Member Assaults – Blog
We have said it so many times before, but we cannot repeat it enough: Member safety is our first concern. It is of utmost importance.
We have posted frequently on our Code Blue processes and the meetings that take place to discuss such instances.
Link – Feb 2021 Insights: Here
Link – April 2021 Insights: Here
Link – May 2021 Insights: Here
It is never an easy topic. A Member being assaulted is always going to be a traumatic event that could have lasting damage, both physically and mentally.
Many of you may have heard of the recent incident at Whitehorn station where two of our Operators were assaulted by teenage thugs who were (as told to us) being initiated into a gang. The Member with the worst of the injuries was badly bruised and suffered lacerations to their face. We have talked to all Members involved and have offered our support and guidance on where they go from here.
Occurrences such as this, are abhorrent. They are unacceptable in the most serious fashion. Our Members need to be safe at work. It is unfathomable to go to your job as a public servant and to then be abused by the very public you are serving.
We meet with Management monthly on Code Blues but we called an emergency meeting with senior Management to discuss what happened at Whitehorn. We were advised that 4 of the 5 assailants were apprehended and they range in age from 13 to 16 years old. At this time, we do not have an update on where the possibility of laying charges stands, but what we do know is that our Members have been contacted and they are aware that we are ready to be by their side through the process if they choose to go that route. We discussed with Management ways in which that area could be safer and how we can ALL be safer while at work. A follow up meeting with take place within a week.
Please remember if something unsafe is happening you can call Control. If you ever have any issue in doing so, contact us immediately. Our information for contact is HERE.
We will continue to work towards a safer work environment for everyone. We post about and inform of difficult matters like this because we know discussions in the workplace will occur and we want the correct information to get to our Members.
We know this is a sensitive topic and if you do ever want to discuss with an Officer, you are encouraged to give us a call or send us an email.
Trust your instincts. If something looks or feels like it could put you ask risk, seek whatever assistance you may need. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your personal safety. We would rather you ask for help you may not need, than need help you may not have asked for.
COPE 397 /jw
