FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:Michael Buckley
202/628-9262
Amendment Threatened Highway Safety, Exploited Workers
Washington, D.C. Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today.
“We are pleased that Representative John Boozman (R-AR) chose to withdraw his amendment to the highway and transit bill (H.R. 3) that would extend a truck driver’s day to 16 hours. Mounting public and congressional opposition to the amendment spotlighted the grave danger it posed for highway users and its mistreatment of American workers.
“By leading the lobbying efforts for this reckless change to federal law, Wal-Mart’s true colors were revealed for all to see. A company that earns a profit of $20,000 each minute, flaunts labor and safety laws, and pays its workers wages below federal poverty levels certainly does not need any more favors from Washington.
“Forcing truck drivers to spend as much as 16 hours on duty runs completely counter to the vast body of scientific evidence about the dangers of tired truck drivers – and the need for our government to act in the public interest. We will continue to oppose any attempts to advance this anti-safety measure.”
TTD represents 35 member unions in the rail, aviation, transit, trucking, highway, longshore, maritime and related industries. For more information, visit www.ttd.org.
Wal-Mart-Led Coalition Loses Push for 16 Hour Day for Truck Drivers