FOXBORO, Mass. — As Massachusetts leaders, transportation officials, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft gathered to cut the ribbon celebrating the opening of Foxboro’s new train station, two SMART-TD members stood among the distinguished guests with commemorative scissors in hand.
New England Safety and Legislative Director Dave Stevenson and Bus Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) Committee Chairperson Cole Czub joined Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Kraft, and local officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the station, which was built in anticipation of increased ridership associated with FIFA World Cup matches scheduled to be played this summer at the Patriots’ Gillette Stadium.
A Seat at the Table
Their invitation to participate in the ceremony was more than symbolic. It was recognition of the critical role both our brothers played in ensuring the safety of SMART-TD members who will be responsible for moving thousands of soccer fans to and from one of the largest sporting events in the world.
The preparations are already having a direct impact on railroad employment. This week, a new class of 37 assistant conductors entered service as transit agencies prepare for an anticipated surge in ridership associated with the World Cup. Officials estimate that as many as 20,000 additional riders could travel by rail for each match played at Gillette Stadium, underscoring the importance of both adequate staffing and the safety measures secured through labor’s advocacy.
Making Labor’s Voice Heard
Long before the first train arrives carrying soccer fans from every corner of the world, Stevenson and Czub made sure labor’s voice was heard during the planning process. Working with officials from the Town of Foxboro, state leaders, transit agencies, and the governor’s office, they consistently advocated for protections for the conductors, engineers, and passenger rail employees who will be on the front lines of the event.
With the excitement (and often the alcohol-fueled enthusiasm) that accompanies this level of international sporting events, Stevenson, Czub, and BTAPS refused to allow SMART-TD members to be treated as expendable. Instead, they pushed for meaningful safety measures designed to protect railroad workers and the traveling public alike.
Their efforts paid off.
A Major Victory for Frontline Workers
Through their advocacy, agreements were secured with the city, state, and transit agency guaranteeing that every train operating to and from Gillette Stadium during the World Cup will carry a minimum of two transit police officers. For matches expected to draw particularly large crowds or heightened emotions, staffing levels can increase to as many as eight officers per train.
Those protections will help ensure a safer environment for our Keolis members, passengers, and visitors traveling from around the globe to experience the tournament.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighted the importance of the new station and the partnerships that made it possible. But for SMART-TD, the day also served as a reminder of what can be accomplished when members step forward and engage in their communities.
World Champs for SMART-TD Members
We are grateful for the work that went into creating this important transportation asset and for the relationships Stevenson and Czub have built throughout New England. More importantly, however, we are proud of these two brothers for recognizing an opportunity to stand up for the safety and well-being of our members and doing everything in their power to deliver results.
Stevenson, along with New England’s Assistant Safety and Legislative Director Chris Tyrrell, continue to score safety victories throughout New England, while BTAPS and Czub’s advocacy is making an impact in statehouses and transportation discussions across the country. When you consider the wins they are racking up protecting our transportation workers, maybe it is only fitting to see them sharing the spotlight in the shadow of Gillette Stadium with a six-time Super Bowl champion owner and the governor of Massachusetts.
At SMART-TD, those are exactly the kinds of champions we are proud to call our own.
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