Carmen's Local 589 Summer 2021 Newsletter

LOCAL1 589

CARMEN’S QUARTERLY • SUMMER 2021

CARMEN’S QUARTERLY Summer 2021

In this Issue Tragedy in San Jose pg 4 Member Spotlight pg 5 IVP MacDougall Appointment pg 7

2

LOCAL 589 ATU

Table Of Contents

3

President’s Report

4

Tragedy in San Jose

5

Member Spotlight

6

Transit Driver Appreciation and June 15 and July 20 Membership Meeting Highlights

7

IVP MacDougall Appointment

8

Celebrating 50 Year Members

9

Legislative Goals and Action

10

Golf Tournament and In Memoriam

11

COVID Safety Reminder and Health and Welfare Update

12

Sign Up for the Local589 App

CARMEN’S QUARTERLY • SUMMER 2021

3

President’s Report A Message from President Jim Evers Dear Brothers and Sisters, While it's been a challenging year for drivers, operators, and all members — Local 589 members have shown up in ways that have separated us from the pack. We went to work each day in sun, snow, and under unimaginable stress.

These sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. While many other industries were cutting work and laying off staff, we worked with the MBTA to avoid any layoffs for our members. Recently new members have been added as hiring resumes and picks up speed. Moving forward, we will continue to fight in contract negotiations and the pension arbitration to ensure that every member is fairly compensated and protected.

As a Local, we've also fought hard in the legislative arena to protect our work from every angle — whether it's funding, representation on the FMCB, or increased penalties for assaults on drivers. Our work as part of a coalition of labor and community groups to campaign for a labor seat and a rider seat and the institution of a funded low-income fare program demonstrate our goals and commitment. These two items are just the start of our mission to build a sustainable transit system that works for all.

We're also looking forward to members reconnecting after a long year apart. Our first in-person membership meeting since the pandemic began took place on June 15, with a tremendous turnout. It was highly gratifying to see our

September and later in the fall. We have successfully pushed back in every way possible on policies that could have compromised our members' retirement security.

members reunite with one another after time apart, and we

Thanks to your hard work, we are able to accomplish much

will keep up that camaraderie in the coming months with

together, and we are always looking for more ways to support

a return to monthly in-person meetings. With members in

our membership. Remember to sign up for the Carmen's

mind, we will be introducing and supporting new initiatives

Union app, where you will get the latest updates, and can

to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, and also mental

submit any grievances to your delegate. Please continue

health among our membership. Stay tuned for more updates

showing up to our in-person membership meetings each

on training and member committees in the future, and don't

month to make your voice heard. Together, we can work

hesitate to reach out if you have any suggestions or would

towards a safe and just public transit system for all.

like to get involved.

In solidarity,

This fall, we are aiming to wrap up contract negotiations,

Jim Evers

protect our pensions, and advocate for increased workplace

President

protections. The pension arbitration dates have been set for

Boston Carmen's Union Local 589

4

LOCAL 589 ATU

Honoring Our Lost ATU 265 Members in San Jose Carmen’s Local 589 continues to honor the lives that were lost in the tragic mass shooting that occurred on May 27, 2021 at Valley Transportation Authority. After an especially difficult year for transit workers, our hearts go out to the victims and their families who suffered such an indescribable loss. We will forever remember the nine brothers who we lost in this tragedy.

Carmen’s Local 589 extends our prayers and condolences to all the victims of the San Jose ATU shooting: Paul Delacruz Megia, Taptejdeep Singh, Adrian Balleza, Jose Dejesus Hernandez III, Timothy Michael Romo, Michael Joseph Rudometkin, Abdolvahab Alaghmandan, and Lars Kepler Lane.

Transit workers keep cities moving, and we must keep pushing forward to create a safer future for all. It is time that our political leaders take action and protect United States citizens and workers everywhere. Unions create a community for workers, and it is unacceptable that a place of unanimity and solace has now become a site of brutality.

This past year, transit workers put their community first and ensured the safety and punctuality of travelers everywhere.

But throughout this pandemic, they became increasingly vulnerable, serving as enforcers for health and safety regulations nationwide. Workers deserve respect and security, and this tragedy reminds us that it is time for a change.

Perpetually, transit workers have faced violence and reform is long overdue. We must honor the fallen by taking action. We will stand in solidarity, united as one to change the culture of our workplace. Security is a human right, and it is essential that all can feel safe at work.

