From left: BLET New England Legislative Board Chairman Daniel Cadogan with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey at the signing ceremony.
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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a bill into law in December that better protects the safety and well-being of BLET members who work in commuter service by creating a deterrent from assaults.
“A safer environment for rail workers ultimately benefits passengers and the public at large by promoting a more secure and reliable rail system,” said Daniel Cadogan, Chairman of the BLET’s New England Legislative Board.
The new law comes in response to a rising number of reported incidents involving violence against railroad employees who work in commuter service. A loophole in Massachusetts law protected most public employees from assault, but not those who work in the public transit sector. The new law (Bill H. 4645) extends the same protections to rail workers and establishes mandatory imprisonment and substantial fines for individuals who commit assaults against railroad workers. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers of the Massachusetts legislature.
By specifically addressing these dangers, Massachusetts joins a growing number of states enacting measures to safeguard workers who play a critical role in public transportation.
“We are grateful to the entire legislature and Governor Healey for recognizing the unique risks faced by our members,” Cadogan said.
In a prepared statement, Governor Healey said, “This law sends a strong message that violence against workers will not be tolerated and that Massachusetts is committed to their safety.”