June 30, 2026
Dear Representative,
On behalf of our affiliated unions representing hundreds of thousands of workers who build, operate, and maintain our nation’s transportation networks, the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), urges you to vote NO on Onder Amendment #27 (Rules #41) in the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 8800).
This amendment would strike section 1115 of the bill that helps protect the collective bargaining rights of civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees. This provision was added with bipartisan support during the House Armed Services Committee markup earlier this month. A vote against the amendment maintains the bipartisan agreement to protect bargaining rights for the dedicated individuals working at the DOD performing functions necessary to our national security and keeping Americans safe at home.
Opposing this amendment stands up for the DOD employees stationed at military installations across the country, who maintain and repair military equipment for our servicemen and women. This workforce includes aircraft mechanics, maintenance workers for submarines and ships, and personnel who oversee the upkeep and overhauling of naval vessels at shipyard facilities. Their responsibilities include maintaining a wide range of equipment, including ships, weapons systems, aircraft, helicopters, and Humvees. This workforce also includes civilian mariners who work aboard Military Sealift Command vessels and operate and maintain both government-owned and privately-owned ships for national defense. The men and women who crew these ships provide vital support to the U.S. Navy and to American troops deployed around the world by transporting fuel, food, ammunition, and cargo whenever and wherever needed by the Department of Defense. Additionally, this workforce includes men and women who work on dredging vessels for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who maintain our ports and waterways.
Federal workers already sacrifice many rights that private-sector employees enjoy, including the ability to negotiate wages and benefits and the fundamental right to strike. All workers deserve workplace protections, equitable treatment, protection against retaliation, health and safety standards, and due process in grievance and disciplinary matters. These rights are essential for effectively addressing workplace conflicts, improving employee retention and productivity, and boosting morale.
We urge you to stand with the dedicated men and women working at the Department of Defense by voting NO on Onder Amendment #27 (Rules #41) and protecting the collective bargaining agreements for those who contribute vital services to our country.
For any questions or further information, please contact Lianne Endo at LianneE@ttd.org.
Sincerely,
Greg Regan, President
Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO