For nearly a year, those working in the transportation industry have worked in subpar conditions. Whether it was congested workplaces or maskless riders, public transportation workers were left behind.
Transportation Trades Department Secretary-Treasurer Greg Regan discussed the appointment of Pete Buttigieg to Secretary of Transportation and what the Biden administration can do to protect transportation workers now.
Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg
Regan said he is excited about Buttigieg getting the nod. Even in his young age he is showing that he understands and cares about transportation policy. He added that Buttigieg cares about the workers who keep the industry alive and the passengers who use public transportation.
Regan said he looks forward to working with Buttigieg and helping to better the transportation industry and improve the lives of those working in it.
What can President Biden do?
Regan said there are a few actions President Biden can begin taking to improve the industry.
First, he said Biden can focus on worker safety issues. Regan suggested he draft rules that will protect operators from being assaulted by riders. Second, he hopes Biden will increase the crew sizes on freight trains and other forms of transportation. Having these crews will make it easier to eliminate potential safety hazards.
The next order of business would be to implement ways to enforce these rules. Some rules have been ordered in the past, but have little meaning as there is nobody to enforce them.
Finally, Regan is thankful that an executive order has been signed that requires facemasks to be worn on all public transportation. The TTD has been asking for a mask mandate for nearly a year.
While this is a step in the right direction, Regan expects President Biden to step up even more.