Rep. Nick Collins and Local 589 President / Business Agent John Lee

Boston Carmen’s Union President John Lee was making the rounds at the State House today to push for legislation to restore health care collective bargaining rights for Local 589 members.

President Lee was talking with Representatives and Senators about House Bill 3412 and House Docket 3199.

Brother Lee explained that under the current law MBTA management is refusing to bargain over benefits such as life insurance, short term and long term disability insurance, safety related programs, counseling and other programs they claim are potentially provided under the Group Insurance Commission or GIC.

President Lee also noted that the US Department of Labor is reviewing funding for federally sponsored transportation projects because of unintended consequences of Transportation Reform.