Federal Comments

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to DOL’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on apprenticeship programs. TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in both sectors with substantial apprenticeship density and in sectors where greater application of apprenticeship programs could prove beneficial[1]. 

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the United Parcel Service’s (UPS) application for exemption from elements of the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) final rule. TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including commercial motor vehicle drivers who are subject to the FMCSA’s CMV and CDL requirements.

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to FMCSA’s request for comments on the American Bus Associations’ (ABA) petition for federal preemption of California’s Meal and Rest Break rules. TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including those covered by FMCSA’s HOS regulations and California’s rules.[1] For reasons discussed below, we urge FMCSA to reject ABA’s petition.

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to provide comments on the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) notice providing information on proposed changes and clarifications to the National Transit Database (NTD) reporting requirements. By way of background, TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation including those in the transit sector.[1] We therefore have a vested interested in the proposal

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to provide comments on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) notice seeking information on guidance documents that it should consider repealing or revising. By way of background, TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation who are impacted by DOT regulations and guidance. [1] We therefore have a vested interested in the request.

The Unions that comprise the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (“TTD”) hereby submit these comments regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) issued by the National Mediation Board (“NMB” or “Board”) on January 31, 2019.   84 Fed. Reg. 612 (Jan. 31, 2019).   These 32 affiliated unions represent employees in all modes of transportation, including railroad and airline employees covered by the Railway Labor Act (“RLA”).[1]  TTD welcomes the opportunity to submit comments to the NMB regarding its recent proposed decertification procedure rule-making.   TTD strongly opposes the Board’s proposed rulemaking.  The NPRM is inconsistent with the RLA.  The proposed rules changes exceed the scope of the Board’s narrow jurisdiction under Section 2, Ninth and unreasonably restrict employees’ exercise of the right to choose representation under the statute.  For all the reasons discussed below, the NMB should reconsider its proposed rulemaking and rescind the NPRM.

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I thank you for the opportunity to testify today before the National Mediation Board (NMB or Board) on the Decertification of Representatives proposed rule. By way of background, TTD represents 32 affiliated unions in all modes of transportation. This includes a number of unions whose members work in the aviation and rail sectors, are covered by the Railway Labor Act (RLA), and thus are directly affected by this rulemaking.[1] I should note that Carmen Parcelli, outside counsel representing TTD in this matter, also will appear today. Carmen will focus on the legal arguments and procedural deficiencies of this proposal while I will touch on some of the broader policy concerns and emphasize key arguments. In addition, TTD will be filing more extensive comments by the April 1 deadline.

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the exemption filed by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). TTD consists of 32 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including commercial motor vehicle operators in the railroad industry covered by FMCSA hours of service requirements.[1] We therefore have a vested interest in this exemption.

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to CSX’s petition for a waiver compliance. TTD consists of 32 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including railroad workers in both operating and inspection crafts who would be impacted by the granting of this waiver[1]. We therefore have a vested interest in this proceeding.

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the American Short Line Railroad Association’s Petition for Waiver of Compliance regarding hours of service requirements (HOS). TTD consists of 32 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including those covered by FRA’s HOS regulations.[1] For this reason, we have a vested interest in this waiver.