“The MBTA has spent a lot of energy attacking its own employees, but if you ask riders if their experience is better, if their commutes are better, you will hear a resounding ‘no.’ If the Baker Administration is serious about improving the MBTA it needs to make real investments in the system’s infrastructure– vehicles of…
U.S. Sen. Edward Markey joins MBTA mechanics at an anti-privatization rally and press conference this Monday (8/14) to support public transit workers who worry Gov. Charlie Baker could privatize their jobs. The event starts at 11:45 a.m. at MBTA Lynn Maintenance Facility (985 Western Ave., Lynn, MA). The event is organized by INVEST NOW, a…
Today, CBS Boston and the Boston Herald reported that two employees for a contractor that provides customer service at MBTA stations were fired after they got into a confrontation yesterday with a blind man. According to reports, the man was “physically obstructed from entering the platform” when he tried to follow other riders through the…
Yesterday, Local 589’s execuitve board and members were proud to stand with our brothers and sisters from IAM Local 264 Boston at two rallies against further privatization of our public transportation system. The first rally was in the morning outside of the Transportation Building. The second was at the Lynn Garage. We appreciate the shout out…
Please join our union brothers and sisters of IAM Local 264 Boston for a rally against privatization of the MBTA this Tuesday (8/7) @ 8:00 a.m. outside the Transportation Building (10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA). All Local 589 retirees and members (who are not working) should attend. #solidarity #please_share
Jimmy O’Brien, Boston Carmen’s Union FMCB Testimony July 31, 2017 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. Last year, the Carmen’s Union fought against privatization to save our jobs and do what we think is in the best interest of…
Please join our union brothers and sisters of IAM Local 264 Boston for a rally against privatization of the MBTA this Monday (7/31) @ 10:30 a.m. outside the Transportation Building (10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA). All Local 589 retirees and members (who are not working) should attend.
Item Live | Thomas Grillo | July 24, 2017 LYNN — The Boston Carmen’s Union honored a passenger who intervened when a knife-wielding passenger stabbed an MBTA bus driver. Charles Rozopoulos was treated to a pizza party and awarded a black union jacket by the union Monday, the same one worn by T drivers.…
Boston Globe | By Adam Vaccaro | July 21, 2017 Under fire for lackluster performance and secretive practices, officials managing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority pension fund said its investment returns have improved considerably in the last year. Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, whose members have three of the pension fund’s board seats, released figures…
Boston Globe | By Adam Vaccaro | July 15, 2017 The MBTA is America’s oldest subway system, and Tim Murphy wants his passengers to know about it. Murphy, a Green Line operator and history buff, has built a niche by using his trolley’s public address system to offer MBTA and Boston history to riders. He…
Boston Globe | By Adam Vaccaro | July 15, 2017 So much for labor peace. Just seven months after the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and its largest union reached a new labor contract, the two sides are again at loggerheads. Tensions flared last week over terms of the new agreement, when the union blocked management’s…
All MBTA employees still on the old payroll system will receive their last check tomorrow (7/12/17). If you requested an advance, you will get a check next Friday (7/21/17). The first biweekly paycheck from the new system will be issued on 7/28/17. For your convenience, attached is the Commonwealth pay calendar. If you have any…
Boston Globe | July 10, 2017 The Boston Carmen’s Union has proved that we want to be a part of the solution at the MBTA. As the drivers, operators, and repairers of the buses, trolleys, and tracks, we know firsthand that the system needs significant investments. But you can’t fix the MBTA by cutting employees…
Boston Globe | By Adam Vaccaro | June 26, 2017 Future MBTA retirees would receive reduced pension payments and would have to work longer to earn the maximum benefit under a proposal to be unveiled at the transit authority’s board meeting Monday. James O’Brien, president of the Boston Carmen’s Union, Local 589, which negotiates the pension…