(May 26, 2021) This morning, a gunman killed eight Valley Transportation Agency (VTA) workers and himself at a union meeting of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 in San Jose.
Teamsters Local 853 also has members who subcontract to the VTA. The following is a statement by Teamsters Joint Council 7 President Rome Aloise:
“Fortunately, our members were safe from this horrific event. However, this is yet another devastating mass shooting that has snatched the lives of working people in the course of their day. These workers, who continued to put themselves at risk and work heroically throughout the COVID shutdowns should not have to fear for their lives due to the pandemic of gun violence. We join with the South Bay Central Labor Council and Working Partnerships USA to support a fund for the victims’ families that they established this morning, and will strive to ensure that no more workers are harmed by senseless violence.”
The following is a statement by South Bay Labor Council Executive Officer Jean Cohen:
“We’re heartbroken to hear the news this morning of a mass shooting at the VTA light rail yard. As we closely monitor the situation, our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all VTA workers. These are our brothers and sisters in the labor movement, and we are here for them with love, solidarity, and support.”
Donations may be made here: https://act.wpusa.org/vta_victims_support_fund
