Full Breakdown
MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng Accused of Hair-Pulling at Staff Dinner
6/20/2026, 12:59:07 PM
Alleged Hair-Pulling Incident at MBTA Staff Dinner
In November 2024, during a team dinner for MBTA staff and spouses at an unnamed restaurant, General Manager Phillip Eng allegedly pulled the hair of a direct-report as the employee was saying goodbye. The employee described the act as “not welcome and highly inappropriate.” The matter was reported to MBTA human-resources and legal departments, but no formal complaint was filed. The employee is now negotiating an exit from the agency.
Prior Conduct and Workplace Context
In 2022, Eng faced a separate “insensitive interaction” with a direct report and issued a personal apology; officials stress respectful conduct as essential to an inclusive workplace.
Key Personnel
Phillip Eng is MBTA General Manager (appointed 2023) and interim Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (October 2025). The complaining employee remains unnamed. Governor Maura Healey appointed Eng. An MBTA spokesperson handles agency communications.
Chronology
2022 – prior insensitive interaction.
November 2024 – hair-pulling at staff dinner.
Late 2024 – employee reports to HR; no formal complaint.
Early 2025 – Eng issues public apology.
October 2025 – Eng becomes interim transportation secretary.
Agency Statements
The MBTA spokesperson said the agency is committed to a respectful, inclusive workplace and emphasized that leadership is essential to that goal. They also asserted that any allegations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation are unfounded. Eng’s statement acknowledged his mistake, expressed remorse, and pledged to uphold professional standards in all interactions as secretary and general manager.
Employee Reaction and Criticism
The employee called the behavior unwelcome and plans to leave. Staff advocates question the informal response without a formal complaint, saying it may undermine accountability.
Compensation
State payroll data list Eng’s annual salary at $546,683, placing him among the highest-paid state officials.
Discrepancies and Unresolved Issues
Sources differ on the incident’s date, with one account citing 2020 and others specifying November 2024. It remains unclear whether any mandatory training or disciplinary action followed the internal report, as the agency has not disclosed such measures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The MBTA is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace environment. Leadership plays a critical role in that. Two years ago, General Manager Eng had an insensitive interaction with one of his direct reports. He subsequently apologized directly to this employee,” — MBTA spokesperson
- “My goal is always to lead with respect and inclusivity. I know that this was a mistake, and I own that. I have apologized to this employee fully and have reflected on my actions. I am committed to learning from this experience and upholding the highest standards of professionalism in all my interactions as secretary and general manager,” — Phillip Eng
- “The T employee has told people it was not welcome and that it was highly inappropriate.” — MBTA employee
- “The MBTA is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace environment. Leadership plays a critical role in that. Two years ago, General Manager Eng had an insensitive interaction with one of his direct reports. He subsequently apologized directly to this employee. Any claims of harassment, discrimination or retaliatory behavior are completely without merit.” — MBTA spokesperson
Future Outlook
Governor Healey’s office has not responded. The employee’s pending departure and lack of a formal complaint raise questions about MBTA oversight.
