Transit
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,
FTA ISSUES LANDMARK DIRECTIVE ON TRANSIT WORKER ASSAULTS
Posted OnDecember 20, 2023 byThe General Directive requires all transit agencies serving urbanized areas with at least 50,000 residents to immediately conduct a risk assessment for assaults on transit workers in their systems. The agencies must then work with frontline transit workers (through Safety Committees established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to develop mitigation strategies that prevent the kinds of assaults at their property. These plans and the assessment must be submitted to the FTA for review, data collection, and policy development.Read More…
Statement on California Suspending Cruise’s License to Operate Driverless Vehicles
Posted OnOctober 24, 2023 byWashington, DC – John Samuelsen, International President of the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), issues in this statement in response to the suspension of Cruise’s operating and testing permits by the California Department of Motor Vehicles: “California’s Department of Motor Vehicles absolutely made the right decision and recognized exactly what the TWU has been…Read More…
Statement in support of The Transit Emergency Relief Act
Posted OnOctober 18, 2023 byWashington, DC – John Samuelsen, International President of the Transport Workers Union, issues this statement in support of the Transit Emergency Relief Act: “We’ve all seen the horrific impact major weather events and natural disasters have on our transit systems. Stations flooded with grimy rainwater, damaged tracks and other impaired infrastructure make travel impossible for…Read More…
22 Years Later: The TWU Remembers
Posted OnSeptember 11, 2023 byAs our nation marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the TWU pauses to remember those whose lives have been lost or forever altered by these horrific events—including many of our own members. Today we honor our union members across all of our industries who, in the face of uncertainty and adversity,…Read More…
Local Officers Network, Strategize, and ‘Seize the Moment’ at Joint President Council Meeting
Posted OnAugust 23, 2023 byHundreds of local officers representing all three divisions of the TWU gathered in Atlanta this week for the second annual Joint President Council Meeting. Hosted by Air Division Director Andre Sutton, Railroad Division Director John Feltz, and TUUS Division Director Willie Brown, the meeting allowed member leaders from across the union to network, celebrate victories,…Read More…
Decision to Expand Robotaxi Operations in San Francisco Underscores Need for Federal Oversight
Posted OnAugust 11, 2023 byDecision to Expand Robotaxi Operations in San Francisco Underscores Need for Federal Oversight John Samuelsen, International President of the Transport Workers Union of America, issues this statement in response to a decision by the California Public Utilities Commission to expand robotaxi operations in San Francisco: “It is glaringly clear that the California Public Utilities Commission,…Read More…
Transportation Technology Campaign Newsletter #14
Posted OnAugust 4, 2023 byIf you see or hear about new technologies or services, please send us an email, TransportationTech@twu.org TWU to House Committee: Autonomous Vehicles Legislation Must Prioritize Safety & Union Jobs TWU International President John Samuelsen told the House Energy and Commerce Committee that the union will “work against” legislation that “fails to properly regulate autonomous vehicles, preserve…Read More…
Safety and Union Jobs Must be Prioritized in Autonomous Vehicle Legislation
Posted OnJuly 19, 2023 byFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 19, 2023 Contact: Jonna Huseman, jhuseman@twu.org Safety and Union Jobs Must be Prioritized in Autonomous Vehicle Legislation John Samuelsen, International President of the Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, (TWU) issued this statement following the announcement of a House Energy & Commerce hearing on autonomous vehicle legislation: “Since our…Read More…