Diversity at the MBTA

We represent a broad range of cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, and we respect the differences of our co-workers and contractors while fulfilling our shared commitment to deliver safe and efficient transportation to the public. We work diligently to ensure that discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace is not tolerated. As such, the Authority has issued several Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies that promote an inclusive, professional workplace.

The Department of Organizational Diversity/Civil Rights is committed to monitoring the MBTA's EEO policies to ensure that they are applied fairly and consistently.

You can download the full text of all of our policies at the bottom of this page, or visit MassDOT for more information.

Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

We have zero tolerance for any behavior that creates or contributes to a hostile work environment.

These policies represent an effort by the MBTA to reinforce its commitment to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment at the MBTA. Implementation of these policies is realized through maintaining a professional work environment that incorporates equal employment opportunity as an integral part of the MBTA's daily operations. Accountability is established at all levels of management for implementation and enforcement of these policies, the ultimate responsibility of which lies with the General Manager.

Furthermore, these policies elicit objective personnel decisions and significantly reduce the likelihood of any employee or applicant being subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of any of the protected characteristics. 

Finally, procedures for filing complaints are outlined for any employee who feels they have been the victim of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.

Civility Standard of the MBTA

In an effort to promote harmony in the workplace, all MBTA employees are expected to operate under a Civility Standard of Behavior. This Civility Standard is a statement of values, and is not intended as the basis for a new cause of action. It does not provide for the filing of complaints or initiation of investigation. We believe every employee at the MBTA makes a vital contribution to our continued excellence in transportation. We support an environment that values civility and supports our diverse workforce in making those contributions in an atmosphere of dignity and mutual respect. Our actions and our words are the keys to that supportive environment.

By working together, we can foster an environment in which we:

• Respect the dignity and worth of one another
• Work together as a team
• Appreciate each other's skills and abilities
• Exercise our rights without fear of retribution
• Value differences and embrace inclusion

Internal Complaint Procedure

The Internal Complaint procedure contains the MBTA's Notice to all employees of their legal right and the time requirement to file a complaint for alleged civil rights violations with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The Internal Complaint procedure includes the MBTA's statement of EEO policy and outlines employee rights and responsibilities, including the heightened responsibilities and duties required of supervisors and managers. Finally, this policy describes the appropriate reporting procedure and process for informal, formal, and reconsideration review proceedings. Copies of the Authority's Notice and its revised Internal Complaint Procedure accompany the annual, Authority-wide distribution of MBTA EEO policies.