ATU Mourns on the Job Deaths of Local 587-Seattle, WA, Brother Shawn Yim and Local 732-Atlanta, GA, Brother Leroy Ramos
ATU Renews Our Demand for Better Safety
The ATU is grieving the loss of two of our dedicated members, Shawn Yim of Local 587-Seattle, WA, and Leroy Ramos of Local 732-Atlanta, GA, who were killed on the job less than a month apart. Their tragic deaths left behind a void in their Locals and the entire ATU family and is a profound loss for their families, colleagues, and the communities they served.
Tragic Losses for the Transit Community
Shawn Yim, a bus operator with our Local 587 in Seattle, was tragically stabbed to death by an angry passenger on December 18, 2024. Known for his calm demeanor and commitment to his passengers, Yim’s death highlights the increasing dangers that transit workers face daily as they strive to provide essential services to the community.
Leroy Ramos, a respected member of Local 732 in Atlanta, was shot to death over a $2.50 fair on January 3, 2025. A passenger was also injured. Ramos, a father of two daughters and a 7-year-old boy who worked as a bus operator, was only on the job for a few months after moving from New York. He was beloved by his friends and family and was known for his strong work ethic.
Say His Name
On January 10, 2025, International President John Costa, International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Vice President Michael Cornelius, and ATU members from across the U.S. and Canada gathered at the Lumen Field Event Center in Seattle, WA, to honor our Brother Shawn Yim. The day began with a solemn procession of King County Metro buses and other transit agencies’ buses from our Union escorted by police to the Center. Along the route, members of the public showed their support for transit workers, holding signs expressing gratitude for the invaluable service we provide.
At the memorial, Costa delivered an impassioned speech expressing condolences to Brother Yim’s family and demanding that elected officials and transit agencies make fundamental changes to improve safety for our members and riders. “Say his name…Shawn Yim. Say his name…. Shawn Yim,” Costa said in a call and response with the memorial attendees. “We need our transit agencies and elected officials to bring the same sense of regret that you display in the public mourning of Shawn’s unnecessary death and actually do something that will help to prevent these tragedies from happening,” Costa continued. “Not One More. Not One More!”
Prayer Vigil
In Atlanta, GA, ATU members, friends, and family gathered to honor Brother Leroy Ramos days after the tragic shooting. With the release of balloons into the sky, they, too, shouted Leroy’s name in remembrance. Ramos’ family also attended the vigil, including his 7-year-old son and his wife, Monique Ramos, and described Ramos as someone who would help anyone in need.
“Tell MARTA. Tell these elected officials. Enough is enough,” said Local 732 President/Business Agent Britt Dunams, while Monique Ramos proclaimed, “We’re not going to stop. This is just the beginning.”
“Not a week goes by that I don’t hear of one of our members or a rider being brutally attacked or worse. Transit workers cannot do their job, and passengers cannot travel on public transportation in fear of being assaulted,” said Costa. “The murder of Brother Ramos is a brutal reminder that it is long overdue for our transit agencies and elected officials to make real changes to ensure our members and riders are safe on our public transit systems.”
Increased Safety for Transit Workers
The deaths of Brothers Yim and Ramos have renewed calls from the ATU to increase safety measures for transit workers, who are frequently exposed to various forms of violence, harassment, and dangerous situations while on the job. Their deaths underscore the vulnerability of our members, who, while performing a vital public service, are often placed in high-risk situations without adequate protection.
In response to growing concerns about transit worker safety, the ATU has renewed our call to lawmakers, transit agencies, and law enforcement officials to implement stronger safety protocols immediately.
These measures include increased security on buses, the installation of safe driver compartments, and improved communication to alert operators and authorities in emergencies.
Honoring Their Legacy
The ATU has pledged to honor the memories of Brothers Yim and Ramos by fighting for better working conditions and safety for all transit workers. While their deaths have left an indelible mark on the ATU, our Union’s commitment to ensuring a safer, more supportive environment for our members is stronger than ever.
“Shawn and Leroy’s deaths will not be in vain,” said Costa. “We will continue to push for the necessary changes to protect our members and ensure they can return home safely to their families at the end of each shift. Their legacy will be one of courage, commitment, and a constant reminder that we must do more to protect the workers who serve the public every day.”
The ATU remains committed to honoring Brothers Shawn Yim and Leroy Ramos by advocating for the safety and well-being of all transit workers, ensuring their legacy lives on in the fight for a safer, more just future for those who serve on the frontlines of public transportation.