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…

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…

Dear Members and Allies,  Getting by is harder than ever during the pandemic — and so is getting around. Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito are making it harder. They have supported moves to slash the MBTA, and even vetoed a bill that would have helped low-income people afford to ride transit.    Stand with us to support public…

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Over the past few years, there has been an increase in assaults on Local 589 members, but no law in place to punish the perpetrators. Working with our lobbyist, Local 589’s Executive Board drafted legislation, HD.2574 (An Act relative to the offense of assault and battery upon a transit worker), to create a…

Boston Globe | By The Editorial Board | February 16, 2021 Just because every day seems like Groundhog Day, because most of our lives seem stuck in a pandemic-generated limbo, is no reason not to plan for the future — to think ahead. That’s what leaders are supposed to do. Last week, the state Senate…

Lowell Sun | By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | February 11, 2021 The governor’s recent decision to veto desperately needed transportation legislation was the wrong choice, and one that will slow our efforts to recover from the pandemic. And while lawmakers will need to refile legislation to move these essential transit policies forward, we are…

Commonwealth Magazine | Katie Murphy and Karen Y. Chen | Feb 9, 2021 LAST FALL, when the MBTA announced it was planning deep cuts to bus, train, ferry ,and commuter rail service, the opposition was swift and virtually unanimous.  Riders, workers, elected officials, and employers raised the alarm that T cuts would make it harder for essential workers to get to their…

The ATU is sad to report retired International Vice President Richard C. Branson passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, in Arizona. “We send our deep felt condolences to the family of retired International Vice President Richard Branson and his sisters and brothers of Boston Carmen’s Union, Local 589,” said ATU International President John…

Dear Brothers and Sisters, As you may know, the Authority is ramping up efforts to begin COVID-19 vaccinations of our workforce through the MBTA’s Occupational Health Services.  Information on these efforts has been sent to employees through email and phone message, and posted on the Authority’s website.  If you did not see it, the information…

The Boston Carmen’s Union, Local 589 congratulates our friend Mayor Marty Walsh on being nominated by President Joe Biden to head the U.S. Department of Labor. As the first union member to serve in the role in nearly 50 years, we know you are going to do great things for workers and working families across…

Commonwealth Magazine | Bruce Mohl | Dec 14, 2020 THE MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board approved a series of scaled-back service cuts on Monday and then, in an apparent swipe at Beacon Hill, voted not to raise fares on bus and subway riders until service hours and ridership on those transportation modes return to pre-COVID levels.…

Dear Brothers and Sisters, It has been great seeing many of you at our e-board visits around the system. As always, thank you for sharing your thoughts, questions, and concerns with me and the other members of the executive board. Two issues that I have received many questions about are the spring pick money we…