‘Unacceptable violence’: Union wants Winnipeg bus drivers behind full barrier after syringe attack
Posted August 5, 2026 3:03 pm.
Last Updated August 5, 2026 5:36 pm.
The union representing Winnipeg bus drivers wants to see the transit workers fully enclosed in a protective barrier after the latest reported attack.
Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1505 says a bus driver on Route F6 was stabbed twice in the leg with a syringe on Wednesday around 12:42 a.m.
The union says while the bus was stopped at Isabel Street at William Avenue, a woman “reached around the operator safety shield” to stab the driver before exiting the bus.
The driver was taken to Seven Oaks Hospital in stable condition, according to ATU.
“This is yet another example of the unacceptable violence our members continue to face simply for doing their jobs,” said James Van Gerwen, president of ATU Local 1505. “No one should have to wonder if they are going to make it home safely after a shift. Being stabbed with a suspected syringe is every operator’s nightmare.”
The union says Winnipeg police and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to the incident. The City of Winnipeg confirmed to CityNews that police are actively investigating.
The union is blaming the city for delaying testing and implementation of “full enclosure operator shields” instead of the existing partial barriers currently installed on buses.
“The money has been identified. The technology exists. Our members have waited long enough,” Van Gerwen said. “The question we have for City Hall is simple: Why is operator safety still being delayed? Every day that passes without action is another day operators are left vulnerable to violent attacks.
“This cannot become the new normal. Every assault is another reminder that words and promises are no longer enough. We need action, and we need it now.
“Our members are tired. They are frustrated. They are angry. Every day they show up to provide an essential public service despite the risks they face. They deserve more than sympathy after another attack, they deserve protection before the next one occurs.”
The City of Winnipeg says the budget for shields will be included in the department’s 2027 capital budget submission, and discussions on funding for the project will be held with the budget working group in the late fall.
“Winnipeg Transit is committed to providing a safe transit service and a safe work environment,” a city spokesperson said. “We are always exploring new options when it comes to the safety of our bus operators and passengers. Since 2017, the City has made more than $9.6M in investments in Transit safety initiatives, which have either been implemented or are in the process of being implemented.”
–With file from Sofia Frolova
