News and Media

I am extremely pleased that the California High Speed Rail Authority (CAHSRA) has chosen to withdraw its Buy America waiver request for certain components of its high speed trainsets. With this announcement CAHSRA has reinforced its commitment to maximizing American job creation and ensuring this historic infrastructure project provides the greatest possible economic impact in the U.S.

Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issues this statement honoring America’s veterans: “On this Veterans Day, the Transportation Trades Department unites with its 32 member unions to honor those Americans who make sacrifices every day in service to the nation – the active duty military and veterans. Upon coming home or […]

WASHINGTON, DC — Edward Wytkind issues this statement on S.2848, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016: “Once again, Senators Boxer and Inhofe have proven that bipartisanship in Washington is not dead. TTD applauds their leadership on WRDA, which will authorize new Army Corps projects, keep American ports and harbors competitive, create good jobs […]

Washington, DC — The following statement was issued today by Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks: “On the 15th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, we pause to remember and honor the working people who lost their lives in the […]

Private railroads, Amtrak spar over FRA pilot program rule As published by Lauren Gardner in Politico A pilot program to give private companies the chance to take over passenger train service on some long-distance routes from Amtrak is stoking tension among those businesses and the government-backed corporation as federal regulators craft the rules for the […]

WASHINGTON, DC — The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), today urged the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to ensure private entities that bid on long-distance Amtrak routes under the Competitive Passenger Rail Service Pilot Program fully comply with the explicit labor standards and service requirements mandated by Congress. TTD Secretary-Treasurer Larry Willis, appearing at the Agency’s […]

 Washington, DC — The following statement was issued by Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), in advance of Labor Day: “This Labor Day we honor and thank the frontline working people who keep America’s transportation system running safely and efficiently. They are hardworking, dedicated professionals who play a vital role in […]

Will Lifting The Jones Act Save Puerto Rico? Congressman Introduces Legislation to Exempt U.S. Territory As published in Global Trade Magazine In 2012, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported on the impact of the Jones Act on Puerto Rico, calling it a likely factor in the high cost of shipping to Puerto Rico, and […]

Biden: $2.45B loan for Amtrak upgrades in Northeast Corridor As published by Randall Chase in the Associated Press WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Amtrak is receiving a $2.45 billion loan from the federal government to buy new trains, upgrade tracks and make platform improvements along the busy Northeast corridor, the largest such loan ever by the […]

Washington, D.C. — Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issues this statement following the announcement in Wilmington, DE by Vice President Joe Biden on the winning bidder in Amtrak’s high speed train purchase: “The U.S. economy and working people scored a victory today following the announcement by Vice President Joe Biden […]