President and Business Agent John Courtney, ATU Local 265

Carmen's EBoard represented Local 589 at the ATU 265 Memorial

CARMEN’S QUARTERLY • SUMMER 2021

5

Member Spotlight Denise and Rico Shea When you come home and vent after a hard day at work, it's important to have a partner that understands how you feel.

When you work at the same job, well, that makes it even easier.

That's the case with Carmen's Local 589 members Denise and Rico Shea, who entered the MBTA lottery together in 2004.

They were lucky enough to both score a slot and joined Local 589. The job soon turned into a "family affair" in Denise's words, when their daughter Latasha signed on to be a union bus driver as well.

"It wasn't a question of joining the union," Denise shared. "We know it would be the smart choice in the long run."

Both born and raised in Massachusetts, Denise and Rico Shea have always had strong ties to the city of Boston. After beginning a position as an accountant in 1996 at Clark University, Denise and Rico were introduced through a mutual friend and married four years later.

To avoid relocating out of Worcester and Massachusetts with their current jobs, Rico and Denise entered the MBTA lottery.

Within a few months, they both were offered bus operator positions. Before starting their positions, the two headed downtown to fill out their paperwork where a secretary's misunderstanding resulted in a memorable first day on the job.

While in line, Rico stood about six people ahead of Denise, completing his paperwork before her. When it was Denise's turn, she handed her files to the secretary who mentioned that she had just seen a man who had the same address and last name. Denise joked that the two of them had been adopted by the same family when they were kids. When

Together, Denise and Rico have been each other's support system throughout the years. At the end of long and hard days, each had the other to rely on and talk through any incidents that arose. But that support system didn't end there. The two have been loyal members of Carmen's Local 589 since they began at the MBTA in 2004. Denise voiced her appreciation for the group of hardworking individuals who supported her and her family throughout the years.

Denise returned to explain their true relationship, she found

In 2012, Denise left bus operation behind and took on a new

out they were the first married couple to enter the MBTA and

role as an accountant within the Capital Delivery department

Carmen's union already together.

of the MBTA. As of August 1, 2021, Rico is officially retired

"On your first day, you're supposed to take an employee

from the MBTA.

headshot that they put up on the wall," Denise said. "They

We are so proud of Rico and Denise's accomplishments

were so excited to have a married couple that they had us

throughout the years and are happy to celebrate their loyalty

take our photo together."

to Carmen's Local 589.

6

LOCAL 589 ATU

Summer Membership Meetings After one and a half long years apart, Carmen’s Local 589

new assault bill aims to do just that, by granting essential

was proud to hold our first in-person membership meeting

rights and protections to drivers who have their health and

this year on June 15. It’s been a rough year for everyone, and

safety threatened.

the reunion was bittersweet as we mourned the loss of our Brothers and Sisters at Local 589.

In July, we reconvened to discuss memorial plans for fallen member Sonia Harris, and several of our members took on

President Jim Evers proudly reported that we had avoided

the vital topic of mental health. The Local is working on

layoffs even in the pandemic's darkest periods and won

expanding our mental health resources after this challenging

critical victories against privatization. The past year has taught

period, and we owe it to each other to check in with one

us that we accomplish most when we work together, which is

another so every member has a place to turn for help. We’re

why the Local has been collaborating with various community

all on the same team, fighting for a safe and fair workplace

groups on the Public Transit Public Good campaign, fighting

for all. All in all, it’s been a productive summer, and we look

for a labor seat and a rider seat on the Transit Control Board.

forward to being all together again soon.

Above all, Local 589 works to protect our members, and our

Transit Driver Appreciation Carmen’s Local 589 is proud to serve so many wonderful and hard working MBTA transit drivers. This summer and always, we extend our gratitude to our members who tirelessly work to keep the city of Boston moving. The past year, we have faced many unexpected challenges. Navigating public transportation throughout the pandemic was difficult, but Boston travelers were lucky to have selfless workers who put the needs of others first, risking their own health and safety. To all of our members, thank you for all that you do, we are incredibly thankful to have you onboard.

