Archive for December 2015
Michael Dukakis encourages Charlie Baker to take a ride
Boston Herald | By Matt Stout | December 23, 2015 Michael Dukakis — who as a sweater-clad governor led the state and the MBTA through the historic Blizzard of 1978 — is offering a range of tips to Gov. Charlie Baker on how to cure the ailing transit agency’s woes, from getting strong leadership and…
Read MoreThe T’s haves and have-nots
Boston Globe | By Joan Vennochi December 17, 2015 TO FIX ITS aging infrastructure, the MBTA estimates it needs $7 billion. At the same time, the transit agency faces a $242 million deficit in next year’s operating budget. With an unbalanced balance sheet like that, every saved penny helps, right? But when those savings come via service…
Read MoreSpecial Assessment for Privatization Fight
We have received several calls about the $5 dollar special assessment to help fund our privatization fight (i.e., legal fees, pamphlets, etc.). It started on October 2nd and will continue until further notice. For questions, please contact the union hall.
Read MorePhotos: Local 589’s 2nd Annual Christmas Gala
An amazing time was had by the over 800 people that attended Local 589’s 2nd Annual Christmas Gala at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. “It was a great night,” said Jimmy O’Brien, Local 589’s president. “On behalf of the executive board, we want to thank all our members, retirees, and friends who helped to make…
Read MoreLast Day to Purchase Christmas Gala Tickets Is Monday (12/14)
The last day to purchase tickets ($30 each) for Local 589’s 2nd Annual Christmas Gala is this Monday, Dec. 12, 2015, at 5pm. They can be purchased either by stopping by the union hall (295 Devonshire Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA) or calling 617-542-8212. This year’s gala is taking place at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park…
Read MoreRed Line trains once had two workers aboard
Boston Globe | By Matt Rocheleau and Steve Annear | December 10, 2015 The head of the MBTA’s largest labor union said that Thursday’s runaway Red Line train incident could have been stopped sooner if the MBTA had two workers aboard — as the agency did until a few years ago — instead of just…
Read MoreCarmen’s Union Statement on Today’s Red Line Incident
Boston, MA – The Boston Carmen’s Union released the following statement on today’s Red Line incident: “We are extremely grateful that there were no serious injuries in today’s accident to either the employees we represent or the riding public, which we serve.” “Safety has always been the top priority of the Carmen’s Union. Creating extra…
Read MoreCutting Transit Service Doesn’t Save as Much Money as You Think
Frontier Group | By Tony Dutzik | 12/07/2015 Cuts to transit service are among the many options being considered by Gov. Charlie Baker’s Fiscal and Management Control Board as it attempts to restore the MBTA to fiscal and operational health. Late-night service, weekend commuter rail service, and service on up to 28 regular bus lines…
Read MoreA tale of two transit systems
James Aloisi | Commonwealth Magazine | Dec 7, 2015 Our future, Robert Kennedy once said, lies beyond our vision, but it is not completely beyond our control. This was an optimistic view of our ability to anticipate (rather than predict) the future, and act decisively upon it. Anticipating the future – understanding trends, changing paradigms…
Read MoreTransit advocates wary as T considers ways to save cash
By Nicole Dungca GLOBE STAFF DECEMBER 07, 2015 Public transportation advocates and union leaders are bracing for an array of cost-saving proposals from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority as it struggles to balance its budget. The MBTA is considering more than two dozen options to dig its way out of a shortfall, including hiking fares…
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