TRANSIT WORKERS ON THE FRONT LINES FIGHTING COVID 19

by Mark Henry, Chair, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) NYS Legislative Conference Board & President/Business Agent, ATU Local 1056

            The members of ATU local 1056  move essential and non essential workers daily. We are exposed to all dangers, transit workers still show great resiliency mentally and physically under uncertain conditions. The members are particularly vulnerable, working against an unknown assailant according to health experts. We still know little about COVID-19 other than it attacks vulnerable populations, the symptoms vary, and we too often experience a devastating aftermath.

           Public must continue to protect our members by their own adherence to measures such as wearing masks and physical distancing.  We need support to pressure the MTA and government to ensure service levels that make transit safe for the riding public.  We deserve "Hazard Pay PERIOD!"  The world has changed as we know it ... The agency and public must adjust to those new Normals, in order to stop the spread of COVID-19