NEW YORK — The head of a union representing Metro-North Railroad employees is asking that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority drop its mask mandate because of a series of confrontations involving conductors on the commuter railroad and passengers who have become combative when asked to wear a mask.
Lohud.com reports Edward Valente, general chairman of the Association of Commuter Rail Employees, says conductors have been spit on and assaulted after telling passengers masks are required.
The requirement reflects guidance from the New York State Department of Health and is endorsed by Gov. Kathy Hochul; Hochul would have to make the decision to ease the requirement.
“Obviously [the mask rule] comes from a good place,” Valente said. “But at this point in the pandemic, we’re on an island and it’s doing more harm than good. Mask optional is the way to go.”
He said nearly half the passengers on some trains are not wearing masks and is advising conductors to make an announcement about the requirement but not to become involved in individual confrontations.
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