President’s Report
A Message from President Jim Evers
Brothers and Sisters,
It was a historic end to 2025 as our union helped push a landmark piece of legislation over the goal line to provide crucial protection to our members and all transit employees. The 'Assaults Stop Now' legislation was years in the making and we were proud to stand beside Governor Maura Healey as this new law was signed. Thanks to all who fought for this important policy, especially all the senators and representatives in the house and our Vice-President Bill Berardino, whose determination to get this passed paid off. Thanks Bill and everyone else who worked tirelessly to make sure our members no longer have to endure physical assaults without consequence.
I and several of our board members were also proud to join our friend Senator Nick Collins for a Christmas dinner delivery drive at Saint Monica Church in South Boston over the holidays. Our members are out there every day in the community helping keep our city and our region moving, and this was another way for us to give back. Thanks to all who joined us.
We look forward to continuing our Field Visits at stations across the city, our annual Bus Roadeo and continuing to do our part to make sure Greater Boston has the best public transit possible. Please remember to take precautions in the extreme cold weather, check on your neighbors, and get to and from work safely.
In solidarity,
Jim Evers President
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
GOVERNOR HEALEY SIGNS HISTORIC ASSAULTS STOP NOW LAW
Local 589 was proud to stand by Governor Maura Healey as this historic legislation was signed to protect our members and all transit workers from assault. Local 589 was the driving force behind this legislation and many of our members — led by Vice-President Bill Berardino — worked endless hours behind the scenes to get this passed. The new law takes effect March 16.
“Our transit workers keep Greater Boston moving every day and deserve our utmost respect,” Berardino said. “We are thankful that our members and all public transit employees can now go to work knowing that they are respected and protected. The days of assaulting public transportation workers without fear or reprisal must come to an end — and this bill will help immensely to that goal.”
President Jim Evers added: “This is a significant victory for everyone who rides or operates public transit. We are thankful to our elected leaders in the House and Senate and Governor Healey for supporting this common sense legislation that will keep our members safe. Our MBTA bus and train operators deserve to be able to do their jobs without fear of assault, while commuters deserve to know that public transportation is safe. This new law ensures that those who assault public transit workers will be held accountable and that our valued transportation employees are protected.”
The “Assaults Stop Now” law makes assault or battery on a public transit worker automatically punishable by imprisonment for at least 90 days or a fine of at least $500. In Massachusetts,
attacks against public transit employees are increasing at an alarming rate, with 24 MBTA employees assaulted in one recent month alone.
The law will serve as a strong deterrent to potential assailants and provide a safer working environment for bus drivers, train operators, station attendants, and other MBTA personnel.
“Public transportation employees do important work every day to keep our trains and buses moving on time and ensure the safety of all passengers,” said Governor Healey. “They should never be subject to any form of assault simply for doing their jobs. This bill ensures that they have the protections they deserve and will enhance safety for all users of our public transportation system.”
Great work by all involved, especially our many partners in the House and Senate who pushed this over the goal line. Stay safe out there everyone and be confident that now there are real protections for you and your coworkers.
Carmen Help Feed Seniors on Christmas Eve
Several members donated their time on Christmas Eve to pack and deliver hot meals to seniors and needy families in Boston. The 589 team worked alongside dozens of volunteers at St. Monica Church in South Boston and helped deliver ham dinners to seniors in the neighborhood. Joining our members were several elected officials, including Sen. Nick Collins and Boston City Councilors Erin Murphy and Ed Flynn.
Christmas Gala
Thanks to all who joined us at the annual Christmas Gala at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood. It was another great celebration and a night of camaraderie, laughter and fun. See you at the next one in December!
2025 In Review
2025 was a great year for our Local. Here are some of the highlights from the past year. And here’s to an even better year in 2026!
FEBRUARY – BUS AND SUBWAY WRAP ART
APRIL – QUINCY BUS GARAGE TOPPING OFF CEREMONY
JUNE – FOREST HILLS FIELD VISIT
AUGUST – FIELD VISITS
SEPTEMBER – LABOR DAY PARADE
CANOBIE LAKE FAMILY DAY
OCTOBER - BUS ROADEO
DECEMBER - ASSAULT BILL SIGNING
Tweets of Praise
Retirees
Mark J. Barker
Michael A. Broderick
Timothy M. O'Mullane
Deborah A. Fiorino
Carl V. Ahearn
Karen C. Maxwell
In Memoriam
Mary A. Fulti
Ralph Davis
Bessie R. Wilson
Richard G. Mignet
Patricia Lundsgaard
William Keating
Calvin D. Jones
Mary P. Miller
Marlon B. Mayhew
Barn Captain Training
Our newly-elected Barn Captains recently underwent training, including a class on grievance writing and the grievance procedure, workers compensation, supplemental insurance provided by NGP, political advocacy and engagement, and substance abuse counseling. Congrats to all the new officers and thanks for your hard work!
(L to R): Robert Barclay (Red Line), Kevin Perkins (Cabot shops), Jeffer Ventura (Blue Line), Sylvestre White (Red Line), Christopher Curtis (Orange Line), Patrick Toohey (Quincy Bus)
(L to R): Shawn Scales (Cabot), Candido Lopes (Green Line), Brian Manley (Orient Heights), Jack Slattery (SMI), Ethan Miller (Wellington), Katie Mullen (SMI - Nights), Sharaad Chase (Green Line), Matthew Mannetta (Reservoir), Dean Wolfe (Inner Belt), John Wright (Bennett)
Barn Captains learning about the grievance procedure from legal counsel
(L to R): John Amado (Cabot) talks with newly elected Division 1 Delegate Alix Gaston.
Jennifer Stone (Charlestown), Jack Slattery (SMI), Jamel Mullgrave (Charlestown), Brian Manley (Orient Heights)
President Jim Evers talks to the Barn Captains
(L to R): Vehicle maintenance Barn Captains Adam Rooney (Riverside), Matthew Mannetta (Reservoir), and Ethan Miller (Wellington) talk shop with Delegate John Mersereau.
(L to R): Division 3 Delegate Eddie Cora and Assistant Secretary Jerry Cohen
Women’s Caucus Kickoff Event
STRONG WOMEN. STRONG UNION. LOCAL 589 STANDS TOGETHER.
Thanks to everyone who came out for the first Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 Women’s Caucus kickoff event at Cafe Porto Bello in South Boston. It was a fantastic event to build solidarity with women across the union and discuss a host of issue impacting our female members. All women members are encouraged to join the Women’s Caucus to organize around workplace issues that affect women, strengthen the collective voice of women, learn how to get involved and take action, and gather regularly to support, empower and lead together.
SAINT PATRICK'S DAY
The Boston Carmen’s Union is taking to the streets for the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Members, retirees, and families—wear your green and walk with pride as we represent the men and women who keep Massachusetts moving. Please join us marching this year!
Participants arrive at 8:30 a.m. and park at Gillette, 5 Binford St, Boston. Members will be taken by shuttle bus to the parade staging area.
