Union, T reach tentative deal
The union representing MBTA mechanics said it’s scrapped a series of events aimed at drumming up opposition to potential T privatization, offering a sign that a new “tentative” labor agreement with the agency may stave off a controversial contract to outsource work at several bus garages.
The T and the Machinists Union Local 264 said yesterday they’ve tentatively agreed on a new multiyear labor agreement. But officials on both sides offered few details, saying there are “specific terms” still under discussion.
The announcement, however, immediately stoked questions about the status of the T’s monthslong efforts to test the private market as a cost-cutting initiative.
T officials released a request for proposals last year to outsource work at three bus garages, for which the union says it received just one bid, from the Ohiobased First Transit. T leaders have not confirmed or denied that.
It’s sparked a furious lobbying push by the union, which trotted out several high-ranking Democrats in support and launched a public service campaign railing against First Transit.
Local 264 was also scheduled to hold a press conference yesterday with members of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, but it was canceled. Mike Vartabedian, the union’s business agent, said the decision to call off the event was made before the agreement was reached because the union was “focusing on events we were doing next week.”
But those, too, have been canceled, Vartabedian said. Those were slated to be in the same vein as yesterday’s, which Vartabedian said was focused on the caucus’ support to “keep the work with us rather than turn it over” to a company such as First Transit.
Vartabedian declined to address the impact of the agreement on the potential contract. He said his members have yet to ratify the labor deal, though he said that could happen in the “next couple of weeks.”
A T spokeswoman didn’t comment beyond the joint statement, and Joseph Aiello, chair of the T’s Fiscal and Management Control Board, also declined comment yesterday.