Union Offers Tactics to Counter Assaults

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 -- In the wake of two more assaults on MTA Conductors on consecutive days, TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano has called on the MTA to launch a voluntary pilot program that would have Train Crews wearing outward-facing body cameras, or cameras in the cab facing platforms, to capture images of these criminals who attack our members.

“This will help authorities identify, arrest and prosecute those who are responsible for these attacks,”Utano said. Utano also is demanding prosecutors charge these criminals with felonies and impose real punishment. Utano said he will expedite discussions with the MTA to implement the pilot program as soon as possible. “Cameras must only be used as a deterrent to criminal assaults and for evidence gathering when an assault occurs and never for worker surveillance,” Utano said.