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ATU Action Weekly Update - 7/3/06
ATU Urges DOT to Revise Diabetes Exemption On June 15, 2006, the ATU filed comments in response to an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the medical qualification standards for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM). In its letter to DOT, the ATU advocated for the implementation of an individual assessment program that would allow individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs so long as their physical conditions are adequate to allow them to operate safely. Currently, individuals with ITDM must complete a lengthy application and comply with burdensome testing and requests for detailed medical information in order to receive an exemption from the diabetes prohibition. This process generally takes at least six months, usually longer. The ATU urged DOT to abandon its existing exemption process for a process where the individual's treating physician makes the determination as to whether or not the individual's ITDM affects his/her ability to safely operate a CMV. In addition, the ATU urged the DOT to dispose of a new requirement that individuals have a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) within the range of 7% to 10%. According the American Diabetes Association, an individual's A1C level has no relation to their ability to operate a CMV. In closing, the ATU urged DOT to complete the rulemaking expeditiously so that drivers with ITDM, who are otherwise qualified to operate a CMV, may do so. To view the ATU letter to DOT, click here.
House Democrats Release Report on Transit Security On June 20, 2006, Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Democrat on the House Homeland Security Commitee, along with his Democratic colleagues on the Commitee, released a new report that warns that the nations' rail and mass transit systems are still vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The report - released shortly before the one year anniversary of the London Underground bombings - faults the Bush Administration and the U.S. Congress for failing to take action to adequately secure our surface transportation systems. "Here we are almost a year after terrorists attacked London's transit system, and, despite the many promises from the Department of Homeland Security, Americans are still not secure in their morning commute," said Rep. Thompson. Thompson and his fellow Democrats are calling for dedicated funding for transit and rail security, the development and implemention of a comprehensive rail and mass transit security strategy by DHS, and mandated emergency preparedness training for all frontline transit and rail workers. To view the report, click here.
Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta announced on June 23rd that he is resigning as DOT secretary, effective July 7th. Having served in his current position since the beginning of the Bush Administration, Mineta is one of the longest serving Bush cabinet members and the only Democrat in the cabinet. During his tenure, Mineta saw the enactment of SAFETEA-LU, which provides record levels of funding for America's transit systems. Mineta was also in office on September 11th, when he made the decision to ground all domestic flights. Prior to serving as DOT Secretary, Mineta served as Secretary of Commerce in the Clinton Administration. From 1975 to 1995, he represented San Jose, California in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served as Chair of the House Transportation Committee from 1992 to 1994. "Norm Mineta has been a champion of mass transit and transit workers for more than three centuries," said ATU International Vice President Warren S. George. "The ATU is eternally grateful for his support and dedication to our issues. He will be missed." The White House has yet to announce the president's nominee to serve as DOT secretary.
ATU Sisters: Take the Ask a Working Woman Survey What's on your mind? Rising healthcare costs? Good child care? Finding a job? Earning a Living Wage? Whatever it is, let us know. The AFL-CIO is inviting women to take part in the 2006 Ask A Working Woman survey. This Labor Day, the tens of thousands of responses will be delivered to every member of Congress and state and local officials around the country. If you are a Working Women, take a moment to fill out the 2006 Ask A Working Woman survey by clicking here: http://www.aflcio.org/issues/jobseconomy/women/wwsurvey2006.cfm Let's make sure that the candidates in this November's elections hear what matters to America's working women. |
