President’s Report
A Message from President Jim Evers
Brothers and Sisters,
The weather is getting warmer and I am looking forward to longer days and more sunshine. Thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout the cold winter months.
I am happy to highlight a busy season already, but first I’d like to say thank you to Senator Marc Pacheco who recently announced his retirement from public service. Senator Pacheco has always been a supportive friend to labor and an advocate for workers and communities. A few photos from his recent retirement event can be found on page 4.
In the same vein, Carmen’s Local 589 is proud to endorse Mayor Michelle Wu for reelection. Mayor Wu is RIGHT for the City of Boston. We value her leadership, her commitment to working families, and her strategic mindset to take care of the people of Boston. See page 5 for more!
National Transportation Week was celebrated May 11–17, 2025 and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our members for all that you do to keep our communities moving. A great example of improvements on the way for transit professionals is the construction of the new Quincy Bus Garage. I was happy to attend the topping off ceremony with the Executive Board—the final beam is now in place! Flip to page 8 to see photos.
Thank all those who participated in this year's Stamp Out the Hunger Food Drive. Your donations are greatly appreciated.
I would also like to thank everyone who kept our city moving this Patriots Day! There were many events happening in and around Boston—flip to page 10 to see some highlights from the day.
The executive board remains devoted to supporting our members through advocacy and legislative action. We welcome you to attend our monthly membership meetings to get the latest news and updates. Please share your voice and stay connected. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support!
In solidarity, Jim Evers President
Thank You, Marc Pacheco
Senator Marc Pacheco announced his retirement after nearly 50 years of public service. Senator Pacheco has always been a fierce advocate for labor and a great partner to Carmen’s Union Local 589. The Taxpayer Protection Act, more commonly known as the “Pacheco Law,” put up guardrails to protect against corrupt or inappropriate outsourcing of public employee work, required fair pay and standards for workers, and required transparency and accountability on government contracts. From protecting workers to saving taxpayer money, Senator Pacheco’s diligence and commitment has made him a great leader on Beacon Hill. After representing the people of Taunton, Raynham and surrounding communities for decades, we wish the senator all the best in retirement.
Michelle Wu for Mayor
Mayor Michelle Wu is RIGHT for the City of Boston and that’s why Carmen’s Union Local 589 has proudly endorsed her for reelection. As City Council President, Michelle Wu stood with us during the Baker Administration's efforts to privatize our work in 2015. In 2020, she stood with us again to prevent service cuts on the Mission Hill Streetcar and bus routes 43 and 55. She worked alongside us to secure Covid-era relief funding and, as mayor, she has championed transit infrastructure projects to improve our workplace and the communities we serve. Mayor Wu’s unwavering commitment to the people of Boston is exactly what this city needs. We look forward to a strong campaign, and an even stronger Boston because of Mayor Wu’s efforts!
Carmen's Local 589 members with Mayor Michelle Wu kicking off her re-election campaign.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Assistant Secretary Karen Maxwell at the 2025 re-election kickoff event.
Mayor Wu greeting (now-retired) Streetcar Motorperson Rose Rhodes on the opening day of the Green Line extension.
Mayor Michelle Wu speaking to the gathered crowd to kick off her re-election campaign this Spring 2025.
City Council President Michelle Wu speaking at a Carmen's Union anti-privatization rally in October 2015.
Mayor Wu and Delegate Scott Page at the Mission Hill Christmas Tree lighting in 2024.
City Councilor At-Large Michelle Wu at a Public Transit Public Good rally in November 2020 seeking to avoid transit cuts and obtain increased funding.
National Transportation Week
We proudly celebrated National Transportation Week from May 11–17, 2025! Carmen’s Union Local 589 proudly represents over 6,000 transit professionals, including operators and maintenance employees. Thank you for providing excellent service to Boston and its surrounding communities each and every day.
Quincy Bus Garage
The new Quincy Bus Garage is coming along and slated to open in 2027. Our E-Board was proud to attend the recent topping off ceremony where they signed the beam, solidifying the inclusion of Carmen's Local 589 in the very foundation of the new facility. We are looking forward to opening this new facility to provide better service to T riders and better support to transit operators. Congratulations to all—keep up the great work!
Protect our Members with House Bill 1877
At a recent hearing before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on the Judiciary regarding House Bill 1877, two of our members had the courage to share their stories of being assaulted on the job. Thank you to York Makonnen and Patty Hardy for speaking up on behalf of your fellow members. The bill, sponsored by Representative Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr., aims to protect public transit workers by targeting verbal and physical assaults of public transportation workers and expand the definition of assault to include the discharge of fluids or bodily substances, covering saliva, urine and more.
We encourage you to watch the hearing video by scanning the QR code and write to your state representatives asking them to support House Bill 1877. We need stronger protections for public transit professionals—you deserve to be safe. The Senate is developing a similar bill, sponsored by Senators Nick Collins and Bruce E. Tarr. Please keep an eye out for updates on the Senate Bill number so that you can share your voice with your state senators as well.
SHOCKING STATISTICS:
• 600+ assaults and batteries on MBTA staff in 2024
• ~75% verbal assaults
• 72 physical attacks
• 33 assaults with weapons
• 38 assaults with bodily fluid or beverage
*Note: These figures account for reported incidents only; many go unreported.
SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE HEARING FOR HOUSE BILL 1877.
Spotlight on the Green Line
The green line was rolling this Patriots Day! With runners hitting the streets for the 129th Boston Marathon, Fenway Park in full swing for a home game, and Revolution 250 events across the line, it was a BUSY day for our members. As usual for Patriots Day, ridership was at its highest! Thanks to our professional transit operators and maintenance workers, residents and visitors made their way across the city and back again successfully!
50-Year Members
Robert E. Breslin
Michael T. Carnevale
John C. Fornaro
John F. MacPherson
Paul R. O'Donnell
Retirees
Robert W. Armstead
Rhiannon M. Bernier
Manuel A. Brando
Erica R. Coleman Barnes
Jeffrey R. Craig
William A. Doucette
Abebe Elias
William T. Gallant
In Memoriam
Edward J. Arico
Steven Cochrane
James C. Crowley
George Descoteaux
Richard D. Donoghue
Thomas F. Faulkner
Rory Patrick Holmes
Richard O. Jarrett
Stephen J. Kyne
Robert F. O'Sullivan, Jr.
Pasquale J. Puleo
Edward F. Sheckleton
William J. Sweeney
Kevin L. Vautour
Gigi Greer
Wanda E. Payne
Stephen L. Robinson
Marie F. Simplice-Guerrier
Herman L. Weathersby
William J. White
Bonita C. White
Michael L. McLaughlin
Edward L. McNair
Richard M. Phillips
Joseph R. Puliafico
Donald N. Richardson
Richard Titilah
Paul R. Tracey
Lynda M. Vargus
