Toronto Transit Union statement on charges of sexual assault against bus driver

TORONTO, May 8, 2015 /CNW/ - The following statement was issued by Bob Kinnear, President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, following news reports of police charges against a male Toronto Transit Commission bus driver alleging sexual assault of a 16-year-old female passenger.

"The union first learned of the charges against the TTC driver this afternoon, from the media. As Canadians, we believe in the Constitutional principle that everyone is entitled to due process under the law. Having said that, we are very concerned for this girl and her family and are very distressed at what they must be going through. Most of our members, including myself, are parents and all of our members will be outraged if the justice system finds that the allegation is true in any way. Such an intolerable act would be a gross betrayal of our members' fundamental commitment to the safety and well-being of our passengers.

"We want the public to understand that the union does not defend, or assist with the defense, of a member charged by the police with a criminal act. We would only potentially get involved if the person charged was found not guilty by the courts and even then, our intervention would be restricted to labour relations matters, as that is the scope of our representative obligations under Ontario law.

"We hope that the burden of going through the judicial system is minimal for this girl and her family and that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible."

The union will be making no further comment on this matter until it is fully dealt with by the courts.

SOURCE Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113

Bill Reno 416-223-7366.