Federal Comments

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) request for information on its (FY) 2022-2026 Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) Strategic Plan. TTD consists of 36 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including those directly affected by the DOT’s policies and programs. Specifically, the next wave of research initiatives funded by the agency as a result of the RD&T Strategic Plan will have a profound effect on the future of mobility, work and jobs in this industry. We therefore have a vested interest in the results from this important proceeding.[1] We also want to concur with the separate comments submitted by the Transport Workers Union, a TTD member union.

Dear Administrator Fernandez, On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I urge you to ensure that the transformative investments in Zero-Emission Buses (ZEBs) included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) promote good union jobs among the incumbent and future workforces who will be tasked with maintaining the next generation of transit […]

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) request for comment on its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including workers directly affected by the DOT’s policies and programs.[1] We must be clear that the goals outlined by the DOT for the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan—creating good jobs, improving equity and environmental outcomes, and making the DOT more effective and accountable to the American people—can, and will, only be successfully achieved when the voice of working people is integral to the formulation and implementation of those policies.

While these comments aim to be comprehensive, we also recognize that they may not be fully inclusive in representing the needs and positions of transportation labor. We therefore strongly urge your full consideration of individual comments filed by our affiliated unions, and encourage further ongoing dialogue with those who represent working people to ensure the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan gives due consideration to the needs of all working people.

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) and our 33 affiliated unions, we thank you for taking this important step to begin examining the serious safety issues facing transit workers across this country every single day.

TTD’s affiliated unions collectively represent most transit workers in this country, including rail transit, bus, roadway, construction, and maintenance workers[1]. Most of these workers interface directly with the public, and all are exposed to the risks of assault. We have long-called for both legislative and regulatory solutions to increase worker safety, including putting a stop to the scourge of assaults on transit workers.

August 16, 2021   Nuria Fernandez Federal Transit Administration East Building 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Transit Safety Concerns Docket No. FTA-2021-0011 On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Request for Information on Transit Safety Concerns. TTD consists […]

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the Federal Railroad Administration’s request for comment on its petition for waiver of compliance from Union Pacific Railroad Company. TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including employees who operate trains and carmen who perform brake inspections. We therefore have a vested interest in this policy.

Mr. Karl Alexy Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety & Chief Safety Officer Federal Railroad Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington DC, 20590 RE: UP Waiver of Compliance, Simulator Training Docket No. FRA-2021-0042 On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) request for […]

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the Department of Transportation’s request for comment on its notice entitled Notification of Regulatory Review. TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation. We therefore have a vested interest in this policy.

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to FRA’s request for comment on the Petition for Waiver of Compliance submitted by Union Pacific Railroad Company. TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including rail workers who conduct pre-departure inspections, service, and operate trains. We therefore have a vested interest in this policy.

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the Federal Railroad Administration’s request for comment on its announcement of a public meeting concerning the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee process. TTD consists of 33 affiliate unions representing workers in all modes of transportation, including railroad employees. We therefore have a vested interest in this proceeding.