Policy

The Honorable Joseph C. Szabo Administrator Federal Railroad Administration (Attention: Docket Operations, M-30) U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Rm W-12-140 West Building Ground Floor Washington, DC  20590-0001 Re: Docket No. FRA-2009-0043, Notice No. 1: Hours of Service of Railroad Employees; Substantive Regulations for Train Employees Providing Commuter and Intercity Rail Passenger Transportation; […]

One of the most important enhancements to rail safety is the timely implementation of Congressionally mandated positive train control (PTC) systems that will prevent collisions and save lives.  Despite the numerous documented benefits of this technology, our nation’s rail companies continue to resist timely implementation of this life saving technology.  Although the current language in […]

Dear Representative: Later today, the House of Representatives will consider a resolution proposed by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan establishing the budget for FY2012 (H. Con. Res. 34, the “Ryan Resolution”).  On behalf of the 32 member unions of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), I urge you to oppose this resolution as it would […]

Support the LaTourette-Costello Amendment to Preserve Fair Union Election Rules Dear Representative: When the House considers FAA Reauthorization (H.R. 658) later this week, Reps. Steve LaTourette (R-OH) and Jerry Costello (D-IL) will offer an amendment that will preserve union election rules for aviation and rail workers that allow a majority of those voting to decide […]

Transportation Security Officers are on the front lines of ensuring a safe and secure aviation system in America.  They are the eyes and ears of our airport security system and they deserve a strong union voice on the job insisting on proper staffing, comprehensive training and adequate resources necessary to perform these vitally important jobs.  […]

Amtrak and its employees have a positive story to tell – a story that cannot be ignored as this Committee considers various proposals to advance passenger rail, including measures designed to boost private sector participation. Amtrak ridership is on the rise with growth reported in each of the last 16 months. Annual ridership records were set in seven of the last eight fiscal years. On the Northeast Corridor (NEC), Amtrak is operationally in the black as NEC performance metrics continue to improve. And now that the company has stable senior management with a long-term vision and a Board committed to Amtrak’s growth and expansion, the future of the company is promising – that is, if Congress gives Amtrak and its workforce the chance to succeed.

The aviation system plays a critical role in our national economy.  It employs millions of workers both directly and indirectly; it generates nearly $900 billion in economic activity annually; and it is responsible for 9 percent of our GDP.  As stewards of our aviation network, Congress and the Administration have a responsibility to advance federal […]

The President and Congress should work together to pass a robust surface transportation bill into law.  This reauthorization will define our national surface transportation priorities and play a critical role in boosting economic growth, increasing prosperity and creating good jobs in transportation, construction and manufacturing.  After several extensions of the expired authorizing legislation over the […]

Amtrak plays an essential role in our national transportation network.  The time to invest in the railroad’s operating and capital needs, support its skilled and dedicated employees, and ensure that our national passenger rail carrier plays a central role in delivering on the promise of high-speed rail is now.  We are heartened by President Obama’s […]

Transit systems in hundreds of communities face a crisis fueled by the devastating recession, the budget cutting it inspired and inaction in Washington on a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill.  Transit providers of all sizes – urban, suburban and rural – have already slashed service and jobs and many more are executing major plans to […]