Press Releases and Statements

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement following passage of a new jobs bill in the House of Representatives: “Although job losses are slowing, this economy continues to bleed jobs and Congress is right to act.  We have advocated for a new round of investments in all […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), appeared at a public hearing today to support the National Mediation Board’s proposed rule changes for airline and railroad union elections. Below are excerpts from his submitted statement: “Currently, an absolute majority of all eligible employees in a craft or class are […]

Flight Crews Look Forward to Family and Medical Leave Act Coverage WASHINGTON, DC – Flight crews will soon have the same family and medical leave coverage that other working Americans have enjoyed since 1993. Transportation labor applauds the passage of the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act, which is expected to be signed into law […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Airline and rail workers can have hope that fair union election rules are in their future, in light of sensible reforms proposed today by the National Mediation Board (NMB). “The deck is currently stacked against airline and railroad workers,” said Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), which requested […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Transportation union leaders are urging action on key transportation legislation that, if delayed further, forestalls needed improvements to our nation’s aviation and surface transportation systems and eliminates a major source of job creation so badly needed across the country. In their annual fall meeting today, leaders of the 32 unions that comprise […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement in anticipation of Labor Day: “As Americans observe Labor Day this year, some may have a lot more to celebrate than others.  In the midst of a recession where high unemployment and slow job growth persist, transportation workers are […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issued the following statement following Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s death: “We’ve lost a friend and a fighter for workers everywhere with the passing of Senator Kennedy.  He was at the center of so many legislative initiatives to make jobs safer and more […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today in reaction to David Matsuda’s appointment as Deputy/Acting Administrator of the Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation: “Transportation unions support David Matsuda’s appointment to become the Deputy/Acting Administrator for the Maritime Administration. In his previous experience as both […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement in reaction to Senate confirmation of Deborah Hersman to be reappointed to and named Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board: “Transportation unions are pleased the Senate has confirmed Deborah Hersman to lead the National Transportation Safety Board.  Hersman […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement in reaction to Senate confirmation of Richard Lidinsky as Federal Maritime Commissioner: “Richard Lidinsky’s background and past work experience make him well qualified to serve as a Federal Maritime Commissioner.  Having worked 35 years on maritime issues, Lidinsky will […]