As part of our ongoing efforts to advocate for stronger protections for transit workers, the Local 589 Executive Board visited the Massachusetts State House today to meet with members of the State Senate.

We shared key data from the MBTA’s Assault Reduction Task Force and spoke directly about the urgent need for meaningful consequences for those who commit acts of violence against transit workers.

In particular, we emphasized the need to pass Senate Docket 2665, which would strengthen penalties for assaults on transit workers, including attacks involving bodily fluids. The bill would align protections for MBTA employees with those already in place for healthcare workers and first responders.

As a result of today’s meetings, more than half a dozen senators have pledged their support as sponsors of SD 2665—an encouraging step forward in our fight to pass this critical legislation and protect the people who keep our transit system running.

Click here to see more photos from the visit.