Vice President of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Union, Alvy Hughes, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the rising number of assaults on transit workers. Hughes discussed the importance of transit workers to everyday life and some of the safety improvements provided for bus drivers.
The transit industry faced several challenges during the pandemic, including an increase in physical assaults from riders. Hughes discussed the steps SMART took to ensure workers were provided a safe workplace. With the union’s improvements and commitment to safety, SMART took another step to create a committee to discuss options and propose solutions to prevent future assaults on transit workers, he said.
Hughes said that ensuring transit workers are protected is not just a union problem but a national issue. As more data is unveiled, SMART is using it to further the case for providing more workplace protections. Hughes discussed the union's work with legislators to educate and develop improved laws and harsher penalties for assaults on transit workers.
Among the safety improvements for drivers already inacted are safety barriers that prevent many physical attacks. Hughes said that the barriers are helpful, but they’re not ideal and discussed potential improvements that will be made to provide even more protection. Hughes also talked about how these assaults have impacted hiring and created a further issue with understaffing for transit operators.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Hughes on the safety of transit operators.