Press Releases and Statements

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, testifies today before the House Ways and Means Committee about the challenges of funding a new Surface Transportation Authorization bill and the Highway Trust Fund. Below are excerpts from his oral testimony: “We can’t wait another 18 months for a surface transportation authorization […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issued the following statement today in reaction to the Obama Administration’s intent to nominate Daniel Elliott as Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board: “Transportation unions strongly support the President’s decision to nominate Daniel Elliott to serve as the Chair of the Surface […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today upon House and Senate consideration of the FY 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act: “Demand for mass transit service is increasing like never before. Yet the struggling economy has created huge shortfalls in state and local contributions to transit agencies. […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today in reaction to the Obama Administration’s intent to nominate Harry Hoglander as a Member of the National Mediation Board: “Transportation labor strongly supports the President’s decision to nominate Harry Hoglander to another term as a Member of the […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today in reaction to the Obama Administration’s intent to nominate Deborah Hersman to be reappointed to and named Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board: “Transportation labor applauds the President’s nomination of Deborah Hersman to serve as Chair of […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today upon House passage of the Transportation Security Administration reauthorization bill: “The House has taken an important step today to address shortcomings in America’s defenses against homeland security threats to our transportation network. “In the almost eight years since […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today upon U.S. Senate confirmation of Linda Puchala as a Member of the National Mediation Board: “This is an important day for rail and airline workers in this country. With the confirmation of Linda Puchala as a member of […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today in reaction to U.S. Senate confirmation of Peter Rogoff as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration: “As we enter into new era of public transportation in America, a new champion for mass transit has arrived. Transportation unions congratulate […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today following Senate confirmation of Randy Babbitt as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration: “With confirmation of Randy Babbitt as its leader, today the Federal Aviation Administration begins the important work of reforming itself and re-energizing efforts derailed in […]

WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today following House passage of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill (H.R. 915): “The FAA bill passed by the House of Representatives today will bring Americans closer to the first-class aviation system they want and deserve. “This legislation will […]