The biggest transit workers’ union in the city is calling on the MTA to enhance safety measures at the terminus of subway lines following the harrowing stabbing of train operator Myran Pollack in Brooklyn last week.
Members of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, representing over 40,000 bus and subway workers, gathered outside the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station, the final stop of the No. 4 line, where Pollack was attacked by a repeat offender on October 8.
“We need immediate action. Our members are facing unacceptable risks, and the current policies are inadequate,” stated Richard Davis, President of TWU Local 100.
“It’s time for the MTA to step up and take responsibility for protecting the workers who keep this city running.”
The union is advocating for a change in regulations to ensure that transit employees do not work alone while clearing out trains. They are proposing that conductors and train operators walk through the empty train together to ensure no passengers are left onboard.
Over the past three years, 31 MTA workers have been assaulted while cleaning trains, highlighting the urgent need for safety reforms, according to the union.
“These are not just recommendations—they are life-saving measures,” said Canella Gomez, TWU Local 100 Rapid Transit Operations Vice President. “Our members should never have to face these dangers alone. We need stronger policies and quicker responses to keep our people safe.”
Union members are also requesting MTA police presence at all stations where trains are evacuated to assist if passengers become violent.
“Transit workers must be respected and protected!” chanted union members at the rally. “Enough is enough!”
Some held signs that read, “We don’t come to work to be punching bags” and “Were you safe today or just lucky?”
The latest NYPD data shows a decrease in attacks on MTA subway employees citywide, with 30 incidents reported from January 1 to October 6, down from 44 in the same period in 2023.
In one recent incident, a man randomly punched a female station agent in Midtown, claiming he did so because “the voices in my head were talking to me,” prosecutors said.
Interim NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow emphasized the MTA’s efforts to keep repeat offenders off the streets following the assault on Jonathan Davalos, who had previously attacked other individuals within the transit system.
“We are pleased to have TWU Local 100 support in advocating for harsher penalties for crimes in the transit system and for aggressive prosecutions in cases of assault on employees, customers, and police,” said Crichlow.
An MTA spokesperson stated that ongoing discussions on safety matters with labor partners will continue.
