The recent brutal stabbing of train operator Myran Pollack at the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station in Brooklyn has sparked outrage and demands for increased safety measures from the Transport Workers Union Local 100. The union, representing over 40,000 bus and subway workers, held a rally at the same station where Pollack was attacked, calling for immediate action to protect transit employees.
Richard Davis, President of TWU Local 100, emphasized the need for real action to address the dangers faced by workers on a daily basis. The union is advocating for a change in regulations to prevent transit employees from working alone when taking trains out of service. They are proposing that conductors and train operators should walk the cleared-out train together to ensure no passengers are left onboard.
With 31 MTA workers assaulted in the past three years while cleaning out trains, the union is stressing the urgency for safety reforms. In Pollack’s case, he was stabbed by a recidivist straphanger after asking the passenger to leave the train. The attacker followed Pollack onto the platform and viciously attacked him, resulting in the need for multiple surgeries.
TWU Local 100 is also calling for MTA police to be present at all stations where trains are evacuated to provide immediate assistance in case passengers become violent. The union believes that these safety measures are crucial for protecting frontline workers.
In addition to enhanced safety protocols, the union is pushing for regular meetings between top MTA officials and TWU Local 100 to review and implement safety measures effectively. Union members are chanting for respect and protection for transit workers, emphasizing the need for stronger policies and faster responses to ensure their safety.
While the NYPD data shows a decrease in attacks on MTA subway employees compared to the previous year, incidents of violence against transit workers continue to occur. Interim NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow highlighted the MTA’s efforts to keep repeat offenders off the streets and ensure aggressive prosecutions for crimes committed in the transit system.
The MTA spokesperson stated that the agency will continue to engage in discussions with labor partners to address safety concerns and implement necessary measures to protect transit workers. The union’s demands for improved safety measures reflect the ongoing challenges faced by frontline workers in the transit system, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe working environment for all employees.
