Senator Espaillat, TWU Local 100, & Community Leaders Call for Stronger Protections for Women from Harassment at Workplace and Swift Action by MTA, Following Harassment of Bus Driver

Disturbing sexual harassment incident involved bus driver being licked on the face by her supervisor; a month and a half later, there has been no resolutionNew York State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D – Manhattan/Bronx), Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 President John Samuelsen, and community leaders call for stronger protections for women from harassment at the workplace and swift action by the MTA following a disturbing sexual harassment case at a Northern Manhattan bus depot. They also call for a swift completion of the ongoing investigation by the MTA.

Senator Adriano Espaillat said: “A month and a half after a woman was harassed at this MTA bus depot, there has been no resolution. This is unacceptable, not just because of this particular case, but because it sends the wrong message to women. We are calling on the MTA to take stronger action. It’s about women being able to work in an environment that’s safe from fear and harassment and workers who feel protected at their workplace.”

"The MTA must step up and create better conditions for the hard-working men and women who make New York City run," said John Samuelsen, President of the Transport Workers Union Local 100. "While we are shocked and disgusted by the most recent case of our workers being violated, we know this is about more than just one case; it's about the failure of the largest public transportation authority in the world to appreciate the people who allow our transportation system to exist. We stand together for our workers and we will continue to fight until every single MTA employee, including women, can work in a safe environment."

Yesterday, Senator Espaillat sent a letter to MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph Lhota calling for a swift completion of the investigation and demanding the MTA take serious action against the perpetrator.

“We cannot and will not tolerate the harassment of women in the workplace,” said Judith Amaro, President of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Northern Manhattan Chapter. “We stand united in calling for the MTA to act decisively and create a better work environment where all employees, including women, feel safe from harassment.”