International Vice President Richard Murphy Retires
After more than 51 years as a dedicated and committed member of the ATU, International Vice President Richard Murphy announced his retirement effective October 31, 2023.
“From his leadership as President of Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 to serving on the MBTA Retirement Board to negotiating countless contracts across New England, Richie has more than 51 years of extraordinary service to our Union,” said International President John Costa. “It’s impossible to calculate how many members have benefited from Richie’s work over the years. His commitment and dedication throughout his career have improved the lives of countless members and their families throughout his time with the ATU. We wish Richie and his entire family all the best in his retirement.”
A former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant, Murphy joined the ATU as a member of the Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 in February 1972 after he took a job as a bus operator for the MBTA at the Quincy Bus Garage.
Wanting to get more involved in his Local, Murphy served as a Barn Captain from 1977 to 1986. Then in December 1986, he was elected as Assistant Secretary and became a member of the Local’s Executive Board in 1990. Murphy was then elected in January 1993 as the Local’s President/Business Agent and re-elected in 1996. As the Local’s top officer, Murphy served on the Board of Directors of the MBTA Retirement Board. He cites his election as a full-time officer by the entire membership in December 1986 as one of his most memorable occasions as an ATU member, especially because he was then representing “the smallest bus garage at the MBTA.” Working with the members of his Local, Murphy stopped the privatization of the MBTA bus routes during his tenure as the Local’s President/Business Agent.
Murphy caught the attention of the International, and on September 1, 1996, he was appointed International Vice President by then International President James La Sala and approved by the ATU General Executive Board. He has been re-elected IVP at every ATU International Convention since his appointment.