Joint Statement from TWU Local 100 and the NYS Public Safety Alliance on the Violent Assault of a Station Cleaner at Times Square

AUGUST 27, 2026—TWU Local 100 is outraged by the violent attack on one of our Station Cleaners at the Times Square 42nd Street subway station.

The member, who has asked that his name not be released, was nearing the end of his shift when he went to retrieve equipment to clean up a recurring leak inside the station. According to the member, the condition had been reported multiple times but had not been repaired.

While approaching the area where he needed to work, the Cleaner encountered a man urinating nearby. After addressing the situation, the member asked the individual to move so that he could access the area and clean the platform.

The individual became irate and the encounter quickly turned physical.

 

With a train entering the station, the incident unfolded in a matter of moments. By the time the train departed, the assailant was gone and our member realized he had suffered serious cuts along his arm, including a laceration that required stitches.

He is now recovering at home.

The member takes pride in his work as a Station Cleaner and was simply attempting to address a condition in the station and complete his responsibilities before the end of his shift.

TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello said:
“Our member went to work to earn a living, do his job, and help keep one of the busiest stations in the world clean and safe. Instead, he ended his shift injured and requiring medical treatment because someone decided that violence was an acceptable response.

“There are conditions our members report every day that need to be addressed, and our frontline workers are often the ones left dealing with the consequences. But no matter the circumstances, no transit worker should ever have to fear being slashed, punched, spit on, or assaulted simply for doing their job.

“We are thankful that our brother is recovering, but we cannot just condemn these attacks after they happen. We have to take steps to prevent them. That is why TWU Local 100 is working alongside the Detectives’ Endowment Association and other unions through the New York State Public Safety Alliance. By bringing transit workers, law enforcement, and other public servants together, we can strengthen communication, advocate for better protections, and make sure the people responsible for keeping New York moving and safe are looking out for one another.

“Protecting transit workers and protecting the riding public go hand in hand. We need consequences for those who attack our members, and we need everyone responsible for public safety working together before another worker gets hurt or, worse, killed.”

Stations Vice President Robert Kelley said:
“Our Cleaners and Station Agents work face-to-face with the public every day, dealing with situations that most people never see. They deserve to know that when they come to work, someone has their back. Our main concern is for our member and his recovery, but we are also going to continue demanding the protection and support every member deserves.”

The attack also highlights the importance of cooperation between the workers who operate and maintain New York City’s transit system and the law enforcement officers and other public servants responsible for keeping New Yorkers safe.

President John V. Chiarello has been working with DEA President Scott Munro and other labor leaders through the New York State Public Safety Alliance, bringing transit workers and law enforcement together to strengthen workplace safety, advocate for stronger protections, and address assaults against public servants.

The Alliance’s inaugural meeting brought together more than 400 attendees representing approximately 100 associations. Today, it’s more than 100 member unions collectively represent approximately 700,000 workers across New York. The Alliance advocates in Albany, New York City, and publicly on issues including workplace safety, assaults and harassment against public servants, pensions, recruitment and retention, and legislation protecting members while they perform their duties.

Detectives’ Endowment Association President Scott Munro said:
“This is exactly why we formed the New York State Public Safety Alliance. A hardworking MTA employee should not end up stabbed and in the hospital because he was simply doing his job.

Our brothers and sisters at Transport Workers Union Local 100 are members of this Alliance because their fight is our fight. Whether you’re a Detective, transit worker, or any other public servant, you deserve to do your job without being attacked.

New York cannot continue tolerating lawlessness while the people who keep this city safe and moving pay the price. We stand together, we demand consequences—and our voices will be heard.”

— Scott Munro President, Detectives’ Endowment Association