear message that public concern, common sense, and fairness
still matter. Londoners expect action, not excuses or delay, and
I'm delighted that today the Assembly supported my motion and did
the right thing.”
The full text of the motion is:
The London Assembly notes the case of Mr Mark Hehir, a London bus
driver dismissed by Metroline after intervening to protect a
passenger whose necklace had been stolen and using reasonable
force in self defence when confronted by the offender.
The Assembly further notes that Mr Hehir sustained serious
injuries as a result of this incident, including a severe hand
infection requiring intensive hospital treatment, and that an
employment tribunal has since upheld Metroline's decision to
dismiss him.
The Assembly recognises the overwhelming public concern
surrounding this case, with over 100,000 people signing a
petition in support of Mr Hehir and significant cross party
political backing calling for an apology and appropriate redress.
The Assembly calls on the Mayor of London and Transport for
London to carry out a full investigation into this incident and,
depending on the findings, then insist Metroline issues a public
apology and reinstates Mr Hehir or provides appropriate
compensation for his dismissal. The investigation's findings
should be shared with the Assembly.
The Assembly further calls on the Mayor to ensure that clear
guidance is put in place so that transport workers who act in
good faith to protect passengers are treated fairly and
supported, not punished.
Finally, this Assembly wishes to express its support for the
introduction of good Samaritan protections in civil law for both
employers and employees.
Notes to editors:
- The Motion was agreed unanimously.
