Posts by Local589 Admin
400 Million Rides: MBTA Ridership Hit A Record High In 2014
WBUR | By ZENINJOR ENWEMEKA | March 10, 2015 BOSTON, MA—With increased rides on the subway, buses and the commuter rail, the MBTA had a record 400.8 million trips last year — putting the transit system in line with a nationwide trend in which more and more people are using public transportation. A new report…
Read MoreUS Bus Drivers Still Coping With Bathroom Access Issues
International Business Times | By Cole Stangler | March 1, 2015 One afternoon during the summer of 2000, her first year as a bus driver in Oregon’s Portland, Hope Okazaki had a troubling episode of gastrointestinal distress while on the job. She had just finished an almost two-hour tour through the east side of town, and…
Read MoreRemember & Honor
Today, we honor and remember the courageous men and women, including many ATU brothers and sisters, who gave their lives for our freedoms. #MemorialDay #HonorTheFallen #NeverForget
Read MorePrimary Election Day
Today is primary election day in Massachusetts, and the polls are open until 8 p.m. Don’t forget to vote! We encourage you to support the pro-union candidates endorsed by Local 589. Click here for a list of our endorsed candidates and to find your polling location.
Read MoreOpinion: MBTA only one part of a fragile transportation network
Opinion: Boston Globe | By Kristina Egan | FEBRUARY 27, 2015 The MBTA’s performance in the record snow and cold temperatures gives us a glimpse of a possible future — one in which our transportation system completely fails us. When the T shuts down, businesses and workers lose millions of dollars. The torturous driving commutes…
Read MoreTransit activists hopeful MBTA shut downs will spur investment in system
Sandra Larson | Bay State Banner | 2/25/2015 In the aftermath of the historic January and February snowstorms in Boston that led to transit shutdowns, stuck trains, borrowed shuttle buses and frustrating delays at frigid platforms, the MBTA announced it could be another 30 days before full service resumes on its rail lines. If the…
Read MoreThank You for Supporting Shuttle Work – Let’s Keep It Going!
This weekend, thanks to the efforts of Delegates Cora, Cruz, and the E-Board, Local 589 successfully covered a larger share of shuttle work for the Red Line diversion. A big thank you to everyone who stepped up to help—our riders and communities depend on you. To maintain this higher level of in-house shuttle coverage, please…
Read MoreEDITORIAL: Baker’s MBTA panel needs to provide fresh thinking, concrete steps
Boston Globe | By The Editorial Board | February 26, 2015 IT’S TEMPTING to dismiss the creation of yet another committee of experts to figure out what’s ailing the MBTA, given Beacon Hill’s willingness to ignore the findings of past blue-ribbon panels. But the latest MBTA advisory panel, assembled by Governor Charlie Baker, deserves a chance to…
Read MoreBeneath Your Feet: The Maintenance Crews That Keep The MBTA Running
WBUR | February 20, 2015 Gov. Charlie Baker announced Friday that he’s giving a special panel 30 days to come up with recommendations to fix the MBTA’s finances and operations. And for good reason. In the past couple of weeks, we’ve heard a lot about the failings of the MBTA — about systemic problems and…
Read MoreScholarship Opportunities are Available Now!
We are happy to announce that the 2024-2025 Massachusetts AFL-CIO scholarship program is NOW OPEN. Multiple awards are offered to high school students pursuing trade union programs or college/university study each year. Take a look at the eligibility requirements and other criteria here. Be sure to submit your application and register for the Labor History…
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