Transit
TWU VICTORY: LA Metro Board Cancels Proposed Takeover of Bikeshare Program
Posted OnMarch 27, 2024 byThe Transport Workers Union successfully fought a proposed takeover of La Metro’s Bike Share – keeping good jobs in place that provide economic certainty. The LA Metro Board on Tuesday evening notified the TWU it intends to cancel a request for proposal that would have potentially nullified an industry-leading contract for bikeshare workers that was…Read More…
Massive Breakthrough for Trackworker Safety
Posted OnMarch 23, 2024 byThe federal government for the first time is proposing minimum safety standards to protect trackworkers from on-the-job injuries and deaths – a move The Transport Workers Union has advocated for over many years.Read More…
TWU Celebrates Women’s History Month With a Look Back
Posted OnMarch 20, 2024 byIn honor of Women’s History Month, we dove deep into the TWU archives. In those archives we found not just TWU history but history about our TWU Women in the workforce. In light of those findings we would like to take a moment to honor those women. Dorothea Williams, TA railroad clerk from Local 100,…Read More…
Workers Over Robots: TWU’s Technology Push Gets National and International Press
Posted OnMarch 14, 2024 byAfter the Transport Workers Union announced it secured first-of-its-kind contract language to give labor veto power over the deployment of autonomous vehicles, the national media is taking note. Politico first covered the announcement of contract language with the Central Ohio Transit Authority that prevents the agency from laying off Bus Operators or Mechanics or…Read More…
Amtrak and Transit Funding Victory
Posted OnMarch 6, 2024 byTWU International President John Samuelsen issued the following comment regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ adoption of H. Res. 1061, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. “This is a big win for Amtrak passengers, mass transit riders, and union workers who move America. Far right ideologues – with zero care or concern for the nation’s wellbeing – tried…Read More…
TWU Tech Newsletter: Winning Contracts That Fight Autonomous Technology
Posted OnMarch 5, 2024 byThis is the monthly edition of the Transport Workers Union’s Transportation Technology Newsletter. We aim to inform and educate our members, the labor movement, the public and policymakers about developments in transportation technology – and what the TWU is doing to ensure that new technology doesn’t undermine safety or harm the livelihoods of hard-working blue-collar workers….Read More…
TWU Calls for Congressional Action to Avert Harmful Shutdown
Posted OnFebruary 27, 2024 byThe Transport Workers Union is urging House and Senate leaders to work together this week to prevent a shutdown of some federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration. A shutdown would begin on March 2nd if Congress does not act. A government shutdown would halt the training of new air traffic…Read More…
STOPPING AVs FROM REPLACING BUS OPERATORS, MECHANICS, AND OTHER TRANSIT WORKERS
Posted OnFebruary 23, 2024 byAs automated cars and shuttles proliferate, The TWU has drawn a line in the sand and is taking steps to protect Bus Operators and other workers from being replaced someday by autonomous vehicle technology.
The Transport Workers Union’s Technology Task Force recently secured first-of-its kind contract language with a public transportation agency in Ohio giving the union veto power over the deployment of autonomous vehicles. The contract also says Bus Operators and Mechanics cannot be laid off, or have their wages reduced, because of new or modified technology.
The collective bargaining agreement – with the Central Ohio Transit Authority – is part of TWU’s national strategy against job killing technology. It will now serve as a template for the TWU as it negotiates new contracts in cities across the United StatesRead More…
TWU Issues Comments Supporting FTA’s Proposed Assault General Directive
Posted OnFebruary 21, 2024 byThe Transport Workers Union strongly supports a proposed general directive from the Federal Transit Administration to specify how transit agencies must provide safeguards against assaults on transit workers. Read our full comment filed with the FTA below: February 20, 2024 The Honorable Nuria Fernandez Administrator Federal Transit Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington,…Read More…
The TWU Pushes For Big Boost in Transit Funding
Posted OnJanuary 18, 2024 byJan. 18, 2024
The Transport Workers Union strongly supports proposed legislation allocating $80 billion in operating funds for transit agencies to operate more rail and bus service. The Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act, introduced by Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4) today, would allocate $20 billion a year for four years for agencies “to make substantial improvements” to systems in our cities, towns and rural communities.
“This legislation would dramatically improve the lives of working men and women,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “It would replace the government’s current transit funding scheme, which is completely asinine and void of common sense. Transit agencies would be able to increase and improve bus and rail service so working communities don’t just survive but thrive.” Click ‘Read More’ for the full statement,