Announcement
Winter Video Message With Updates for Members!
As we move forward into the new year, I am pleased to share a video with updates on negotiations, the pandemic, fighting the MBTA reductions, and most importantly, a message of appreciation from the Executive Board. Over the past couple of months, our union actively fought against the MBTA service cuts, began contract negotiations, and…
Read MoreVacation Relief Update
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Earlier this morning, we were notified by the MBTA about a system error in the BidWeb software. This glitch prevented the system from distributing VR picks to those who had cutoff times at 5am this morning, as well as a 5pm distribution at Bennett last night. In the afternoon, the MBTA…
Read MoreNomination of General Officers / Executive
Dear Board Members and Barn Captains, Section 30: “A member to be nominated for any office in this Local Union must be present “at the Union Office” unless such member be confined through illness to her or his home or hospital or out of town on legitimate business. No member shall be a candidate for more…
Read MoreSchedule Change for Monday’s Rally (10/17) At Cabot
Dear Local 589 Members, The time on the calendar for Monday’s rally (10/17) at the MBTA Cabot Bus Garage is incorrect. The rally will be starting at 6am and running to 9am. Also, the afternoon rally at the same location from 3-6pm has been canceled. If you have any questions, please call the union office.…
Read MoreUpdate on the Injunction Status
Dear Local 589 Member, In our 13c arbitration, the MBTA argued that the arbitrator does not have authority regarding a temporary restraining order (TRO) resulting in us having to go to court to seek an injunction for the TRO. However, in subsequent court proceedings, the MBTA attorneys reversed their position and made the argument that…
Read MoreAction on the Money Room
Brothers and Sisters, By now, most of you have already seen the news. The MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board rushed a decision to privatize today, taking a 4-0 vote to allow Acting General Manager Brian Shortsleeve to enter into contract negotiations with Brink’s to take over Money Room operations. It is clear that this…
Read MoreWe’re Not Backing Down From This Fight!
Brothers and Sisters, Seven members of the Executive Board were arrested this morning as they blocked the Money Room trucks from trying to leave. President Jimmy O’Brien; Assistant Secretary Joe Cerbone; Allen Lee, Delegate, Division 1; Larry Kelly, Delegate, RTL/AFC; Patrick Hogan, Delegate, Division 3; Mike Keller, Delegate, Equipment Maintenance; and John Hunt, Delegate, Engineering…
Read MoreHelp MBTA Transit Police ID This Person Of Interest For Assault On MBTA Employee
If you know the whereabouts or identity of this individual please contact the MBTA Transit Police’s Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. The subject depicted within is wanted for questioning relative to an assault and battery on an MBTA employee on board a bus at the intersection of Talbot Avenue and Colonial Avenue in Dorchester on…
Read MoreTestimony from Yesterday’s (7/11) Fiscal and Management Control Board
Yesterday, Boston Carmen’s Union President, Jimmy O’Brien, provided testimony to the Fiscal and Management Control Board in response to a recent audit of the Money Room and in opposition to privatization efforts. His testimony is below. ———- Good Afternoon. My name is James O’Brien, I am the President of the Boston Carmen’s Union, representing over…
Read MorePress coverage of our proposal
Yesterday, Local 589’s chief negotiator and economist, Tom Roth, and President Jimmy O’Brien, presented an offer to the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board that would extend our contract for two years and save the MBTA $24 million. Below is some of the press coverage our proposal is receiving. MBTA union may agree to wage cuts for…
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