‘Crisis levels’: SkyTrain workers union wants help dealing with violence on system
Global News
The union for SkyTrain workers is the latest group that is calling for help amid a recent string of violent incidents within the transit system.
The union that represents Metro Vancouver SkyTrain workers is calling on both municipal and provincial governments for help, amid a recent rash of violent incidents.
“As transit workers, we are deeply disturbed by the horrific events that have occurred in our Lower Mainland transit system recently, and our hearts go out to all the families and victims of the violence,” said Tony Rebelo, CUPE 7000’s president.
“The increase in violence on public transit is reaching crisis levels, and our members do not have the training and tools to deal with violent offenders.”
On Saturday, a man was sent to hospital after he was stabbed in the stomach area at Surrey Central’s SkyTrain Station. Last Sunday, a man was arrested in Burnaby after reportedly assaulting and attempting to slash people with a knife.
There were also two stabbing incidents recently on Surrey transit buses, one of which led to the death of 17-year-old Ethan Bespflug.
“We continue to work with SkyTrain management on actions to protect our members and the travelling public, but we can’t do it alone,” Rebelo said.
“I am imploring local and provincial governments to create a plan to deter and mitigate these senseless acts of violence and keep our members and the public safe.”
On Sunday, Surrey’s Mayor Brenda Locke issued a statement regarding the recent string of transit violence.
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