MBTA commuter rail workers rally at South Station for fair wages and paid sick leave

BOSTON — On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, MBTA commuter rail workers from IAM Local 318 and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) rallied at South Station, calling for improved contract terms – which include fair wages and paid sick leave – from Keolis Commuter Services, the organization that operates the rail system for the MBTA.

The demonstration began at 11 a.m. and drew around 300 union members and supporters, who held signs saying, “Fair work deserves a fair contract,” “Support the workers who get you to work,” “Fair wages and sick days now,” and “Stop the war on workers.”

Tim Tarrant, the Vice President of Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, delivered a speech to the cheering crowd, emphasizing the challenges faced by signal workers who, despite working in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., are among the lowest paid in the country.

“Keolis Signal workers are among the lowest paid in America, the cost of living here in Massachusetts is among the highest in the country—this combination of circumstances just doesn’t add up to a fair standard of living,” Tarrant said.

Tarrant also highlighted the need for paid sick leave, explaining that signal workers and other rail laborers often work under harsh and challenging conditions.

“Sick time is an absolute necessity, not a luxury,” he said. “Nearly all rail labor unions are here today to fight for a fair contract. The general public supports rail labor in our fight for a fair wage. It’s time for Keolis to come to the table and offer a fair contract that its workers have earned and deserve.”