The TWU’s Power in the Labor Movement
By International President John Samuelsen
The 155,000 members of the Transport Workers Union have made a huge impact in the broader Labor Movement and the recognition of our efforts was on full display at the AFL-CIO Convention in Philadelphia.
The TWU is the only union putting in the work in the political arena to save the jobs of workers under threat from new technology. We made that clear during the “Fireside Chat” on the main stage of the convention, along with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and other trade union leaders, where we stressed
that no technology can ever or should ever replace a human being in passenger transport service delivery.
International Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate was given the opportunity to talk in more detail about this work during a panel discussion with Carnegie Mellon University and other trade unionists. Tate spoke with unparalleled knowledge of the potential dangers steamrolling its way toward transport workers from the development of advanced technology.
There was a near constant crowd at our Transportation Technology booth, where we handed out literature and screened a video showcasing our work to
insulate workers from harm in the face of technology dangers and ensuring it won’t destroy us. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh made it his first stop when he entered the Convention Hall and President Shuler also came by to visit and speak to TWU members about the issues facing us.
We also had flight attendant members from Allegiant, JetBlue and Southwest handing out luggage tags promoting the TWU’s “Assault Won’t Fly” campaign, which is fighting to end the scourge of assaults against Flight Attendants and all airline workers.
In yet another recognition of our advances in trade union power, when the electoral slate of President Shuler was nominated, I was asked on behalf of the
TWU, to second it.
The TWU is truly America’s Fighting Union. We are laser focused on staying ahead of the curve – we’re proactive, not reactive – and we’re working hard to defend the livelihoods of TWU families. Our power and influence in the Labor Movement and in Washington DC are growing every day.
As a TWU member, you should be proud of the work that our union has been doing and will continue to do. Stay safe and enjoy the summer season!
