CONTACT:
Ori Korin
okorin@twu.org

Transport Workers Union of America Reacts to Trump Administration’s Infrastructure Plan

Washington, D.C. – In response to the White House’s infrastructure principles released today, Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO (TWU) International President John Samuelsen issued the following statement:

“There’s no doubt that infrastructure in our country is in a serious state of disrepair, and that we’re in desperate need of a massive investment from the federal government. Our members are on the front lines of our country’s infrastructure network every day, laying subway track, operating and repairing inner-city buses, servicing Amtrak passenger and freight rail cars, and keeping the airline industry moving around the clock.

“America is at a critical juncture. We must invest in our transportation infrastructure now, or risk the further degradation of our inter-connectivity. We can reverse the decades-old downward spiral and simultaneously create decent, family-sustaining jobs at the same time. That’s an achievable goal, and it’s what the American people want. It’s a no brainer.

“But it must be done correctly.

“While we applaud the White House for recognizing the need for a plan, our vital transportation needs will simply not be rebuilt by thrusting the responsibility onto cash-strapped states, or cutting funding for existing transportation programs to pay the federal government’s share. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is not the solution to our problems!

“The United States government must get serious about infrastructure fixes before our physical structures fall into a permanent state of disrepair. And an infrastructure investment plan that is a type of shell game is not a serious proposal. The TWU stands ready to work with Congress to help develop a bipartisan plan that meets our long-term needs to repair our country’s infrastructure and create and sustain jobs.”