Harry Lombardo
Good afternoon Sisters and Brothers,
I wanted to share with you that I will be testifying on behalf of our great union before Congress this Thursday, April 23, on the importance of reauthorizing MAP-21, the federal surface transportation funding legislation. This is the first time a President of TWU has been asked to testify before Congress in recent memory, a task I am not taking lightly. On the heels of our Transit Transportation Legislation Training Conference, I plan on fully taking advantage of this opportunity to highlight the unique history of TWU; how we had the backbone to fight for working people. I will ask Congress where their backbone is when it comes to fighting for the priorities of our members, such as the need for greater and sustainable transit/transportation funding, opposing privatization of transit operations and ensuring the health and safety of transit workers by cutting down on assaults.
I will be testifying before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs on Thursday. The hearing begins at10 am and I will be the fourth of four people to testify. The hearing can be viewed live by going to http://www.banking.senate.gov/public/ and clicking on the “Watch Live Hearing” link in the middle of the page (just note that the “Watch Live Hearing” link will only be available once the Committee hearing begins). I am asking that you share this information with your members and encourage them to listen in. We will also be posting information on TWU’s Facebook and Twitter page, @transportworker, which can and should be shared, reposted and retweeted as much as possible.
This is an important moment for our union. It’s time to let our elected representatives and the public know we are a force to be reckoned with. When I was given the honor of leading this union, I said I wanted to increase our influence and activity on Capitol Hill. Well I mean what I say. Let’s use this as an opportunity to move forward as one union and create positive change for our members and all working people.
In solidarity,
Harry Lombardo
TWU International President