TCU Carmen, Clerks and Supervisors have ratified first ever contracts with Keolis Commuter Services, the new commuter operator serving the Boston region.
All three crafts ratified identical two year deals, providing for a 3% raise on the first day of operations – July 1, 2014, and a 2-1/2% wage increase on July 1, 2015. All current employees also receive an additional personal leave day. Employees hired after takeover will receive the additional day on their fifth anniversary. Health and welfare benefits and employee contributions will remain the same during the two year contract period.
Keolis was selected by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Agency to take over the commuter service from existing operator Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (MBCR) effective July 1, 2014.
TCU negotiated in a coalition with eight other unions. TCU National Vice President Joel Parker was unanimously elected by the coalition to serve on its five member Steering Committee. National Vice President Arthur Maratea headed the Clerical negotiations; Carmen Division Assistant General President Carl Tingle did the same for TCU Carmen; and National Representative Joe Derillo led the ARASA negotiations.
Also representing TCU were National Representative William DeCarlo and Local Chairmen Joe English (ARASA), Ed Kilduff (Clerks) and James Trowbridge (Carmen).
The coalition jointly negotiated the two year wage and benefits deal along with an Implementing Agreement to provide for the orderly transfer of all MBCR employees with full seniority and their current positions to Keolis.
“We look forward to a productive relationship with Keolis,” said TCU President Robert Scardelletti. “Our negotiators achieved an excellent first contract, and the Implementing Agreement should provide for a smooth transition.”
