Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (TTD), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing government shutdown's impact on transportation workers, the strain on the transportation systems and the addition of the Elevator Constructors Union to the TTD.
The government shutdown, now in its 27th day, is severely impacting transportation workers who are being forced to work without pay. Regan emphasized the strain this places on individuals and families, with many workers living paycheck to paycheck and forced to seek additional employment to make ends meet. He warned that the longer the shutdown continues, the more severe the consequences will be for both workers and the broader transportation system.
The shutdown is exacerbating existing challenges in the transportation system, including staffing shortages and the need for modernization. Regan highlighted the contradiction between recent efforts to recruit and train more workers in the transportation sector and the current treatment of these same workers during the shutdown. He emphasized that this situation strains an already stressed system, potentially leading to safety concerns if not addressed promptly.
Finally, Regan announced a positive development: The International Union of Elevator Constructors, with 30,000 members and a history dating back to 1901, has joined the Transportation Trades Department as its 40th affiliated union. This addition strengthens the department's representation of workers involved in various aspects of transportation infrastructure, including constructing and maintaining elevators and escalators in transportation hubs.
To hear more about the impact of the government shutdown on transportation workers and the latest developments in the industry, listen to the full episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast.