The Rising Crisis of Assaults and Trauma in Public Transit
Across North America, transit workers are in peril as assaults on the job continue to climb. Recent data from the Federal Transit Administration indicates that the rate of assaults on operators increased by 232% between 2014-2024, and trends reveal that this number will continue to rise in the coming years. Additionally, this statistic underestimates the crisis our members face, as incidents of assault frequently go unreported due to factors such as burdensome reporting processes, the ineffectiveness of reporting, and fear of retaliation by management. Operator assaults affect everyone. Workers who have been attacked can face short and long-term health issues. Additionally, for riders and the public, a vehicle with a compromised operator becomes a serious road hazard.
Mental Health Matters: The Invisible Impact of Assaults
While addressing the physical health consequences of operator assault is always a priority, it is imperative to our members that the mental health challenges that can accompany assault are not overlooked. Be it a verbal or physical attack, operators may incur trauma as a product of these critical stress incidents. If ignored, these traumatic events lead to the development of common mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, trouble eating or sleeping, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic attacks. Some studies have linked exposure to traumatic events to a 10-20% likelihood of developing PTSD. Data also supports the finding that workplace trauma leads to a high likelihood of experiencing other mental health challenges or disorders.
Prevention Through Design
The ATU is working to prioritize the physical and mental well-being of transit workers as the exposure to traumatic events such as assaults continues to rise. One primary area of focus is prevention and protection of assault through improved bus design. Recent progress from the Bus Design Innovation Program (BDIP) highlights changes that can be made through retrofits and better procurement. BDIP is a unique collaboration between ATU International, Local 113-Toronto, ON, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and Centennial College. Through labor-management cooperation, the ATU is working to develop, test, and implement barrier designs that isolate transit operators from the threat of both physical and non-physical assaults. These innovations have the potential to be transferrable across North American transit systems. We have already seen several agencies commit to installing fully enclosed barriers on their fleets. Additionally, we continue to work directly with our Locals in advocating for the adoption of improved barriers.
Healing After Harm
While preventing assaults before they take place is the first line of protecting transit worker health, we are also striving to develop better methods for meeting member needs once an assault has occurred. Early intervention following a traumatic event is critical in stopping mental distress from evolving into more significant mental health challenges. We are working to develop resources and training that equip our members with tools to help themselves and one another when traumatic events occur. No worker should ever suffer in silence, and the ATU continues to fight towards ensuring members do not feel alone.