Policy Archives - Page 18 of 97

January 18, 2023

Policy, Federal Comments

Railroads Look for Any Excuse to Avoid Required Brake Inspections

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) notice regarding BNSF Railway’s recent petition for waiver of compliance regarding certain brake inspection requirements. TTD consists of 37 affiliated unions representing the totality of rail labor, including both passenger and freight rail workers.[1] TTD…
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December 21, 2022

Policy, Federal Comments

Two-Person Train Crews Are Essential for Public Safety

On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I am pleased to respond to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) proposed rule regarding Train Crew Size Safety Requirements. These requirements are necessary to ensure the safety and efficient operation of the U.S. freight and passenger railroad systems, the millions of Americans who rely on these…
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December 14, 2022

Policy, Hearing Testimony

TTD President Greg Regan Testifies At FRA Hearing In Support of Two-Person Crews

My name is Greg Regan and I am the President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD). By way of background, TTD consists of 37 affiliate unions, representing millions of frontline workers across every mode and every sector of America’s transportation network. Our unions represent the totality of rail labor, including both passenger and freight…
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December 6, 2022

Letters To Congress

Congress Must Meet Amtrak’s Funding Needs to Expand Service, Hire Staff During Historic IIJA Expansion

The Honorable Brian Schatz Chair Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Senate Appropriations Committee United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable David Price Chair Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee House Appropriations Committee United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Susan Collins Ranking Member Transportation,…
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November 21, 2022

Policy, Federal Comments

Congressional Intent Must Not Be Carved Out of Buy America Requirements

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 regarding Buy America Requirements for Construction Materials, De Minimis Costs, Small Grants, and Minor Components. TTD consists of 37 affiliate unions representing workers in construction and manufacturing who are directly impacted…
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November 10, 2022

Policy, Policy Statements

Getting Our Nation’s Freight Rail System Back On Track

Our nation’s freight rail system has existed for more than 150 years because it has historically been viewed – both by the federal government and the companies that operate on it – as a long-term asset that requires regular investments in order to continue its vitality. These regular investments have been made both by the…
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November 10, 2022

Policy, Policy Statements

PREVENTING FEDERAL DOLLARS FROM DISPLACING WORKERS

The federal infrastructure law made the largest-ever investment in passenger rail in America, paving the way for a historic expansion of passenger rail service in nearly every state. Now, as federal grants are available to every state to expand passenger rail service, it’s never been more urgent to require grant recipients to comply with laws…
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November 10, 2022

Policy, Policy Statements

Restoring Rail Worker Sickness & Unemployment Insurance

For more than a decade, railroad workers’ hard-earned Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Insurance program benefits have been subject to indiscriminate and reckless cuts made by Congress in the 2013 budget sequestration. Railroaders are the only workers in the entire country whose unemployment insurance program is subject to these cuts. The unemployment insurance program often provides…
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November 10, 2022

Policy, Policy Statements

REQUIRE “MADE IN AMERICA” CONTENT FOR ALL FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

In November 2021, President Biden’s promise to enact historic infrastructure investment legislation became a reality when the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) became law. The $1.2 trillion bill was precisely the scale of investment that is long overdue in this country. In addition to directing record levels of investment in infrastructure, the BIL also enshrined into…
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November 10, 2022

Policy, Policy Statements

FAA MUST REPORT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER STAFFING ACCURATELY IN CONTROLLER WORKFORCE PLAN

Air traffic controllers keep our skies safe as they efficiently move thousands of aircraft every day throughout the National Airspace System (NAS). Their professional standards are rigorous: new hires undergo extensive training for at least 18 to 36 months depending on their facility assignment. Controllers worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and without their ongoing efforts,…
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