Published 02 Dec, 2015
UPDATE: Both the House and Senate have passed the bill.
This week, Congress reached agreement on a transit and Amtrak bill that includes numerous provisions supported by TWU. For the last two years, we have fought for federal legislation that protects labor rights, increases transit funding, preserves Amtrak jobs, provides a safe workplace for bus drivers, and avoids privatization mandates. Our fight has been successful and we need to make one more push to get the bill over the finish line.
On Thursday, members of Congress will start voting on the bipartisan Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (H.R. 22), also known as the FAST Act.
The FAST Act:
• Increases transit funding by 18 percent over five years;
• Requires the federal government to help stop assaults on transit operators;
• Includes new job protections for Amtrak food and beverage workers;
• Mandates a study on providing restroom time and access for rail and bus operators;
• Reinforces labor protections;
• Does not expand privatization of transit or Amtrak; and
• Increases Buy America requirements so that 70 percent of transit vehicles must be made in America.
TWU needs you to take action TODAY by emailing your U.S. Representative and Senators and urging them to support the FAST Act.