Policy Archives - Page 14 of 97

June 6, 2023

Federal Comments, Policy

FRA Must Not Compromise on Rail Training, Safety

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) request for comment on a petition from BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) for a waiver of compliance from the “hands-on” component of periodic refresher training required by 49 CFR 232.203(b)(8). TTD consists of 37 affiliate unions…
Read More
May 22, 2023

Policy, Federal Comments

Strong Buy America Policy Should Not Include Decades Long Waivers

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Request for Information regarding Buy America Requirements for Manufactured Products. TTD consists of 37 affiliate unions representing workers in construction and manufacturing who are directly impacted by Buy America policies. The general applicability waiver discussed…
Read More
May 17, 2023

Policy Statements, Policy

Redefining An Industry: Updated Education Policies Can Strengthen the U.S. Maritime Workforce

The United States is experiencing an acute shortage of professional mariners indispensable to U.S. national security, economic security, and humanitarian response efforts as a global peace leader. In 2017, the U.S. Maritime Administration found that the United States is approximately 1,800 mariners short of what is sufficient to mobilize a drawn-out military effort exceeding 4-6…
Read More
May 17, 2023

Policy Statements, Policy

Transportation Labor Priorities For a Pro-Worker FAA Authorization

The U.S. aviation industry is one of the most heavily unionized industries in the United States, supporting close to 11 million jobs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization will expire at the end of this fiscal year and Congress must pass a multi-year bill that advances policies that address workforce issues and make air transportation…
Read More
May 17, 2023

Policy Statements, Policy

Ocean Shipping Reforms Should Not Undercut Workers

In March, federal lawmakers introduced the Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2023 (H.R. 1696) to repeal the limited antitrust immunity afforded to foreign ocean carriers and dissolve the three major foreign shipping company alliances. This would have serious unintended consequences for dockworkers and other maritime workers that service these foreign ocean carriers at U.S. ports.…
Read More
May 17, 2023

Policy Statements, Policy

Give Transit Systems the Support They Need to Keep Moving

In the wake of the pandemic and its devastating impacts on public transportation both on ridership and revenue, transit systems across the country are facing a funding crisis that could have decades-long impacts on workers and the riders who are dependent on public transportation. While ridership has steadily improved since 2020, budget shortfalls coupled with…
Read More
May 17, 2023

Policy Statements, Policy

Ensuring a Just Transition to Clean School Buses

The labor movement stands united in our support for good, middle-class jobs; policies that address climate change; and safe transportation that brings equitable benefits to communities across the country. Billions in federal investment across the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will help achieve that goal in school bus…
Read More
May 17, 2023

Policy Statements, Policy

Congress Needs to Pass a Comprehensive Rail Safety Bill

The horrific Norfolk Southern rail derailment in East Palestine, Ohio on the evening of February 3, 2023, highlighted a truth that rail labor unions have been vocal about for years: the freight rail industry has a fundamental disregard for the safety of workers and the general public. Congress must take decisive and comprehensive action to…
Read More
May 17, 2023

Policy Statements, Policy

Congress Must Invest In Firefighters to Improve Rail, Air Safety

Firefighters are essential to a functional, safe transportation system. They play a critical role in not only protecting the public, but also the transportation workers who move passengers and cargo through our air transportation systems and who carry freight, including hazardous materials, through our national rail network. From responding to the derailment of freight trains…
Read More
May 11, 2023

Policy, Hearing Testimony

TTD President Testifies on Rail Supply Chain Issues

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), and our 37 affiliated unions, I thank Chairman Nehls and Ranking Member Payne for inviting me to testify before the Committee today on the current state of our rail supply chain. By way of background, among the many unions who affiliate with TTD, we proudly represent…
Read More