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ATU calls for better safety on CTA and mental health support in wake of CTA shooting incident

Silver Spring, MD – ATU International President John Costa released the following statement in response to the assault on a CTA worker who responded by shooting his attacker.

“It’s long overdue for the CTA to take serious action to protect their employees and riders as these violent attacks continue. While the incident is under investigation, it underscores the stress, pressure, and even PTSD on the job our members have been facing with the pandemic and the epidemic of violence on public transit. In the last two weeks alone, we’ve seen violent assaults on our members in Toronto, and last May, nine of our Local 265-San Jose, CA, brothers were tragically shot to death on the job.

“Our Union has made a commitment to address mental health issues in the workplace and also call on our transit agencies and elected officials to work with us to take action to address this crisis, including de-escalation training and other programs.

“Our members are in fear for their lives every day on the job. Something needs to change now.

“In addition, the ATU has been pushing for the Federal Transit Administration to issue guidance to transit agencies as they work with our Local Unions to set up labor-management safety committees that are required under provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that our Union secured.”