The union representing coach cleaners and car inspectors who work for the MBTA’s commuter rail service has reached a tentative agreement that they say will avert a threatened strike.
More than a dozen members of the Transport Workers Union Local 2054 appeared at a February MBTA board meeting complaining about low pay and a lack of benefits — specifically, no sick days — and warned they would strike if their demands weren’t met. Last month, union members took a strike authorization vote.
The agreement with commuter rail operator Keolis followed a 10-hour negotiating session last week and still must be ratified by union members, which is expected in the coming weeks.
The five-year contract with Keolis will raise wages by 4% to 5% annually, as well as add paid sick days, a $2,000 signing bonus, and make Juneteenth a paid holiday. The contract is retroactive to July 2023. Upon ratification, workers will receive pay encompassing the first of the wage increases.
“This is a historic contract that will have a ripple effect across the industry,” said Transport Workers Union Local 2054 President Ed Flaherty. “We won significant gains for all workers, but most importantly, we secured unprecedented pay increases for our lowest paid workers.”
Flaherty added that the new contract will enhance recruitment efforts and help to retain workers.
“Keolis is pleased to have reached a mutually beneficial deal with TWU,” the company said in a statement. “As we have been saying for months, negotiations with all of our unions have been, and continue to be, productive. Building upon the success of our negotiations with TWU, and based in mutual respect, Keolis looks forward to continued progress at the collective bargaining table with the remainder of our union partners.”
Keolis is negotiating with 14 unions representing 2,500 employees.
