Retro Pay Update

The President of the Executive Board, accompanied by our attorney, met with members of the MBTA Labor Relations Counsel and the head of the MBTA Payroll Department. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the retroactive payment discrepancies, ensure the MBTA acknowledges the issue, and have both parties agree on a plan of correction that would ensure all of our members receive what they are entitled to. We apologize in the delay of information being passed to the membership, and whole heartedly understand all of your frustration. Receiving the retroactive payment when we did, the Friday prior to the July 4th holiday week, attributed to the delay in the meeting and this message to you all.

After discussion, the MBTA had acknowledged there may be discrepancies in the payments. They explained to us that the new state payroll system they are forced to use is cumbersome. They have agreed to, and have already began auditing thecalculations for the entirety of our association. When this process is complete the members of the Executive Board will sit down with the Payroll Department to be used as test subjects. They will show us how they recalculated our payments and we will ensure they used the appropriate Step Rate, Education Level and correct sum of OT hours worked. If this process is a success, and none of our new calculations and subsequent new payments are off, we will then authorize the Payroll Department to issue the new payments for all members. 

When we receive the second round of payments, and if some members still have discrepancies, the MBTA has agreed to host somewhat of an “office hours” type of meeting. At that time those members affected can sit down with a member of the payroll department to work out whatever the issue is. 

We understand the burden this is putting on some of you and ensure you we have been doing everything we can to get the adjustments done in a timely and correct manner, and appreciate your patience as we navigate this issue. As soon as we have more information to pass, such as tentative dates such as when to expect each step of this process to take place, we will inform you. As always if you have questions on this or any other matter please contact and E-Board member.