Posts by Local589 Admin
MBTA pays $1M for advice on privatization savings
Boston Herald | Matt Stout | Tuesday, October 18, 2016 The MBTA is quietly paying nearly $1 million to a consultant to “assess the options” for outsourcing jobs and services throughout the cash-strapped transit agency, the Herald has learned — further fanning the flames in a public feud between Gov. Charlie Baker and unions intent…
Read MoreUnion: T overstates privatization savings
Commonwealth Magazine | By Bruce Mohl | Oct 17, 2016 THE UNION REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES in the MBTA’s cash collection and counting operation said on Monday that privatization of the work will yield savings of $330,000 in the first year, not the $5.4 million claimed by T officials. Patrick Hogan of the Boston Carmen’s Union told…
Read MoreSchedule Change for Monday’s Rally (10/17) At Cabot
Dear Local 589 Members, The time on the calendar for Monday’s rally (10/17) at the MBTA Cabot Bus Garage is incorrect. The rally will be starting at 6am and running to 9am. Also, the afternoon rally at the same location from 3-6pm has been canceled. If you have any questions, please call the union office.…
Read MoreUnion Officials And Elected Democrats Rally Against MBTA Privatization
State House News Service | By Andy Metzger | October 12, 2016 Filling the air outside Faneuil Hall on Wednesday with charged rhetoric about corporations profiting off government work, union officials and elected Democrats railed against privatization at the MBTA without charting a clear course for stopping those moves anytime soon. “I’m not happy with…
Read MoreUpdate on the Injunction Status
Dear Local 589 Member, In our 13c arbitration, the MBTA argued that the arbitrator does not have authority regarding a temporary restraining order (TRO) resulting in us having to go to court to seek an injunction for the TRO. However, in subsequent court proceedings, the MBTA attorneys reversed their position and made the argument that…
Read MoreAction on the Money Room
Brothers and Sisters, By now, most of you have already seen the news. The MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board rushed a decision to privatize today, taking a 4-0 vote to allow Acting General Manager Brian Shortsleeve to enter into contract negotiations with Brink’s to take over Money Room operations. It is clear that this…
Read MoreWe’re Not Backing Down From This Fight!
Brothers and Sisters, Seven members of the Executive Board were arrested this morning as they blocked the Money Room trucks from trying to leave. President Jimmy O’Brien; Assistant Secretary Joe Cerbone; Allen Lee, Delegate, Division 1; Larry Kelly, Delegate, RTL/AFC; Patrick Hogan, Delegate, Division 3; Mike Keller, Delegate, Equipment Maintenance; and John Hunt, Delegate, Engineering…
Read MoreStatement: Boston Carmen’s Union Pickets, Shuts Down MBTA Money Room
The Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, facing a vote to privatize their work at the MBTA Money Room today, took a stand against the outsourcing of their work to a private company. Members of the Executive Board, joined by fellow MBTA Union leaders and members, formed a picket line at the Money Room in Charlestown,…
Read MoreMedia Coverage: Local 589 Fights Moves to Privatize Money Room
Below is some recent media coverage as Local 589 fights against the MBTA’s move to privatize the money room. Union promises fight as MBTA moves to privatize cash-counting jobs Boston Globe | By Nicole Dungca | October 5, 2016 The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is poised to privatize dozens of jobs in its cash-counting…
Read MoreGov. Baker Says Operator Did Not Follow Protocol During Orange Line Emergency
CBS | October 27, 2016 6:05 PM BOSTON (CBS) – There are new questions about the safety of the MBTA after passengers kicked out windows to escape a smoky Orange Line train Wednesday afternoon. Governor Charlie Baker says it was more chaotic because of what the operator did but union members say he is a…
Read More