Policy

The increasing threat posed by criminal acts of marine piracy requires an aggressive response from our government to protect the lives of American merchant mariners and maintain the stability and integrity of the U.S. maritime industry.  The United States-flag fleet contributes to the economic, political and military security of our nation, and it is incumbent […]

As the United States seeks to enter into new and expanded international aviation agreements with our trading partners, it must be ensured that these agreements are balanced, legitimately promote U.S. aviation, and protect the interests and jobs of U.S. aviation workers.  While we support efforts to create additional international opportunities for U.S. carriers, these opportunities […]

At 7 a.m. on January 31, 2010, foreign-owned Rio Tinto, the second largest mining company in the world, locked out nearly 600 members of ILWU Local 30 at its borax mine and plant in Boron, California.  This mega-mining conglomerate is trying to force an extremely concessionary contract ultimatum down the throats of Local 30’s members […]

COMMENTS OF THE TRANSPORTATION TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL-CIO ________________________________ BEFORE THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY REQUEST FOR COMMENTS AIRCRAFT REPAIR STATION SECURITY Docket No. TSA-2004-17131 February 19, 2010 On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), we are pleased to submit the following comments on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Notice of […]

Dear Senator:   The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO and its member unions have for many years advocated for policy reforms that ensure the outsourcing of aircraft maintenance, now reaching epidemic proportions, does not jeopardize aviation safety and security.  The need for legislative action is underscored by the attached USA Today article, which highlights the findings […]

BEFORE THE NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD ___________________________________ Representation Election Procedure   Docket No.  C-6964 __________________________________ COMMENTS OF THE TRANSPORTATION TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL-CIO On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) and our 32 affiliated unions , we want to express our support for the National Mediation Board’s (NMB or the Board) proposed revisions in 29 CFR Parts […]

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker The United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C.  20515   Dear Speaker Pelosi:   On behalf of the 32 affiliated unions of the Transportation Trades Department AFL-CIO (TTD), I urge you to include significant transportation investments in any jobs bill that the House of Representatives may consider.  We appreciate your […]

WRITTEN STATEMENT OF EDWARD WYTKIND, PRESIDENT TRANSPORTATION TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL-CIO _________________________ BEFORE THE NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD ON THE REPRESENTATION ELECTION PROCEDURE; PROPOSED RULE; DOCKET NO. C-6964 FOR THE NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD’S PUBLIC MEETING December 7, 2009 On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) I want to thank the National Mediation Board (“NMB or […]

Dear Representative:   On behalf of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, I urge you to support the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Act of 2009 when it is marked-up tomorrow and to oppose any amendments that would weaken this important bill.  This bill contains needed and sensible reforms that will help protect transportation workers, emergency responders, […]

The consequences of distracted driving confront our affiliated unions and their members on a daily basis, and we understand the need to improve safety in the operation of motor vehicles. There is no question that more must be done to combat distracted driving, including limiting the use of communication devices. As Congress and regulators move forward in this effort, they must also recognize the role that mobile communication devices play in the transportation sector. When limits or bans are imposed on the use of communication devices the workplace for our members changes, and any rules must reflect this reality. It is therefore necessary that clear policy govern the use of communication devices for transportation workers.