MTA employees call for increased security measures after knife attack on train driver

NEW YORK – Transportation workers gathered on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway to demand increased security measures after a brutal knife attack on one of their co-workers.

The incident, which involved 64-year-old train conductor Myran Polluck, sparked outrage among workers who felt unsafe while carrying out their duties.

Polluck, a veteran of more than 25 years with the MTA, was stabbed seven times in the chest, stomach and leg while clearing a train at the Utica Avenue station more than a week ago. The attacker, 27-year-old Jonathan Davalos, has since been charged with attempted second-degree murder. Polluck remains in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

Polluck’s attack is just one of several violent incidents affecting MTA employees. According to the union, 31 transport workers have been attacked while cleaning trains in the last three years.

A recent NYU study supports the union’s claims, showing that 89% of New York City transit workers experienced some form of harassment or violence between 2020 and 2023.

At Thursday’s rally, TWU Local 100 President Richard Davis called for increased police presence and enforcement on subways to protect workers.

The union is also calling for action to address issues related to homelessness, mental health and fare evasion, which they say contribute to unsafe conditions for MTA workers.