Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

Union says second TTC employee attacked within a week

A TTC streetcar in Toronto.
A TTC streetcar in Toronto. Photo by Veronica Henri /Toronto Sun

Union officials are speaking out after a TTC employee was mugged on the job.

An operator was robbed in Etobicoke on Monday morning, and now the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113 is calling on the city and the TTC to do more to protect transit staff.

As the Canadian national soccer teams head to their respective FIFA World Cups, Derek Van Diest is on the scene to cover all the action. Expect expert insights and analysis in your inbox daily throughout the tournaments, and weekly on Thursdays for the rest of the season.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

ATU Local 113 took to Twitter, saying: 

“We regret to report another [violent] attack against one of our members. A #TTC Operator was attacked at Long Branch Loop around 10 a.m. today by a masked male. Our member is stable, and police are investigating the incident. Further details will be provided when available.”

They also added: “This is the second incident in less than a week. ATU Local 113 continues to ask the #TTC and the #CityofToronto to act immediately to protect #transitworkers from harm at their workplaces before further tragedy strikes.”

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

The TTC has reported that the operator was shoved and robbed but not physically hurt.

Toronto police spokesperson Constable Cindy Chung said Tuesday there were no injuries reported.

“While obviously shaken, the operator, thankfully, reported not being physically harmed,” TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said Tuesday.

“Safety is paramount to all the TTC does and we have offered the operator counselling and peer supports as they process and recover from this incident.

“We know there can be lingering effects too, so our supports remain in place as long as they are required.”

  1. An image released by Toronto Police of a suspect in a series of flashing incidents on the TTC.

    Toronto man arrested in TTC sexual assaults, exposure incidents

  2. A TTC subway train is pictured in this April 9, 2019 file photo.

    Reduction in subway train operators has unions, riders’ group fretting

Green reiterated that safety for employees and customers is the TTC’s top concern.

“Incidents like this are stark reminders of the challenges our employees face on a daily basis,” he said. “We take every report of assault and abuse seriously and encourage our staff to report them all.”

TTC training includes conflict avoidance and de-escalation, including how and when to call Transit Control for emergency support.

The system has safety barriers, cameras, radio and push-button alerts on every vehicle to assist in prevention, deterrence and response.

There is also a court advocacy program that helps in securing convictions and stronger sentences for anyone involved in a crime against a TTC employee.

In 2015 the Criminal Code was amended to allow for stiffer penalties for anyone convicted of assaulting public transit operators.

Last year, the TTC developed an action plan to protect and support workers. The initiative included a customer campaign focused on respect for staff, enhanced protective screens for bus drivers and added social service resources to assist with the growing number of people in crisis who seek shelter in the subway system.