ATU Local 587-Seattle, WA, Played Key Role in Bringing King County Metro, Politicians, Police, and Stakeholders Together to Push for Real Safety Changes for Workers and Riders

Silver Spring, MD – Praising the formation of King County’s new Transit Safety Task Force after the tragic murder of King County Metro Transit Operator Shawn Yim in December last year, the Amalgamated Transit Union commends ATU Local 587-Seattle, WA, for pushing for the task force.

As a longtime advocate for improving safety on public transit for both riders and operators, the ATU calls on other transit agencies to establish safety task forces. The Union fought for and secured Joint Safety Committees at transit agencies under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that gives workers an equal voice about safety on the job.

“Losing Shawn was a tragedy that shook this community and our entire Union,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Transit Operator safety is a public safety issue, and I hope this task force will be a turning point in the fight to make public transit safer for everyone. The ATU has always worked tirelessly to advocate for improved safety measures. Thank you to our Local 587, who called for this task force just hours after we lost Shawn and has consistently offered recommendations for reducing assault through established safety committees before this tragic event. Because of their leadership through this tragedy, we’re on the path to end this violence.”

Since its inception, the ATU has pushed for comprehensive safety reform in the transit industry, including implementing more training programs, installing fully enclosed barriers on buses, improving communication systems, and enhancing emergency response protocols.

“The tragic murder of Shawn has only amplified the urgent need for systematic changes for better safety on our transit systems. Not a day goes by that I don’t hear of a transit worker being shot, stabbed, spit on, verbally abused, and more,” continued Costa. “Our transit agencies must do better, but all stakeholders must work collaboratively and urgently to develop comprehensive solutions. The safety of our transit workers and their passengers should never be compromised.”

The task force includes ATU Local 587 members, city leaders, public safety officials, transportation stakeholders, transit agency representatives, and King County representatives. A report is due in September 2025.