Over the past year as COVID-19 raged across Massachusetts and our state’s infection rates were among the nation’s highest, MBTA workers showed just how essential we are. You courageously worked day after day to ensure that the Commonwealth’s transportation system kept operating.

You did so even when there was a lack of PPE being provided. Your sacrifice allowed other frontline and essential workers to get to their jobs and kept the state’s economy afloat. In January, COVID-19 infections among MBTA employees reached a record high, even as overall COVID-19 numbers were trending downward. Despite the risk, MBTA staff weren’t eligible until Phase 2 (originally Phase 3!) of the state’s vaccination rollout for the COVID-19 vaccine.

To recognize those among us who have gone above and beyond during this time, we are collecting nominations of Carmen’s members. It could be someone who helped co-workers, or supported their community and neighborhood through this difficult time. Let’s celebrate the outstanding accomplishments and kindnesses we have all seen shine in the darkest of times!