They shared and commented with sexist phrases on images taken from vehicle cameras showing women's private parts. A storm erupted at ATM, Milan's transport company, after a female tram passenger's complaint led to accusations against its employees.

The case was made public by activist and writer Carlotta Vagnoli in her newsletter "Rassegna Stanca." Vagnoli reports the story of a passenger sitting on tram 15 next to "a driver on a break, recognizable by the company uniform he was wearing" who "was exchanging messages in a chat called 'Staff Ticinese' with people who, for the young woman, were undoubtedly work colleagues." The messages did not concern "photos of dangerous situations or technical problems, but rather snapshots of the legs, faces, breasts, and thighs of women unaware that they had become cannon fodder for a group of men in company uniforms."

The woman "understood that they were stills from the video footage from the surveillance system installed on each tram and used to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers" which "portrayed women and were accompanied by sexist comments and obscene phrases."

She then reported the incident to ATM, as did Carlotta Vagnoli, and "A few hours later, ATM contacted me, F., and a couple of other women who had brought the matter to light. And it did so in an unexpected way. That is, very quickly."

"ATM," a company statement reads, "promptly took action with the utmost care to fully investigate the incident, verify the proper use of company equipment, and protect customers and the thousands of honest employees who work every day serving the city. We firmly believe in respect as a fundamental and non-negotiable value. We will take action in every appropriate forum regarding any irregularities committed."

(Unioneonline/D)

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