WASHINGTON – On July 26, 2025, more than 75 transportation labor leaders, advocates and workers gathered in New York City at the Transportation Trades Department (TTD)’s 2025 Convention and Executive Committee Meeting. As America’s largest transportation labor federation, TTD has fought for pro-worker policies on the federal level for 35 years. Photos from the convention can be viewed and downloaded HERE.
Members of TTD’s Executive Committee unanimously adopted the federation’s legislative, political, and regulatory agenda for the upcoming year and re-elected President Greg Regan and Secretary-Treasurer Shari Semelsberger to lead the organization.
Adopted policy statements call on Congress to modernize our nation’s air traffic control system, as well as reform mental health care for pilots and air traffic controllers. TTD also urges the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce the agreed-upon actions outlined in last year’s FAA Reauthorization Bill, specifically to initiate a comprehensive review of airport ramp-worker safety.
The U.S. merchant marine is crucial in maintaining national and economic security. Congress must pass the SHIPS Act to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry through shipbuilding, strengthening of U.S. cargo preference, and investment in the maritime workforce.
To enhance the safety of our nation’s freight rail system, transportation labor stands firmly against industry-preferred policies of automation and outsourcing that are specifically designed to side-step union workers. Automated track inspection (ATI) technology should work in tandem with rail workers, not replace them, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) must curb efforts to reduce the frequency of human track inspections. TTD also requests that lawmakers and regulators stop railroads as they seek to maximize profits and forgo safety regulations by replacing American workers with Mexican train crews.
Unprecedented attacks on the collective bargaining rights of federal workers can be remedied only through comprehensive legislation, and we urge Congress to immediately pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act. We believe that the United States Postal Service (USPS) and its essential workers should be protected from privatization, violence, and workplace hazards.
Transportation labor urges Congress to use the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as a blueprint for funding levels in the upcoming Surface Reauthorization Bill, while also pushing for the Trump administration to develop, enforce, and maintain strong safety regulations to protect transportation workers.
Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) and Mike Lawler (NY-17) gave remarks to the Executive Committee and highlighted the need for bipartisan investments in transportation and infrastructure. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-1) received the Larry Willis Leadership Award for his commitment to working people and transportation safety.
Union leaders attended site visits across New York City to see first-hand how workers move goods and people across Manhattan and the outer boroughs. Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 workers moved us through the Michael J. Quill bus depot, where more than 230 MTA buses are stored and maintained daily.
The American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) showed us what their daily operations look like at Penn and Moynihan Stations, the busiest passenger train stations in the city. Amtrak walked us through the customer side of Penn and Moynihan, as well as construction progress of the Hudson Tunnel Project.
The Masters, Mates, & Pilots (MMP) led us on the historic Circle Line Cruise, guiding passengers through the Hudson River for views of the iconic New York City skyline. Finally, we closed out the weekend on the Staten Island Ferry, where the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) and MMP talked us through the responsibilities that come with moving thousands of passengers each day.
There is no person in the United States who does not rely on transportation and infrastructure. Since 1990, TTD has been a voice in the nation’s capital for transportation trades workers who keep this country moving. As we gathered in New York City, home to the largest transportation network in the nation, we honored the sacrifices made by these workers and are reminded of our mission to tirelessly advocate for them.
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