National Day of Respect

Alex Dalland

They form professions which most of us rely critically on, yet might not even notice in our everyday lives. This Wednesday aims to change that.

To commemorate the death of Brisbane bus driver Manmeet Sharma, Wednesday will be marked by a National Day of Respect for Public Transport Workers.

“Manmeet Sharma was a popular and widely respected young man in the Queensland transport industry, who had worked as a bus driver and a taxi driver,” Phil Altieri, National President of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union says.

“He was also a much-loved member of his local community.

“Next Wednesday will be a day for all Australians to reflect on Manmeet’s short but beautiful life, and also to reflect on the role all transport workers play in moving people around our cities and towns.”

Throughout the day, commuters are encouraged to say “thank you” to bus drivers, tram drivers, taxi drivers and other public transport workers across Australia in respect for Manmeet Sharma and for the role public transport workers play in the wider community. A minute of silence will also be marked at 11 AM at the site in Moorooka, Brisbane, where Manmeet died.

Tony Sheldon, National Secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union, believes Mr Sharma’s death is representative of a broader social problem around violence and anti-social behaviour on pubic transport that workers often face.

“All public transport workers across the country have been affected by this tragic event, and have thought ‘that could happen to me’. No-one should go to work, or catch public transport, worried that they could be abused, spat on, or attacked,” Sheldon says.

“Enough is enough, and as a community we must ensure Manmeet’s death is not in vain. We must make public transport safer and more respectful for everyone. Even the simple act of saying thank you to your driver can make a difference, and will be appreciated.”

To celebrate National Day of Respect for Public Transport Workers, say ‘thank you’ to your driver if catching a bus, train, ferry or taxi on Wednesday, November 9.