# MBTA settlement regarding workplace misconduct

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mbta-settlement-regarding-workplace-misconduct
> Updated: 2026-08-17T15:04:01.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has reached a $495,000 settlement with Chief Communication Officer Gabrielle Mondestin. The agreement follows an incident during a team-building dinner where General Manager Phil Eng pulled Mondestin’s hair.

Eng, who also serves as the state’s interim transportation secretary, described the event as an “insensitive” interaction and expressed regret, though the settlement does not include an admission of wrongdoing. The $495,000 payout consists of $240,000 in severance—roughly equivalent to one year of salary—and $255,000 to cover damages and legal fees. 

Mondestin is scheduled to resign on September 18. As part of the agreement, she has waived the right to pursue further legal action against Eng, the MBTA, or the state of Massachusetts.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: MBTA to pay $495,000 settlement following hair-pulling incident

The MBTA will pay $495,000 to Chief Communications Officer Gabrielle Mondestin following a settlement related to an incident where General Manager Phil Eng pulled her hair.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mbta-to-pay-495000-settlement-following-hair-pulling-incident

### 2026-08-14: MBTA to pay $495,000 settlement to Chief Communication Officer

The MBTA will pay $495,000 to Chief Communication Officer Gabrielle Mondestin in a settlement following an incident where General Manager Phil Eng pulled her hair during a team event.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mbta-to-pay-495000-settlement-to-chief-communication-officer

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Cite as: MBTA settlement regarding workplace misconduct. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mbta-settlement-regarding-workplace-misconduct