Transit workers urge Twitter support today for #TransitLivesMatter

 Look closely when you board the Metro today: transit workers representing Metrorail, Metrobus, MetroAccess and DC Streetcar are drawing attention to the growing number of transit assaults in the Washington DC region by wearing bracelets with the hashtag #TransitLivesMatter. “We are asking our labor and community allies to stand with us today by tweeting #TransitLivesMatter throughout the day today,” said ATU 689 president Jackie Jeter. Today’s “twitter-rally” will lead up to a meeting Saturday when Local 689 will sit down with Metro management to discuss solutions to the epidemic of transit assaults in the region. Retweet us here or click below for some suggested tweets with relevant facts and stats. 

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Tweet or post #TransitLivesMatter on your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.) all day today. Here are some sample tweets you can send out:

By working together: community, mgmt and workers, we can protect the lives and dignity of Metro workers & riders. #TransitLivesMatter

There are Metro workers who are being spit on, punched, and have had objects thrown at them. This must stop. #TransitLivesMatter

Assaults on transit workers create an unsafe environment for riders, operators & station managers. We are all at risk.  #TransitLivesMatter

The safety of Metro workers and riders is one in the same. When one of us is at risk, we are all at risk! #TransitLivesMatter
 
Excessive punishment to a worker who defends themselves does not make Metro safer, and makes everyone more unsafe #TransitLivesMatter
 
Physical assaults and verbal abuse are taking a toll on Metro workers and leads to an unsafe system for all. #TransitLivesMatter
 
There must be consistent enforcement of law against those who attack and assault transit workers #TransitLivesMatter
 
In 2014, at least 170 Metrobus operators reported being assaulted by a rider while on the job. #TransitLivesMatter
 
Last year, a station manager was stabbed and a bus operator was caught in gun crossfire outside his bus.  #TransitLivesMatter