Union officials arrested protesting outside MBTA money room

BOSTON — Seven union members arrested while protesting the privatization of the Boston-area transit system's cash handling operation have been released in personal recognizance.

The members of the MBTA's Carmen's Union Local 589 arrested on charges of unlawful assembly early Thursday included President James O'Brien. About 100 picketers assembled outside the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's so-called "money room" to prevent workers and armored cars from entering.

The union was opposed to the privatization of the agency's cash collecting and counting operations because they say it will cost jobs.

Despite their opposition, the T's fiscal control board approved a five-year $18.7 million contract with Virginia-based Brink's to run the so-called cash room. T officials say it outsourcing cash counting will save millions of dollars.

An outside review found widespread security issues at the facility that collects and counts an estimated $119 million in cash annually.

The workers arrested pleaded not guilty at their arraignment later in the day in Charlestown Municipal Court and were also ordered to stay away from the location of their arrests.

Associated Press