Photo: Jane Terry
Washington — A coalition of House Democrats is calling on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to “immediately reconstitute” multiple federal transportation advisory committees that help ensure Department of Transportation regulations “prioritize safety and protect workers.”
In a Sept. 26 letter addressed to Duffy, Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) leads a group of 46 lawmakers demanding the reversal of DOT’s recent reported decision to suspend at least 12 committees, including the:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee
- OSHA Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health
- Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee
- Federal Railroad Administration Railroad Safety Advisory Committee
“These committees play a critical role in engaging frontline worker perspectives and ensuring public transparency,” the letter states. “Many of these committees are the only forum where agency, industry and labor representatives can convene in a structured manner. It is critical that workers directly impacted by transportation safety issues retain a seat at the table.”
As an example, the lawmakers point to the role FRA’s RSAC played in creating rail safety reforms after the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, OH.
“It is our understanding that the department has cited lapses in committee meetings as justification for terminating members and suspending committees,” the letter continues. “However, we remind the department that the authority to convene meetings rests solely with each modal agency, not the committee members.
“Committee members serve voluntarily and have repeatedly expressed their desire to meet regularly.”
Greg Regan, president of the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department, echoed the call for the reinstatement of the committees.
“Federal agencies are responsible for setting a high bar for safety,” Regan said in a press release, “and it’s crucial that the workers who are directly affected by safety issues have a voice on these advisory committees.
“As the eyes and ears of America’s transportation systems, skilled workers and their labor organizations know firsthand the safety improvements needed in rail, aviation, maritime and other sectors. We urge the DOT to swiftly reconvene these committees and restore membership to all labor representatives.”
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Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication