A GRIM START FOR 2023 – TRANSIT UNION REPORTS NUMEROUS ASSAULTS ON WORKERS & PASSENGER-TO-PASSENGER OFFENSES

WINNIPEG, January 20, 2023 – Amalgamated Transit Union Local (ATU) 1505 strengthens their resolve on their calls for action to improve Transit safety after several reports of assaults against Transit workers and passenger-to-passenger offenses since January 1, 2023.

“So far in 2023 we have received around eight reports of assaults against Transit workers.” Said Chris Scott, ATU 1505 President. “There could be more. We are not notified of assaults that do not directly involve a Transit worker, or passenger-to-passenger violence.

“We’ve seen the recent news reports regarding an arrest for Indecent Acts performed on a Transit bus this month, and an assault against an adult and youth that lead to an arrest just last night.” Continued Chris. “It’s disturbing.”

“It’s looking like a grim start to 2023. We need all levels of Government, City Officials, and Transit Leadership to make a concerted effort to resolve these concerns.” Stated Chris. “In fact, we just met with Mayor Scott Gillingham, Councillor Janice Lukes, and Councillor John Orlikow this last Monday, January 16. We expressed that both our members and the public want to see the multitude of discussions translate into action and it was agreed that action is needed.” 

“Our next step is to open a dialogue with the Director of Transit to discuss how solutions can be actioned. We have reached out to set up a meeting.”

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