Ottawa, September 30, 2020 – The Teamsters Union is concerned about the safety of intercity bus drivers. This follows the assault of a member of Teamsters Local Union 106 who was punched in the face by a rider who did not want to wear the mask.
The assault occurred aboard a Transdev bus that runs between Sainte-Thérèse train station and Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines.
Immediately after the assault, the worker was unable to reach her dispatcher via the CB. She had to use her cell phone to talk to the dispatching. Most vehicles in the fleet are equipped with cameras, but not this one. Therefore, there is no recording of the assault. However, a passenger on board the bus confirmed the union member’s version of events.
None of the company’s supervisors came to assist the worker.
The Teamsters Union is calling on Transdev to ensure that all procedures are put in place to protect the lives of the drivers. A worker should be taken care of in such circumstances.
“The population must understand something very important,” reminds Teamsters Canada president François Laporte. “Workers are implementing measures to protect the health of the population, but it is the government who makes decisions about COVID-19 restrictions.”
“There’s absolutely no point in attacking the workers if you disagree with wearing the mask. »
The Teamsters intend to monitor the situation closely and meet with the employer quickly to discuss the measures that will be put in place.
The Teamsters Union represents the interests of 125,000 members in Canada. They are affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which has 1.4 million members in North America.
-30-
For more information :
Stéphane Lacroix
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Teamsters Canada
Cell: 514-609-5101
[email protected]
