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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Dear brothers and sisters, As you may have read in the newspaper or on social media, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Tufts Health Plan and Fallon Health, have been dropped by the state Group Insurance Commission (GIC). If you had your health insurance through these companies you will need to choose new insurance coverage by July 1. Your options, for…
A special meeting of the membership will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at 10:00 AM at the Boston Teachers Union Hall, 180 Mount Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA. The purpose of the special meeting will be to advise and inform the members of a possible ratification agreement over the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)…
We ask all our members who are working today to be safe and stay warm. Thank you for all you do to keep the MBTA and Massachusetts moving during inclement weather like this. Click here to see photos from the day.
Wishing all our riders, members and their families a happy and healthy 2018! Special shout out to our members who are working this New Years Eve. Thank you for your service and be safe out there. #MBTA #RidersFirst
Everyday, our members perform daily acts of kindness in the course of their work. Although the majority go unseen, one of our riders witnessed and tweeted about one today involving Charlestown Operator Emil Hovanesian, which caught the attention of WBZ-TV Assignment Editor Andrea Courtois. Click on the video below to learn how Emil stopped his…
Wishing all our members and their families, and our riders a merry Christmas and happy holidays. Special thank you to our members working today to keep our system open, safe, and reliable for our riders. Stay safe! #RidersFirst #MBTA
A wonderful evening was had by all who attended last night’s 4th Annual Boston Carmen’s Union Christmas Gala at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. “It was a great night,” said Peggy LaPaglia, Local 589’s vice president and organizer for the event. “On behalf of the executive board, we want to thank all our members, retirees,…