MBTA negotiates labor contracts in record time

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has negotiated agreements with all 28 of its affiliated labor unions, representing 16 collective bargaining agreements, the agency announced this week.

The agreements were reached within 18 months of negotiations, a record period of time. The pacts address long-standing labor concerns and aim to stabilize and expand the MBTA workforce, MBTA officials said in a press release.

“This is a significant step forward in creating the infrastructure and support that is needed for our workforce to implement the current and future work of the MBTA,” said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt.

Highlights of the negotiations include four-year terms for all 16 contracts, ensuring the longest period of labor stability since the 1980s, and enhanced wages and incentives to boost recruitment and retention.