Posts by Local589 Admin
Working People’s Day of Action
Yesterday, the executive board and members of Local 589 joined the Mass. AFL-CIO, elected leaders (Mayor Walsh, Sen. Warren, etc.), and other labor unions for a day of action to demand that working people’s freedom to join together is respected. Click here to read press coverage from the event.
Read MoreMonday (2/26) is the Working People’s Day of Action
Dear Brothers and Sisters, All Local 589 members (who are not working) and retirees are encouraged to join the executive board, Mass. AFL-CIO, elected leaders, and brothers and sisters from other unions on Monday, Feb. 26 at 12-noon at the Boston Firehouse (125 Purchase St, Boston, MA) for a national day of action as we speak out…
Read MoreSelectman Bezanson Endorsed for State Representative
It is with great pleasure that the executive board and membership of the Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 announce the endorsement of Alex Bezanson for State Representative for the 7th Plymouth District. We urge all our members and their families in the 7th Plymouth District to support Alex’s candidacy. Click here to learn more about…
Read MoreCongrats IAM Local 264!
Earlier this week, Commonwealth Magazine reported that the MBTA abandoned efforts to privatize bus repair work at three garages after IAM Local 264 agreed to wage and work rule concessions that will save the authority $4.1 million a year, an amount that was well below the original estimates of savings with privatization. According to the article,…
Read MoreExecutive Board Endorses Rep. Nick Collins for State Senate
At it’s most recent meeting, the Executive Board of the Boston Carmen’s Union, Local 589 voted to endorse State Rep. Nick Collins in his run for the Massachusetts State Senate First Suffolk. Throughout his career, Nick has proven to be a good friend to organized labor and we appreciate his willingness to strongly advocate…
Read MoreGIC Votes 12-2 To Undo Health Plan Consolidation
State House News Service | By Andy Metzger | February 01, 2018 Upending a controversial move to cut three carriers from the health insurance menu available to public employees, the Group Insurance Commission voted as forecast on Thursday to reconsider its Jan. 18 vote. The board two weeks ago voted 8-5 with two abstentions to…
Read MoreGIC chief takes responsibility for “confusion and havoc”
Worcester Business Journal | January 31, 2018 After a fierce wave of backlash to its move to limit the health plan offerings for state employees, the Group Insurance Commission’s executive director told lawmakers Wednesday she accepts accountability for the events that transpired. “Though unintended, I now understand full well the concern, confusion and havoc that…
Read MoreGIC Reconsiders Vote, But We Need to Keep the Pressure On
At last week’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) hearing, President O’Brien and the executive board vocalized the concerns of the membership and criticized the GIC for dropping Tufts Health Plan, Fallon, and Harvard Pilgrim from their list of insurance carriers. Thanks to all those who responded to our requests to reach out to the GIC, Governor’s office, and…
Read MorePresident O’Brien’s Testimony at GIC Hearing (1/25/18)
My name is James O’Brien, I am the President of the Boston Carmen’s Union, representing over 4,100 hardworking members of the MBTA who drive and maintain the MBTA’s buses, trolleys and tracks. Chances are, a lot of the people in this room got here today thanks to our members. I also stand here on behalf…
Read MoreLet’s Make Sure the GIC Hears Us!
Dear brothers and sisters, The backlash against the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) and its decision to reduce the number of health plans offered to state workers and retirees has been steadily growing, with more key lawmakers and the Attorney General speaking up Tuesday against the move. However, we need to keep up the pressure on the GIC and…
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