THE IRONY: ON-DUTY TRANSIT WORKERS ASSAULTED WHILE ATU RALLIES AT CITY HALL FOR A SAFER TRANSIT SYSTEM

WINNIPEG, August 4, 2022 – While ATU members rallied at City Hall for a safer Transit System after the attempted stabbing of an Operator just two weeks ago, Transit workers were literally being assaulted while on duty.

“We cannot even express the irony of this situation,” said Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505 President, Romeo Ignacio.  “Assaults were happening literally as we spoke about the need for a safer Transit system.  If this isn’t a wake-up call to our elected officials, I don’t know what is.  Enough is enough, we need action now.”

“It really isn’t too much to ask for extended shields to protect our workers, reliable radios that will actually work when emergencies happen, and a security force who will ensure the safety of transit users and workers,” continued Ignacio.  “The community spoke loud and clear today – Winnipeggers don’t feel safe.  What happened today demonstrates the sad reality of the situation we are in.”

ATU is calling on the City to act immediately and install the extended shields, implement the Transit Security Force, and replace the obsolete radio system.

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