Union Calling For Emergency Shutdown Of Baltimore Metro Subway

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The transit union is calling for an immediate emergency shutdown of the Baltimore Metro Subway, saying safety hazards threaten the lives of both riders and workers.

The MTA is already planning to shut down part of the system this month for track work, but union officials say that's not enough.

Faulty wiring, rotted pipes, a broken sprinkler system, decaying smoke detectors and live wires hanging across emergency exits -- those are just some of the safety issues union leaders say were found inside one Baltimore Metro Subway station.

"This is not only about the union, it's about the riding public as well," said David McClure, Local 1300 president.

Now, they're calling for emergency shutdowns to address safety concerns.

"People's lives are being put at risk across a wide array of hazards," said Brian Sherlock, union safety specialist.

In January of 2015, a smoke-filled D.C. Metro tunnel killed one woman and injured dozens more.

Union safety specialist Brian Sherlock says the same thing could easily happen in Baltimore.

"From the fire suppression systems that are supposed to put out the flames to the ventilation that's supposed to make sure people can breathe. All of those systems are in disrepair," said Sherlock.

Transit officials will already shut down part of the system for track work. From July 22 to August 14, repairs will stop service between Mondawmin and Milford Mill.

MTA officials say they've been planning the repairs and shutdown for the past two years.

"We want to avoid a situation where we have to be in an emergency situation," said Suhair Al Khatib, Maryland Transit Administration.

But union officials contend it already is urgent.

"Where's the safety? Who's safe down there? Because it certainly ain't my members and it's certainly not the riding public," McClure said.

Union officials met with local lawmakers Thursday morning to discuss their safety concerns.