Commuter Rail Workers Rally Outside South Station

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Unionized Commuter Rail workers took their ongoing labor fight to Boston’s busiest station Wednesday.

Members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 318 rallied outside South Station as they continue to fight for a new contract with Keolis Commuter Services.

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"We are two-and-a-half years out from the last time our contract was amendable," Joe, a union member, told WBZ NewsRadio. "We’re working on an expired contract, and we do not feel that the rail carrier Keolis, which operates the MBTA Commuter Rail system, is treating us fairly at the bargaining table."

Workers say they have seen wages stagnate for years, while costs of living have soared.

"We’re not even catching up right now," said Joe. "We’re just trying to keep pace with being that far behind."

IAMAW National Vice President Matt Hollis came up from Alabama to address his fellow union members.

"It’s time to settle the contract," Hollis said. "They know what it takes and we are committed to do whatever it takes."

In a statement to WBZ NewsRadio, Keolis said, "Keolis Commuter Services (KCS) is one of the largest employers in Massachusetts and we are proud to have more than 14 unions representing our workforce of 2,500. We are currently negotiating in good faith with each collective bargaining unit to amend their existing agreements. Our goal is to reach fair agreements with all unions while being mindful of our role as financial stewards of the Commuter Rail on behalf of the MBTA and the Commonwealth."

WBZ's Madison Rogers (@MadisonWBZ) reports.

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