Incident exposes need to maintain systems, update safety equipment, and train workers
Washington, DC - On behalf of the 190,000 members of the Amalgamated Transit Union, International President Larry Hanley expressed his condolences to the victims of today’s tragic Moscow Metro train derailment.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the dead, and the wounded in this horrible accident,” says Hanley, who noted that ATU members have, themselves, lost brothers and sisters in train accidents across the United States and Canada over the last ten years.
“This is a tragic reminder that governments and transit agencies must do more to maintain the safety of the systems their employees operate, and update the safety equipment that transit workers and riders depend on daily.” Hanley added transit agencies need to provide adequate training so that their workers are prepared to take appropriate life-saving action in emergencies such as these.