Posts by Local589 Admin
Somerville man sentenced to jail for harassing MBTA employee
Boston Globe | December 27, 2013 | By Brock Parker A Somerville man has been sentenced to jail after he pleaded guilty to harassment of an MBTA employee and violating an injunction prohibiting him from threatening any person because of his or her race. Joseph Balistreri, 39, pleaded guilty Friday in Suffolk Superior Court to…
Read MoreEastie man kicked in bus window
Boston Herald | Sunday, December 22, 2013 | By Colneth Smiley Jr. An East Boston man who threw a tantrum because he couldn’t board a crowded MBTA bus at Maverick Square Station was arrested after kicking in a bus window and later kicking a transit officer in the leg, police said. Thomas Caruso, 55, is…
Read MoreArbitration Award Confirmed
Dear brother and sisters, Judge Janet Sanders determined today that the arbitration award of Sarah Kerr Garraty was lawful, and is final and binding on the MBTA and Local 589 (the Carmen’s Union). The opinion is very thorough and carefully written. Although the Authority can appeal this decision, we are hopeful that they will not…
Read MoreSwearing In Ceremony & Annual Holiday Party
Although the weather did not cooperate, a good time was had by all that were able to attend the swearing in ceremony and the annual holiday party that occurred immediately afterwards. Click here to see all the photos from both events.
Read MoreMembership Alert: Today’s Court Proceedings
Dear brothers and sisters, As you know, we were back in court today regarding the arbitration award. Judge Troy, who was originally assigned our case, is retiring soon and asked Judge Sanders to take over. Thankfully, Judge Sanders had read every word of every pleading and understood the issues well. She had sharp questions for…
Read MoreStatement by The Boston Carmen’s Union ATU Local 589
The incident in Revere last night is under an on-going investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney, State Police, and MBTA Police. While the facts are still being determined it would be inappropriate for Local 589 to comment. The bus operator is emotionally distraught and unavailable for comment. Our Union’s thoughts and prayers are with the family of…
Read MoreAttention Membership: GIC Enrollment
Dear members, The MBTA informed the union today that, due to the delay in court proceedings, they will not be transferring our benefits to the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) effective January 1, 2014. This means all our current MBTA benefits will remain in effect until further notice. We will continue to keep you updated on…
Read MoreAll drivers must fill out an CDL Self-Certification Form
Dear members, Everyone who wishes to obtain or who currently holds a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will need to inform the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) of the type of commerce they plan to operate within (interstate or intrastate) and whether or not they are required to hold a medical certificate. This notification is…
Read MoreFinal Election Results
Congratulations to all candidates – win or lose – who were on the final ballot. Our local is best served when our members take an active role so thank you to all members who participated in yesterday’s election. Click here to see the results. For your convenience, the following is a breakdown of the voting machines: Machine…
Read MorePolitics as Unusual: Connolly’s law firm and its eviction case
Jamaica Plain Gazette | By Chris Faraone | October 28, 2013 Over the past several months and particularly since the preliminary election, we’ve heard countless tales about the company and characters surrounding state rep. and mayoral hopeful Marty Walsh. The broad stroke is that he rolls with greedy union hacks and old-timers, Dot Ave. ruffians…
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