CARMEN’S QUARTERLY • SUMMER 2021

7

Former Boston Carmen’s President Stephen MacDougall Appointed as ATU International Vice President

Carmen’s Local 589 extends our congratulations to former

After nine years of leading his local, in 2011 MacDougall

Union President Stephen MacDougall on his well-deserved

began his work with ATU International as an International

appointment as Vice President to the Amalgamated Transit

Representative. MacDougall held this position for the past

Union (ATU) International.

decade where he has tirelessly worked to better the lives of all

Macdougall’s ties to Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 run

public transit workers.

strong, originating in 1986 when he joined the union as a bus

“I am honored to be appointed as an ATU International Vice

operator for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA).

President by our International President John Costa with the

When the MBTA later attempted to privatize the public system,

approval of the General Executive Board,” said MacDougall.

he became a willing and combative soldier in the many battles the Local fought in its successful campaign to protect and preserve public transit in Boston.

Following

the

union’s

win,

“International President John Costa has led us through one of our most difficult periods as a union. For so many of us, ATU membership has meant economic security throughout the

MacDougall

increased

his

pandemic and beyond. It has also allowed workers to have

involvement with Carmen’s, as he was elected Barn Captain in

sick leave, vacation time, and other benefits, which gives

the Light Rail Division until he was later elected as Local 589

members and their families an improved quality of life. I am

Vice President. MacDougall served as a full-time union officer

looking forward to continuing our important work alongside

in this position until his promotion to President and Business

International President Costa, IEVP Javier Perez, IST Ken Kirk,

Agent of the Boston Carmen’s Union.

the General Executive Board, and all of our locals. Thank you again for this honor.”

8

LOCAL 589 ATU

Retirement and 50 Year Members Honoring our recent retirees!

Michael A. Ainsley Sr. Alande A. Ambroise Andrew Bedard Michael K. Braxton Fernand Bruny George H. Cooley Jr. Nklvuka O. Farmer

Gerald Fitzgerald Bernard C. Guarnieri Todd G. Johnson Mary Jo Keller Benjamin Leon Neil C. MacDonald Andrew O. Martin

Charles J. Murphy Tina M. Rogowski George Slattery Joseph E. Sumrall Todd C. Thomas Thomas Whooley

Honoring our members who have recently achieved 50 years of membership!

Dominic Cimino Joseph L. Dooley Marvin Harris Jr.

William B. Keane Timothy J. Keohane Victor F. LeBlanc

Brian L. O’Leary Homer Ward

Honoring Boston Carmen’s Union members who have been members for over 50+ years Dominic J. Alessi Leo F. Allard, Jr. Edward J. Arico Nicholas R. Avitabile Thomas R. Banks Paul L. Belben Arthur F. Brennan Kenneth J. Buckley Dennis J. Buckley Arthur Rodney Burgess James R. Cahill Frank A. Cambria James F. Cannon Robert Carrington, Jr. John A. Carten Frank L. Cassettari Frank J. Cioffi George R. Collins Paul T. Connolly, Jr. Bernard Corbett Daniel F. Cronin

Francis M. Crowley Ronald P. Cunningham Richard P. Curran Michael J. D’Ambrosio William F. Daley Phillip J. DiMattia Frank D. DiPietro John J. Doherty Donald J. Farquharson John W. Flaherty Allan P. Foote Martin X. Ford Lawrence F. Forgette John A. Glynn Dennis F. Guiney Jr. Frederick C. Hanley Francis B. Harvey Patrick Hegarty Joseph P. Higgins Raymond E. Hoyt Daniel E. Hughes

Paul J. Hynes Joseph T. James Joseph F. Kelly William J. MacLellan Thomas F. McCarthy William P. McDade Thomas F. McDermott, Jr. Robert C. McDonald Patrick J. McDonough Alfred P. McGrath William J. McKenzie Joseph Miller John F. Morris James J. Morris Robert B. Murphy Thomas J. Murphy William J. Needham Edmund A. Noonan Ralph W. Norman Robert L. O’Gara Paul O’Sullivan

Walter J. Papasodoro Edward J. Parfumorse John J. Pender John B. Pettee John J. Powers William F. Riley, Jr. Anthony B. Romano Nicholas Rossi John Ryan Guy A. Sacco Leo F. Slamin, Jr. James J. Slattery August S. Swanson, Jr. Richard E. Swanson Irving Turok Edward A. Walsh, Jr. Harold Weiss William J. Wood Robert J. Zangla

CARMEN’S QUARTERLY • SUMMER 2021

9

Legislative Goals and PTPG

Throughout this past year, the COVID-19 pandemic

their stories and asking our elected officials to pass this bill

threatened our city's health and safety. As Boston begins to

now. Members are encouraged to reach out to legislators on

strengthen its infrastructure, reassessing the quality of public

the bill.

transportation should be a top priority. The Public Transit Public Good (PTPG) coalition advocates for communities of color and low-income individuals disproportionately affected by the transit crisis. Carmen's Local 589 stands with the PTPG coalition and is committed to amplifying the voices of riders and workers who depend on the MBTA daily.

