The largest transportation union in New York City recently held a rally demanding that the MTA enhance safety measures. Amid ongoing concerns about crime in the subway system, exacerbated by the pandemic and the immigration crisis, the state has deployed National Guards to reinforce law enforcement. This week, the Transport Workers Union Local 100 gathered at the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station, the same station where train operator Myran Pollack was stabbed earlier this month.
Union president Richard Davis emphasized that public transportation workers are facing “unacceptable dangers,” and current policies are failing to address the root of the issue. He urged the MTA to take action to protect the workers who keep the city running. The union is advocating for changes that would prevent subway workers from operating alone when trains are out of service, suggesting they should partner with operators to ensure no passengers remain on board.
According to the union, there have been 31 attacks on MTA employees during train clearing over the past three years, underscoring the urgent need for safety reforms. Investigations revealed that Pollack was alone while clearing a train and instructed a 27-year-old passenger, Jonathan Davalos, to leave. Instead of complying, Davalos followed Pollack off the train and attacked him on the platform, resulting in Pollack requiring at least two surgeries.
The union is also calling for MTA police to be present at all stations where trains are being cleared to provide timely assistance. Additionally, they are requesting regular meetings between MTA leadership and transportation workers to “review and implement agreements that strengthen frontline worker safety.” The latest NYPD data shows that from January 1 to October 6, assaults against MTA subway employees have decreased from 44 incidents in 2023 to 30.
While Demetrius Crichlow, the acting head of the NYC Transit Authority, did not directly address the union’s demands, he stated that the MTA is working to “remove repeat offenders from the streets.” An MTA spokesperson confirmed that the agency will continue discussions with their “union partners” regarding safety issues.
