by Tracy Hardin
I had the honor of attending the 2010 TWU, AFL-CIO COPE LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE and that is the challenge that greeted me when I walked in the conference center. “Take Charge of Political Change: Stay Connected” As a Transport Worker we have a tendency to forget that issues complicate my job, my livelihood, also crosses the isle to include other sectors of the transportation industry. Not only is aviation having problems but also rail, buses, and even the space program. We all have our own internal way of combating the specific issues, but when our paths cross common ground, we use a common tool. Brothers and sisters that tool, is politics.
TWU Int’l President James Little opened the conference by stressing the importance of transportation to America and the economy. By creating more jobs in these areas is the key to the countries economic recovery. We the workers are willing to do our part, now it’s time for local, state, and federal elected officials to do their part.
Congressman Barney Frank from Mass. was the first speaker on Tuesday emphasizing that we all used some form of transit to make it to the Capitol and how important it is in our daily lives.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood spoke on the issue of funding for all sectors of transportation with a highlight on high-speed rail. By moving forward with these plans is not only wise for job creation but also for the environment. Hi-speed rail will energize economically depressed States and reduce the amount of cars on the street during morning and evening commutes, thus reducing our carbon footprint. The funding has already been allocated, we just need to move forward and make wise decisions for the sake of all workers in America.
Later we participated in a rally on the grounds of the capitol. There were union transit workers from across the country to let legislators hear that the transportation industry needs the support and funding that has been ignored for too many years. There were more than 1800 TWU members that traveled in from New York. Members from as far away as California, Chicago, and Florida along with Reverend Jesse Jackson attended to express their support for transportation funding and creation of green jobs in America.
The following days we were addressed by many powerful and influential leaders of congress. Rep. James Oberstar (MIN.), Rep. Laura Richardson (Cal.), Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI.) to name a few, along with Edward Wytkind of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. Every speaker delivered unwavering support for transportation, its’ infrastructure, and the men and women that keep things moving. They also emphasized that their voices alone would not be heard above all the noise. We need to become more involved and vocal about our position or we will not have a seat at the table. Meet and speak with our local, state, and federal representatives to make sure our concerns are heard. They have to understand that I don’t have time to listen to speeches when I am trying to find a job. If I don’t hear you, I don’t vote for you if you get my drift.
The next two days meetings were held with various state representatives from across the country to ask questions and get answers concerning bills before Congress that interest labor.
- LABOR PROTECTIONS:
- EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT:
This bill has been introduced in the House and the Senate but no action has taken place on it. This bill would restore the rights of workers by,
- Strengthen penalties against companies that use fear tactics to intimidate their employees.
- Establish mediation and binding arbitration when the employer and workers cannot agree on a first contract.
- Enable employees to have their union certified when a majority signs union cards.
The TWU supports this bill and ask Congress to pass it as soon as possible. We believe this would restore workers ‘freedom to form unions and protect them from harassment during the collective bargain process.
- FIGHTING TO PROTECT OUR JOBS:
- REAUTHORIZING THE FAA:
This bill covers a very large area of the FAA from OSHA protections for flight attendants, Open Skies Agreement-Foreign Ownership, and Drug and Alcohol testing of all part 145 employees. Two versions have passed the House and Senate and are now being held up in conference. Other highlights are,
- Inspections of facilities twice a year by FAA inspectors.
- New regulation to strengthen oversight and procedures for non-certified repair stations.
- Drug and Alcohol testing for certification requirements for foreign repair stations including third party stations.
The TWU ask Congress to pass the FAA Re-authorization bill as a first step in rectifying unequal safety standards and treatment of flight attendants. We want the Senate to include the same tough standards as the House bill in regards to increased oversight and safety standards for foreign repair stations. Give FedEx workers the right to join union under the National Labor Relations Board.
The past two bills were just the tip of the many bills before this legislative session that are of concern to labor. Healthcare Reform, Funding for Transit and Rail Training, Outsourcing, Veterans Affairs, Executive Compensation, and the list can go on and on.
These are the issues that the labor movement has built its legacy on. Fifty, sixty, seventy years ago we fought for these basic rights for all workings. In 2010, we find ourselves in a battle to keep what has been slowly eroding year after year. Today it is not the factory floor, bus and trains depot or airport terminals were the battle his waged. We must take our voice and vote to the board rooms, Capitol offices and yes even the Oval office. Saying and doing nothing will get you just that, nothing.
Now four days in our nation’s capitol may not get much accomplished but it will start the dialog. We must continue that conversation with our state and local leaders. Let them hear our concerns and let them know we will not just go away. If you can take my tax dollars you can take my advice.
There is no reason labor should not be represented at all levels of government starting with rural water districts, city council and moving up to state senate. Even the Governors Mansion and yes the White House is not off limits.
We cannot sit back and rests on what generation before us achieved or we want leave anything for generations after us to admire.
They may not admit it but unless you were born with a silver spoon, every working American owes the labor movement some credit for the advances in the workforce over the last fifty years.
Brothers and sisters I ask you to take charge of you future by becoming more involved with your union. Get more involved in local and state government. Take charge of the political change and Stay Connected.
In Solidarity,
Tracy Hardin