(CITY OF WINNIPEG / HANDOUT)
The union representing Winnipeg Transit drivers is calling for immediate safety improvements after an operator was injured while on duty.
The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1505 says the incident happened at around 12:42 a.m. Wednesday on Route F6 while the operator was stopped at northbound Isabel Street at William Avenue. According to the union, a female passenger reached around the operator’s safety shield and stabbed them twice in the leg with a syringe. The operator reported the assailant attempted to stab them multiple times before exiting the bus.
A Winnipeg Transit supervisor, multiple Winnipeg police officers and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews responded. The operator was transported to Seven Oaks Hospital in stable condition.
“This is yet another example of the unacceptable violence our members continue to face simply for doing their jobs,” said James Van Gerwen, president of ATU Local 1505. “No one should have to wonder if they are going to make it home safely after a shift.”
The union noted that only a day earlier, another operator was threatened with a syringe when a passenger warned him not to move the bus.
The union is once again calling for full enclosure shields to be installed on Winnipeg Transit buses.
“The money has been identified. The technology exists. Our members have waited long enough,” Van Gerwen said, adding $2.7 million has been earmarked for full shields.
“They deserve more than sympathy after another attack; they deserve protection before the next one occurs.”