One of our top priorities has been advocacy for a rider seat,

We will continue advocating for progressive revenue policies to raise funds for public priorities. Public transportation keeps our city running. By increasing tax rates on corporate profits and advancing the Fair Share Amendment, new profits would be created to improve public transit. It's time for the wealthy to pay their fair share and help combat our economic crisis by contributing to the state's recovery.

and a labor seat, on the Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB). Both a labor representative, who would serve as a voice for workers, and a rider representative, from an EJ (Environmental Justice) community should be added to the FMCB to expand the board. We must continue to push for the creation of a discounted fare for low-income riders, funded with a reliable revenue stream.

An urgent legislative priority this session has been House Bill 1781, to increase penalties for assaulting transit workers.

Recently, members testified at a legislative hearing, sharing

Public Transit

Public Good

Riders, Workers and Communities United For Transit Justice

10

LOCAL 589 ATU

Annual Golf Tournament Will Raise Funds for Essential Political Activity On Friday, September 10 we will be hosting our 2021 Annual

All contributions go to the Committee On Political Education

Boston Carmen’s Union Golf Tournament at the Brookmeadow

(COPE) Fund to engage in electoral activity and support those

Country Club in Canton, MA. The tournament kicks off bright

elected officials who support public transit and workers.

and early at 8:00 a.m. for a fun-filled day of golf, followed by a Texas-style barbecue/banquet-style luncheon and open bar.

In Memoriam Robert J. Abbott, 6/9/21

Brian M. Holland, 6/10/21

George J. Colburn, 6/25/21

Richard F. Walsh, 6/2/21

Austin H. Curtin, 6/27/21

Mary L. Young 6/5/21

RESOURCES FOR BENEFITS AND INFORMATION:

In the sad event of a Carmen’s member’s passing, we often receive calls and emails from the spouse concerning benefits and what actions they need to take. Here is some information should you need it - please cut out and save.

Health & Welfare Trust Life Insurance policy $10,000.00

Contact: Extensive Benefits

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission Life Insurance $5,000.00

Contact: MBTA Benefits Dept

(617) 222-3244

ATU Local 589 Funeral Benefit $1,200.00

Contact: James Bradley FST Local 589

(617) 542-8212

National Group Protection (Supplemental Insurance) MBTA Retirement Fund

1(833) 200-6282

1(800) 344-9016 (617) 316-3800

CARMEN’S QUARTERLY • SUMMER 2021

Health and Welfare Update EyeMed replaced Davis Vision effective July 1, 2021. A reminder to all members that EyeMed should be used in lieu of any eye benefits from health insurance. EyeMed will save you money and has greater coverage.

You will now be able to get eye exams and lenses every 12 months under EyeMed’s plan, instead of every 24 months.

To find a participating provider: • Go to EyeMed.com (or scan the QR code on the right) • Click on “Find an eye doctor” at the top of the page • Under Network, choose “Insight Network”.

If you currently have David Vision coverage, you will automatically be enrolled in EyeMed and no further action is required. If you wish to enroll in EyeMed or learn more about the program and its benefits, go to EyeMedVirtualBenefitFair.com

and enter password: DK59Q9WF.

COVID-19 Safety As the country continues to prepare for a post-COVID-19 world, it is essential that we all take the necessary precautions for moving forward in this new era. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves, our families, and our colleagues from COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone 12 and up who lives, works, or studies in Massachusetts free of charge. For more information or to find a vaccination location near you, visit VaxFinder.Mass.gov.

Scan this QR Code with your phone

11

Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 295 Devonshire Street Boston, MA 02110

Starting this September, Local 589’s offices will relocate to 50 Federal Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02110.

We’re excited to move to a location that will accommodate our growing ranks.

WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR UNION? Download the Local589 mobile app for easy access to

helpful content and resources. Members can use the app to: • Submit grievances • Message their assigned delegate • Read the latest 589 news and announcements • Access key union contacts • Report workplace concerns • View union documents

Scan here for a tour of the app!