MBTA, union agree on retention, recruitment issues

To address frontline staff workforce shortage, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's board on Aug. 3 approved a four-year agreement on retention and recruitment issues to increase the number of train and bus operators.

Affecting more than 3,200 employees, the agreement will include an 18% raise more than four years, plus bus operators and light/heavy rail motorpersons entry rate will increase to $30 per hour. The agreement also includes retention incentives and longevity bonuses.

"This agreement with Boston Carmen's Union Local 589 is a pivotal moment for the T,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng in a press release. "This demonstrates to our workforce, both current and future employees, how important they are to us and the service we provide...This contract greatly enhances our ability to attract new hires in key areas like bus operators by establishing a wage that is competitive with private industry."

The agreement's terms were announced Aug. 2 by Eng, members of  ATU Local 589, Gov. Maura Healey and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca.

The four-year agreement includes overall wage increases and longevity bonuses to help retain front-line workers plus select targeted increases aimed at hard-to-fill positions such as welders and overnight shifts. The deal also sets a framework to improve employee restroom access, expand bereavement leave to include domestic partners, and clarify language around assaults against transit workers, an increasing problem for members.

The contract also memorializes a range of recruitment incentives, including signing bonuses, such as those previously offered by the MBTA.