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Commuter Rail Union Warns Legal Loophole Puts Operators at Risk

Union Calls for Enhanced Protections Following Assault on MBTA Conductor

In the wake of a recent assault involving an MBTA conductor threatened with a handgun, union leaders are intensifying efforts to secure legal protections for commuter rail employees. Cole Czub, vice chairman of the Sheet Metal, Air, and Rail Transportation Union (SMART-TD), emphasized the need for renewed legislation amidst rising violence against transit workers. The incident, which occurred on May 29 at the Ashland Commuter Rail station, resulted in the arrest of two men on firearm charges, following their refusal to pay fare and subsequent altercation with staff.

Union representatives highlight a legal disparity that places commuter rail conductors, employed by Keolis, under different classifications than MBTA municipal transit workers, affecting the severity of penalties for assaults. A bill aimed at rectifying this loophole is currently under review by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on the Judiciary, but previous attempts have stalled in committee.

Czub noted a troubling escalation in reported assaults, with 13 incidents involving commuter rail conductors since last October—significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Keolis has expressed commitment to advocating for the legislative changes necessary to ensure the safety of its employees alongside their public transit counterparts.

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