The union that represents thousands of MBTA workers says an attack on a bus driver by more than a dozen teens underlines the need to crack down on assaults on public transit workers.
“The Boston Carmen’s Union ATU Local 589 is relieved and thankful that the Bus Driver, attacked in the early morning hours, was not more seriously injured. However this assault by a reported mob on an isolated Local 589 member simply doing his job illustrates the need for public safety officials and the legislature to act quickly before a transit worker is killed,” the union’s president, John Lee, said in a statement.
Comments
This attack was horrific and disturbing, but I feel uneasy about transit police given the power to arrest people. I think that power should remain in the hands of our regular police force. I would feel more comfortable about the transit police given the right to detain people at the scene of the crime until the local police arrive, at which time they can determine whether people should be arrested or not.
So many public workers are assaulted on a daily basis. Protecting workers is essential. Many teachers get assaulted on the job and it's never in the news. This driver is lucky to avoid more serious injury. It's a wake-up call--we should return to a time when public employees are more respected, or do something to create that respect.
This situation should be informative for those who question why these employees are getting a living wage and benefits.
They get far more than a living wage..and get unbelievable benefits for life.
The taxpayers (who pay the MBTA drivers) also get mugged....twice. Both by the same scum that attacked this driver, and by the state/union....
I abhor the violence, and want the police to start cracking down hard on all types of crime.
But this is absurd:
"to believe the suspects have committed assault and battery on a public employee or health care worker"
No way should a public employee be granted any special type of status.... The hard working taxpayer (who pays both the police and the mbta driver) should get the special status...not the "public servant"...