TWU Local 100, Public Safety Alliance Demand Action Following Brutal Attack on Station Cleaner

SEPTEMBER 1, 2026—TWU Local 100 Local 100 President John V. Chiarello stood alongside Stations Vice President Robert Kelley and Detectives’ Endowment Association President Scott Munro today to demand greater protection for transit workers following the brutal attack on a Station Cleaner at Times Square–42nd Street.

Photos displayed (viewer discretion is advised) at the press conference showed the severity of the gashes suffered by the member, who required stitches and continues to recover at home.

“This is the human side of what happens to our members,” Chiarello said. “We come to work to move New York every single day, and we expect to get home in the same condition that we came to work in.”

Chiarello called on MTA Chairman Janno Lieber to use MTA Police resources to provide greater protection in the transit system, noting that the agency has demonstrated its ability to deploy significant numbers of officers when it chooses to do so.

“If they could surge the MTA Police to protect 2 Broadway, they certainly could do the same for our members,” Chiarello said.

Stations Vice President Robert Kelley said the physical wounds suffered by the Cleaner will remain with him long after the attack.

“We come to work to perform our duties. We don’t come to work to be somebody’s punching bag,” Kelley said. “We’re going to be there every step along the way to see to it that justice is served.”

DEA President Scott Munro joined Local 100 through the New York State Public Safety Alliance, which brings together nearly 100 unions representing approximately 700,000 workers across New York.

“It’s time to take a stand,” Munro said. “Nobody should be assaulted, whether you’re a transit worker or a New York City Police Officer.”

TWU Local 100 also announced a $2,000 reward, in addition to Crime Stoppers $3500 reward, for information leading to the apprehension of the individual responsible for the attack.

Our members come to work to move New York — not to become victims of violence. They deserve to be protected, respected, and to return home safely at the end of every shift.