Published 07 Mar, 2011
Addressing the crisis facing transit systems, ensuring fair union elections for rail and aviation workers, and creating jobs are the top priorities of transportation unions.
The Transportation Trades Department (TTD), AFL-CIO Executive Committee, which includes TWU, recently released a policy statement on seven key issues impacting workers in the rail, transit and aviation industries. The TTD called on Congress to pass a much-needed FAA Reauthorization Bill, but will not support passage of the current House version that includes repealing a recent rule change that made union elections more fair and democratic. Meanwhile, transit agencies across the country are facing budget shortfalls and need to be given flexibility in using federal funds in order to avoid service cuts and layoffs. The TTD also discussed the importance of expanding Amtrak’s high-speed rail network.