Today, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation that strengthens protections for public transit workers by expanding current laws on assault and battery against public employees. The bill, An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker, ensures that transit employees receive the same legal heightened protections as other public employees while performing their jobs. Having passed the House of Representatives 160-0, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

“We thank the House for voting in favor of this important legislation to protect our MBTA train and bus operators, and all public transit employees,” said Jim Evers, President of Boston Carmens Union Local 589. “Protecting transit workers is essential to maintaining a safe and quality public transportation system. This bill will ensure the safety of the essential workers who keep our communities moving every day. We look forward to swift passage in the Senate so that these vital protections can be signed into state law to safeguard transit workers for generations to come.”

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The Local 589 Executive Board is pictured here at the State House with the sponsor of the legislation, Representative Joseph W. McGonagle (D-Everett)