An argument has erupted between Dundee West MP Jim McGovern and National Express over correspondence relating to the case of a former bus driver’s death.
Filep Myzylowskyj tragically took his own life in December, months after he had been involved in a collision with a pedestrian.
Although he was cleared of all blame, at the time of his death his family raised concerns that National Express management had failed to support him and deal with the psychological impact the accident had on him.
Mr Myzylowskyj’s widow had called for an inquiry into the firm’s handling of his case. Acting on behalf of the Myzylowskyj family Mr McGovern wrote to the firm’s CEO Dean Finch in December and January, requesting a meeting.
But now Mr McGovern has said the company only replied to him in February promising a meeting, and he claimed National Express have failed to reply to subsequent correspondence.
However, the bus firm said it never received letters following an initial meeting and is now making inquiries with Westminster’s postal service.
“I am deeply disappointed that, despite writing on numerous times to National Express, they have chosen to ignore my letters since March,” Mr McGovern said.
“Opting not to arrange a meeting with myself on this matter beggars belief.”
The MP said more needs to be done to give the family closure.
“Their concerns that Filep was not supported by National Express are extremely serious and should be addressed urgently by the company,” he said.
“I will continue to press National Express to secure a meeting so we can get to the bottom of what may have gone wrong in Filep’s case.”
But National Express hit back, claiming it had not received Mr McGovern’s letters.
A spokesman for the company said: “We have previously met with Mr McGovern in Dundee to discuss the concerns he has raised today.
“We also offered a subsequent meeting with him to discuss these issues again.
“With regards to Mr McGovern’s statements on unanswered correspondence, we are currently working with him and the postmaster at the House of Commons to investigate the whereabouts of these three letters.
“We only seem to have received one letter in our office.”
He added: “National Express Dundee takes the health and wellbeing of our employees very seriously. This is a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Myzylowskyj.”
Mr McGovern last week asked the leader of the House of Commons Andrew Lansley if a debate could be held on ensuring large national employers better support their employees facing mental health problems as a result of their work.
Mr Lansley extended his sympathy to Mr Myzylowskyj’s family and said he was encouraged that more companies were doing so, but more progress was needed.