Posts by Local589 Admin
New poll shows Marty Walsh leading race for Mayor of Boston
The results of a new UMass Poll released today by the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows state Rep. Martin J. Walsh with a seven-point lead over Boston City Councilor at Large John R. Connolly among registered Boston voters in advance of the Boston mayoral election on Nov. 5. The UMass Poll confirms that voter support…
Read MoreLabor is right to note that privatization won’t solve T’s woes
The following letter written by President James O’Brien to the editor of the Boston Globe appeared in today’s paper: LETTERS Labor is right to note that privatization won’t solve T’s woes September 28, 2015 In Joan Vennochi’s Sept. 13 column (“Labor leaders’ hot rhetoric has grown cold”), organized labor is criticized for attacking the Pioneer…
Read MoreMBTA moves toward privatizing some bus routes
Boston Globe | By Nicole Dungca | August 20, 2015 The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is exploring the privatization of more than two dozen bus routes, a move that the president of the T’s largest union says amounts to a “betrayal” from Governor Charlie Baker’s administration. James O’Brien, the president of the Boston Carmen’s Union, said…
Read MoreRecap of Last Night’s Union Meeting (8/18/15)
Dear brothers and sisters, As you may have heard, last night’s regular meeting of the membership was standing room only (click here to see more photos). President O’Brien went over the recent legislative and privatization update, and then informed the membership of a meeting with the new MBTA chief administrator, Brian Shortsleeve, who is a…
Read MoreLegislative & Privatization Update
Dear members, Effective July 7, 2015, Governor Baker signed a $38 billion dollar budget in law, which included the relaxation of the Taxpayer Protection Act (TPA), otherwise known as the Pacheco Law, for three years. For those who were not able to attend our most recent membership meeting on Thursday, July 21, 2015, below is…
Read More2022 Political Endorsements
Below is a list of pro-union candidates Local 589 has endorsed. All members, retirees, and their families are encouraged to support these candidates in their upcoming elections. If you are unsure where to vote, click here. General Court: Alex Bezanson, Plymouth County Commissioner Chris lannella, Governors Council Diana DiZoglio, Auditor Kevin Hayden, Suffolk County District Attorney…
Read MoreDerailment Avoided Thanks to Quick-Thinking Operators
This past Sunday, streetcar motorperson Rhea DeSilva noticed something unusual about the tracks at Packard’s Corner as she made her way westbound towards BC. She attempted to get a hold of her dispatcher, but noticed an oncoming train on the eastbound track. Fearing the worst, she flagged down the other train and informed its operator…
Read MoreT Driver Saves Woman’s Life
Boston Globe | By Sarah Roberts | August 12, 2015 Quick thinking and bold action were all in a day’s work for one MBTA bus driver who steered his bus into a car to slow it down and call for help when he saw that the driver was unconscious, MBTA Transit Police said. Paul Healy, 58,…
Read MoreMBTA Bus Driver Treats Passengers At West Roxbury Lemonade Stand
WBZ-TV | By Julie Loncich | July 17, 2015 BOSTON (CBS) – Four neighborhood kids got the thrill of their summer, thanks to a MBTA bus driver and his willing passengers. John Lohan was in mid-route on Centre Street in West Roxbury Thursday when he decided to stop. “I said if anyone is in a…
Read MoreUnions sensing budget betrayal by House Top Democrats could be target for challenge
Boston Globe | By Jim O’Sullivan | July 17, 2015 AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman spoke at an MBTA union workers rally at the State House in May. Labor unions, stung by legislative maneuvering to ease privatization at the MBTA, are targeting top House Democrats, meeting privately to strategize, and discussing the possibility of running more pro-union candidates…
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