Press Releases and Statements

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Washington, D.C. — Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issues this statement following the appointment of Charles “Wick” Moorman as CEO of Amtrak. “I congratulate Wick Moorman on his appointment as CEO of Amtrak. We’re at a crucial moment in Amtrak’s history with the opportunity to reimagine a modernized national Amtrak […]

Washington, DC — Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) issued the following statement on the passing of former Rep. Steve LaTourette: “I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and many colleagues of former Ohio Rep. Steve LaTourette, who passed away yesterday. I especially want to express my sympathy to […]

WASHINGTON DC — Transportation unions appeared at a public hearing today to urge the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to complete a new federal rule this year barring one-person freight train crew operations. Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined John Risch, national legislative director of the SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD), at the hearing to make the case for a two-person crew mandate and a final rule that closes loopholes permitting freight railroads to deploy single crew operations.

Washington, DC—Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issued the following statement in support of the Rail Safety Enforcement Act, which seeks to improve safety in our nation’s freight and passenger rail industry: “Today, Rep. Rosa DeLauro continued her commitment to improving rail transportation safety by advancing legislation that seeks to reduce […]

Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issues this statement in response to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) rejection of Norwegian Air UK’s (NAUK) foreign air carrier permit exemption application: “We are pleased the U.S. Department of Transportation has rejected the application of Norwegian Air UK (NAUK) for a foreign air carrier […]

Washington, DC – Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, and Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issue this statement in response to Boeing’s latest tactics aimed at squashing attempts by its employees in South Carolina to select the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers as their collective bargaining representative.  “Boeing’s sinister […]