WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today in reaction to Senate confirmation of Walter A. Barrows as Labor Member on the Railroad Retirement Board:
“Transportation labor commends the U.S. Senate for confirming Walt Barrows to serve on the Railroad Retirement Board. With Mr. Barrows’ arrival at the Board, active and retired railroad employees can look to the future knowing that a forceful voice will serve at the Board advocating for a financially sound and healthy Railroad Retirement system.
“Walt Barrows has a long and distinguished career in the railroad industry. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job of ensuring reliable and efficient delivery of retirement, unemployment, disability and survivor benefits to several hundred thousand railroad employees, retirees and their families. These individuals and families could not be better served than by having one of their very own in this vitally important position.
“As the International Secretary-Treasurer to the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, a position he’s held for 11 years, as well as in his role as Trustee on the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust, Mr. Barrows has worked with distinction and diligence. We have no doubt that Mr. Barrows will continue his long path of service and commitment to railroad employees and retirees during what we’re sure will be a distinguished career as the Board’s Labor Member.”
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The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, represents 32 member unions in the aviation, rail, transit, motor carrier, highway, longshore, maritime and related industries. For more information, visit www.ttd.org.
