Employee retention at heart of new labor deal for largest union at MBTA

The four-year agreement between ATU Local 589 and MBTA seeks to bolster MBTA workforce numbers

BOSTON, MA: Governor Maura Healey, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) officials, MBTA officials, and members of Boston Carmen’s ATU Local 589 will host a press availability on Wednesday to formally announce a new labor agreement aimed at improving frontline employee retention at the MBTA. The landmark deal signals increased efforts by the administration to ensure the authority retains experienced and trained workers with the larger goals of shoring up MBTA workforce numbers and ensuring the availability of quality service for all riders.

The four-year agreement includes overall wage increases and longevity bonuses to help retain workers plus select targeted increases aimed at hard-to-fill positions such as welders and overnight shifts. The deal also sets a framework to improve employee restroom access, expand bereavement leave to include domestic partners, and clarifies language around rider assault, an increasing problem for the workforce.

Additionally, the contract memorializes a range of recruitment incentives, including signing bonuses, previously offered by the MBTA. This new contract follows a prior side letter that allows bus operators to be hired full-time rather than part-time.

The union has praised the approach of the new administration in its efforts to listen to frontline workers and put a strong focus on improving the MBTA after years of austerity measures.

Who:

• Governor Maura Healey
• Gina Fiandaca, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO
• James “Jim” Evers, Boston Carmen’s ATU Local 589 President
• Phillip Eng, General Manager of MBTA
• Alix Gaston, Boston Carmen’s ATU Local 589 worker

Where:  MBTA Cabot Yard (275 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127)

When: Wednesday, August 2, media arrival at 9:30 AM.; speaking program begins at 9:45 AM

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Contact on behalf of Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589: Christine Lamitina, 617-599-9370