Archive for June 2014
Attention: Local 589 Active Employees Only
Group Insurance Benefit Deductions Begin Pay Period Ending 7/4/14. The Group Insurance Commission requires 1 month’s advance payment on all benefit plans (excluding the Flexible Spending Accounts). This results in a double deduction taken for the following payroll end dates: 7/4/14 7/11/14 7/18/14 7/25/14
Read MoreUnion Teamwork Saves A Life
What started as a regular workday turned into a team effort lead by Local 589 members to save a man’s life on T property. The MBTA recently purchased a large piece of floor sweeping equipment and a vendor representative was in to set up and demonstrate the machine. While preparing for the training, the vendor…
Read MoreBoston Globe: MBTA operators’ union objects to strict cellphone policy
By Martin Finucane | Boston Globe | June 18, 2014 A bus crash last month left an MBTA bus dangling over the Massachusetts Turnpike in Newton. The union that represents MBTA train and bus operators is objecting to state a tough new policy against cellphone possession by operators issued by state officials. The Boston Carmen’s…
Read MoreStatement on the New MBTA Cellphone Policy
The Boston Carmen’s Union ATU Local 589 shares the desire to keep bus transportation as safe as possible for riders and employees alike. However, our Union is deeply disturbed by MBTA management’s decision to turn bargained policy on its head, determining that all bus and transportation workers are guilty until proven innocent and declaring management…
Read MoreWhat’s With All the People Spitting on MBTA Bus Drivers?
Boston Globe | Roberto Scalese | June 11, 2014 Can we stop? Please? The MBTA Transit Police published a photo of a woman they believe spat on a bus driver on June 4. According to a Transit Police statement, the woman and driver got into an argument over the fare at Ashmont station. Anyone with…
Read MoreIncrease in Minimum Dues Per Capita Tax
Under section 18 of the CONSTITUTION AND GENERAL LAWS, the per capita tax and minimum dues rate for all active members must be adjusted each July based upon the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W, 1982-84=100) published by the U.S. Department of Labor. Dues will increases in the amount of $1.50 on…
Read More589 Members Recognized for Volunteer Service
Local 589 members who volunteered their time for the wakes and funerals of two Boston Fire Fighters, a Boston Police Gang Unit officer and a Plymouth Police Officer were honored on June 3rd at a special recognition ceremony. The event, attended by the Local 589 Executive Board, MBTA officials and Police and Fire Department leadership…
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