Media Nation | By Dan Kennedy | Nov. 20, 2015 I’ve tried to be optimistic about Gov. Charlie Baker’s management of the MBTA. But there are some ominous signs that he’s less interested in creating a world-class public transportation system than he is in reducing costs for his non-T-riding supporters. Three examples: As Boston Globe…
Boston Globe | By Nicole Dungca | November 19, 2015 Late-night MBTA service could soon be eliminated, as agency officials deem their experiment with extended hours unsuccessful and expensive to subsidize. As the fiscal control board that oversees MBTA finances looks for ways to dig out of a deficit, several board members appear ready to…
A potential disastrous situation onboard an MBTA bus was avoided Wednesday thanks to a quick-thinking driver and two Boston police officers. Around 12:30 p.m., the driver, Wilberto Colon—a 21-year veteran of the MBTA out of the Cabot Bus Garage—said the man came to front of the bus brandishing a hatchet and told him to stop…
On Tuesday, voters in the 2nd Plymouth & Bristol district overwhelmingly elected Democratic State Representative Mike Brady to the Massachusetts State Senate in the special election to replace the late Senator Tom Kennedy. Mike was one of Local 589’s endorsed candidates. “Throughout our campaign, I have been encouraged by the spirit and character of 2nd…
BC Heights | By Matthew BeDugnis | November 1, 2015 “Attention, this train is disabled and being taken out of service. There’s service right behind us.” These disturbingly common words came over the PA system on one of my daily trips down Commonwealth Ave. this week. What was uncommon, however, was the fatigue with which…
We are looking for members to volunteer their time on Election Day (11/3) to help Rep. Mike Brady who is seeking to succeed the late Sen. Tom Kennedy. If you can help, meet us at 7 a.m. on 11/3 at the Brockton FireFighters Union (80 Perkins Ave, Brockton, MA 02302). Any time you can volunteer…
Please join us on Saturday, December 19, 2015 for Local 589’s 2nd Annual Christmas Gala. Cocktail hour is from 6-7 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m. with entertainment and dancing to follow. This year’s gala is taking place at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116. If you would like to…
Tonight, members of Local 589 attended a fundraiser for Democratic Rep. Michael Brady who is one of the candidates looking to succeed the late Sen. Tom Kennedy. Apart from being a former Teamsters truck driver and long supporter of unions, Mike was the only representative out of 154 to oppose the three-year repeal of the…
Wednesday night, members of of the executive board along with Local 589 members, members of other MBTA unions, various community groups, and T riders joined together outside South Station, Downtown Crossing, and Park Street T stations to educate riders about the dangers of privatization. Over 10,000 pamphlets were handed out to riders to let them know…
MassInc Polling Group | October 14, 2015 The more the MBTA’s new control board digs into the issue of T absenteeism, the less consequential the problem looks to the agency’s bottom line. The latest MBTA report shows overtime costs due to absenteeism at $7 million a year, down from a previous estimate of $10 million.…
Rally to Keep “Public” Transportation “Public” and Stop Privatization WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 WHERE: South Station, Downtown Crossing and Park Street Stations TIME: 4-6 p.m. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! Please contact Joe Cerbone or John Clancy at the union hall (617-542-8212) so we can add your name to the list. If we are not available please have…
The regular meeting of the membership will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at the Boston Teachers Union Hall, 180 Mount Vernon St., Dorchester, MA (behind the State Police station near Columbia Rd. and Morrissey Blvd.) accessible by the Red Line. The regular order of business will be transacted. The morning session will start…
Boston Globe | By Evan Horowitz | October 14, 2015 When US companies earn profits abroad, they don’t have to pay taxes straightaway. They can hold on to that money, tax free, so long as they don’t use it for their US operations. This little loophole in US tax law gives companies a strong incentive to book…
Join Governor’s Councillor, Marilyn Petitto Devaney, for a public meeting this Thursday (Oct. 15) at 7 pm to discuss privatization and the loss of MBTA bus routes. The meeting is being held at the American Legion Hall Post #440 on 275 California Street in Newton, MA. Members of Local 589’s executive board will be in…
A.T.U. International Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for 2015-2016 scholarships. The scholarships are in remembrance of retired International Vice President Luther “Luke” E. Hall who passed away on April 28, 2015. This year, the program will consist of five scholarships each in the amount of $5000. In addition, a $2,000 scholarship may be awarded to…