WASHINGTON, DC—Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) President Edward Wytkind issues the following statement in reaction to the passing of Congressman Jim Oberstar:
“The news that our dear friend Jim Oberstar has passed away is shocking and leaves us with a heavy heart.
“For transportation workers, Jim Oberstar was the “Conscience of the House” as he spent a distinguished career as a lawmaker giving them a strong voice inside the corridors of power.
“On the transportation issues that confronted our nation, Jim Oberstar, known to many as Mr. Chairman, was a towering figure. When there was a job to create or save, Jim Oberstar led the charge. As our transportation system deteriorated, Jim Oberstar led every battle to demand action on federal investment initiatives. When policy proposals were offered that undermined transportation workers or threatened their jobs or rights, Jim Oberstar led the opposition. And throughout his career Jim Oberstar always believed that a worker’s clearest path into the middle class was through the power of a strong union and collective bargaining.
“Most of all, in the decades that Jim Oberstar graced the House floor, it was his unyielding view that every working person deserves fairness and dignity on the job that guided him and forever will define his legacy.
“Today we pause to honor Jim Oberstar’s life of public service, to remember his friendship, to mourn his passing and to offer our condolences and prayers to his wife Jean and his entire family, and to his friends.”
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