Policy Statements

As the globalization of aviation accelerates, transportation labor grows weary of the emergence of new operating schemes and alliances around the globe designed to “forum shop” for cheaper labor and evade collective bargaining obligations. Because decades of unfair trade policy have ravaged too many workers in many U.S. industries, we have insisted that any liberalization […]

WASHINGTON, DC—Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) President Edward Wytkind issues this statement on the negative impacts to transportation of yesterday’s passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government running through September 30, 2013: “At a time when our transportation system is suffering from chronic neglect, the House-passed […]

Last year Patriot Coal Company, a creation of Peabody Energy, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an effort to exploit our legal code for financial gain by shedding responsibility for retiree health and pension obligations it inherited from Peabody and from Arch Coal. Unfortunately, using bankruptcy to get out of obligations to workers is not […]

While Washington obsesses over the so-called “deficit crisis,” the reality is that America has a jobs and transportation infrastructure crisis, a product of decades of neglect and indifference by policymakers.  This crisis reaches into every sector of our transportation system and we are committed to its reversal. The most significant barrier to restoring America’s surface […]

As our economy remains on a slow path to recovery, obstructionists in Congress are poised to force sequestration – indiscriminate and reckless cuts in federal spending – that would take effect on March 1 in the absence of a congressional deal. The politicians are saying America needs a full economic recovery led by middle class […]

TTD member unions are committed to an integrated, multi-modal transportation system.  Based on public statements made in Congress, early in 2013 the House and Senate are poised to consider the reauthorization of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA), which provides an opportunity to advance a long-term plan for Amtrak and our national passenger […]

Today, international aviation and the role that U.S. carriers and their workers play in our air transportation system is at a crossroads.  While over 100 trade liberalization pacts, referred to as “open skies” agreements, already exist between the U.S. and various governments, new and expanded agreements are on the table.  In addition, the European Union […]

Human trafficking is a worldwide problem with as many as 27 million women, men and children sold into prostitution, domestic servitude or other forced labor in dark corners across the globe.  While it is easy to think of this as a foreign issue, these atrocities are all too often committed on American soil.  Unfortunately, our […]

U.S. government policy has long recognized the importance of a strong U.S. merchant marine to our national economy and global defense network.  These policies and laws reflect the changing dynamics of the global maritime system, and are designed to promote the health and viability of a privately owned U.S.-flag fleet and the maintenance of a […]

As policy makers explore making significant investments in our nation’s transportation and infrastructure, it is critical that federal expenditures are leveraged to achieve the greatest possible economic impact and job growth.  Strong domestic content standards and improvements to Buy America laws will ensure that investments in our nation’s transportation infrastructure will sustain domestic manufacturing and […]