Washington, DC – This Labor Day, the 33-union Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation are teaming up to recognize and thank frontline transportation workers for their service and sacrifice, and remind Americans that these workers are #EssentialAlways.
The campaign comes at a historic crossroads for this dedicated workforce. As the United States continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic — which millions of frontline transportation workers have disproportionately shouldered — Congress and the Biden administration are pursuing transformational investments in infrastructure as part of the president’s build back better agenda. Highly skilled transportation workers will be vital in achieving these goals and rebuilding our country.
“Frontline transportation workers power the most advanced economy in the world by operating, maintaining, and building the most complex transportation network on earth,” said TTD President Greg Regan. “Whether they’re helping people get to home, work, or school, moving the goods and raw materials we all rely on, delivering our mail, seeing us through a crisis, or building transportation projects of the future, these dedicated professionals have always been essential to the fabric of America, and they always will be.”
During the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, transportation workers were instrumental in keeping the American economy open and functioning. They transported healthcare and other essential workers to their jobs on the frontlines of the pandemic, delivered critical supplies to hospitals, ensured grocery store shelves were stocked, and brought the COVID-19 vaccine to every corner of this country. While their efforts during the pandemic undoubtedly saved lives, transportation labor unions want to remind America that their members are #EssentialAlways.
“The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the duties transportation workers perform every day. When businesses closed and entire communities went dark, these workers didn’t have the option to work from home. They risked their own health and safety to see us through this crisis,” said TTD Secretary-Treasurer Shari Semelsberger. “Now, as we look to recover from the worst public health and economic crisis in living memory, transportation workers will be central to our efforts to build back better.”
Transportation unions are encouraging the general public, elected leaders, and members of transportation and infrastructure community to join the campaign by following and engaging with the hashtag #EssentialAlways on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and to watch and share this video explaining the important role transportation workers played before and during the pandemic, and the role they will play for years to come.