Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Gov't ratifies Federal Police withdrawal from subway stations; union meeting awaited

Security Minister Nilda Garré today confirmed Federal Police officers will be withdrawn from city subway stations.

“The City Government should guarantee security on the subways. They have some 2,800 officers to assume the responsibilities,” Garré stated during a press conference adding “the 250 officers that were patrolling the subway and were involved in extra activities, are to continue working with the ‘Tren Alerta’ operation.”

A representative for the UTA subway and train workers union said on the other hand that they were opened to the possibility of lifting the strike announced for tomorrow as long as the security demands they have been making are addressed. They also called the City Government to “take responsibility” on the matter. A meeting is expected to be held at 6 pm between union representatives and government officials.

The ‘Tren Alerta’ operation was put into place by Garré and Transport Minister Juan Pablo Schiavi in September, with the installment of security cameras across the subway system, enabling officers to work digital surveillance as well as having personnel at the stations.