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MTA workers demand safety reforms
MTA workers are rallying for stronger safety measures after a brutal stabbing attack on a veteran train conductor. With 31 workers assaulted over the past three years, union members demand more police presence and protections for frontline staff. FOX 5's Kendall Green reports.
NEW YORK - Transit workers rallied on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn to demand increased safety measures following a brutal stabbing attack on one of their own.
The incident, which involved 64-year-old train conductor Myran Polluck, has sparked outrage among workers who feel unsafe performing their duties.
Polluck, a veteran of more than 25 years with the MTA, was stabbed seven times in the chest, stomach, and leg while clearing a train at the Utica Avenue station over a week ago. The attacker, 27-year-old Jonathan Davalos, has since been charged with second-degree attempted murder. Polluck remains in the hospital, recovering from his injuries.
Suspect who stabbed MTA conductor in court as transit workers demand action
New York City transit workers packed a Manhattan courtroom on Friday to show their support for conductor who was stabbed multiple times when he asked a man to get off of his train, and to demand the MTA take action and increase security for workers.
Polluck's attack is just one in a series of violent incidents affecting MTA workers. According to the union, 31 transit workers have been assaulted while cleaning out trains in the last three years.
A recent NYU study supports the union’s claims, revealing that 89% of public-facing transit workers in NYC experienced some form of harassment or violence between 2020 and 2023.
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Major crime in the New York City subway system is down compared to one year ago, according to NYPD stats released on Monday. FOX 5 NY's Arthur Chi'en has the full story.
At Thursday's rally, TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis called for increased police presence and enforcement on the subways to protect workers.
The union is also calling for action to address issues related to homelessness, mental health, and fare evasion, which they believe contribute to the unsafe conditions faced by MTA employees.