PRESS RELEASE - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

WINNIPEG, September 22, 2022 – Throughout the morning of September 20, 2022,

an adult male passenger boarded a number Transit buses and sexually assaulted female passengers by grabbing their buttocks, attempting to kiss them, and also spit on another passenger as he left a bus; Police were notified after the victims alerted bus operators of what happened – Amalgamated Transit Union Local (ATU) 1505 is outraged.

“This is completely unacceptable!  When did our Transit system become a place where immoral, iniquitous, behaviours can take place without repercussion?”  Said Romeo Ignacio, President of ATU Local 1505.  

“It’s bad enough that our operators are assaulted, now women are being assaulted too – it is a big concern,” continued Ignacio.  “People put their trust in our Transit system for their livelihoods – parents trust us with their children to get them to school and home safely.”

 “What’s happening right now in our Transit System is a Public Safety Crisis and it is downright shameful that it is being allowed to continue.”

“Come on City Council – We need safety for our passengers and operators right now.”

 ATU Local 1505 adamantly calls for a Transit Security Force, extended shields, and updated, functional radio systems for a safer Transit System for everyone. 

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