Last night, the Local 589 Executive Board extended its thanks to State Rep. Joe McGonagle for sponsoring Bill H.1877, An Act Relative to Assault and Battery of a Transit Worker. On May 6, Rep. McGonagle testified before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary alongside Local 589 President Jim Evers, Vice President Billy Berardino, and fellow union members. Together, they emphasized the urgent need to pass legislation that protects transit workers from violence on the job.

In a statement to The Everett Advocate, Rep. McGonagle said:

“This bill has been a priority of mine for the last few sessions. When you meet with these transit workers and hear their stories, you understand why. They keep our cities and towns moving, yet they are needlessly assaulted without proper protection and ramification for offenders. It’s time we give them the protection and support they deserve. I am thankful to Chair Day and Chair Edwards for taking the time to listen and support.”

The legislation is currently under consideration by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary following the May 6 hearing.