Union Demands Transit Agency and Elected Officials Better Protect Workers and Riders
Chicago, IL – In the wake of the tragic fatal stabbing of a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Janitor while attempting to stop an attack on a CTA Customer Service Assistant over a fare dispute, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308-Chicago, IL, and the ATU International are demanding CTA and elected officials provide stronger safety measures for transit workers and riders.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our Local 308 brothers. It is a very sad and difficult day for our members,” said Local 308 President/Business Agent Pennie McCoach “Our Brother was trying to diffuse a fare dispute after a rider sprayed our Customer Service Assistant with mace. He was then tragically stabbed to death. This is unacceptable. Our members deserve to be able to go to work and come home safely each day. It is long overdue for the CTA to make real changes to ensure our members and riders are safe on rail cars, stations and at transit centers.”
There has been a disturbing increase in violence and attacks on CTA workers and riders over the past few years. The ATU has been pushing the CTA to improve safety on rail cars and buses, at stations and bus stops, add more transit police, and implement other safety measures.
“I want to express our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family and the loved ones of our fallen Local 308 brother, who was tragically stabbed to death while bravely trying to protect one his fellow workers. He is a true hero,” said International President John Costa. “Our thoughts and prayers are also with all of our Local 308 members as they deal with this tragedy. Unfortunately, this brutal killing is not an isolated incident. Every day, at least 42 transit workers are assaulted on U.S. transit systems. The epidemic of violence on transit systems across North America has gotten out of control and must be stopped.”
Less than two years ago, ATU Local 587-Seattle, WA, King County Metro bus driver Shawn Yim was stabbed to death by an angry rider, and an ATU Local 732-Atlanta, GA, MARTA bus driver was shot to death on the job. According to federal data from the National Transit Database, there are more than 40 assaults per day on transit workers nationwide, with 16,000 per year in 2024 and 2025. Many of these attacks are a result of a fare dispute, but an alarming number happen just because someone wants to do violence to a transit worker.
“Our Union demands that transit agencies and government officials bring the same sense of regret that they will display in the public mourning of this tragic, unnecessary death of our CTA hero brother and actually do something that will help to prevent these tragedies from happening. Transit workers cannot do their job, and passengers cannot travel on public transportation in fear of being attacked and assaulted,” Costa continued.