Chandler-Waterman, TWU rally for stronger safety measures for transit workers

Brooklyn Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman and the 58th Assembly District Safety and Mental Health Taskforce have joined the Transport Workers Union Local 100 (TWU), stakeholders and leaders in rallying for stronger safety measures for Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) workers following the recent stabbing of train conductor Myran Pollack who was critically injured and currently remains in critical care.

Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, said on Tuesday that this incident occurred along the #3 and #4 lines at the Utica Avenue Station in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

“This incident highlighted the need to continue activating for continued mental health programming and measures to support impacted individuals and deeper implementation of enhanced safety actions, designed to create safer working environments and protective measures of all of New York’s public service workers every day,” she said.

Assembly Member Chandler-Waterman stands beside TWU Local 100 members President Richard Davis and Sharase DuBouse to advocate for stronger transit safety measures.Photo courtesy Office of Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman/Chris Smith

“As a strong advocate for safety, we have worked tirelessly with community to carry out strong legislation in Albany to support our public service workers statewide,” she added, stating that she sponsored legislation A6455 to ensure the prohibition of the operation of New York City Transit Authority subways or trains without at least one conductor on board, along with the train operator.

“This action would require a conductor on any subway or train operated by such authority whenever the subway or train has more than two cars attached to the engine,” Chandler-Waterman continued.

From the community front, she said she has done “extensive work” to highlight a special 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline in partnership with the New York State Office of Mental Health “to connect to trained crisis counselors 24/7, which was amplified by Link NYC.”

Additionally, the assemblywoman said she has done “extensive work” to enhance Mental Health clinics in schools for everyone.

“These highlights, in addition to increased wrap-around services, are vital to addressing safety from a holistic standpoint,” she said, adding that “continued collaborative work is being carried out with TWU and partners to address several needs for public service workers, including transit worker safety, mental health resources, and stronger communication and reporting systems.

“Our public service workers like the MTA workers carry out essential services every day, and our collaborative work as a community provides increased safety in their work and supports the overall well-being of individuals who dedicate their lives to supporting community needs on a daily basis,” Chandler-Waterman continued.