WASHINGTON, DC—Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) President Edward Wytkind issues this statement on the passing of Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.):
“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a stalwart proponent of a vibrant and safe transportation system and a tireless advocate of the men and woman who work in this vital sector of our economy.
“Whether leading the charge to enhance transportation safety and security, secure funding for necessary transportation investments or defend basic collective bargaining rights on the Senate floor, transportation workers knew they had a friend in Frank Lautenberg.
“In the area of transportation safety and security there was no greater champion than Senator Lautenberg. He understood that our government has a sacred obligation to ensure that workers come home safely every day and he served to fulfill this responsibility.
“Senator Lautenberg hailed from a state that needed a modern, interconnected transportation system to thrive and he brought this perspective to the policy debates in Washington. He was a relentless supporter of long-term federal funding for our multi-modal transportation system and kept Washington honest when some politicians attempted to roll back critically important public investments.
“When super storm Sandy ravaged the Northeast, Senator Lautenberg went to work to make sure the federal government did its part to rebuild our ports, airports, roads and transit and rail systems. And in the process he brought hope to a region that had lost so much.
“On a personal level, I will miss Frank Lautenberg’s friendship and common sense approach to these often complicated issues. We will honor the legacy of this great public servant by continuing to fight for the jobs and rights of transportation employees.”
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The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, represents 33 member unions in the aviation, rail, transit, motor carrier, highway, longshore, maritime and related industries. For more information, visit us at www.ttd.org or on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact: Jennifer Michels, jenniferm@ttd.org, 703.395.2195