CLEVELAND, July 18 — The BLET’s National Legislative Office is urging BLET members to contact their Senators immediately and ask them to oppose an anti-labor Amtrak funding provision introduced by Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-MO).
This afternoon, the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary and Housing and Urban Development will vote on an Amtrak funding provision with certain conditions being offered by Subcommittee member Senator Bond. Senator Bond wants to require “Collective Bargaining Reforms” as a condition for Amtrak funding.
Senator Bond’s proposed language reads: “Provided further, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds appropriated for the benefit of Amtrak pursuant to this Act may be used for the cost of any collective bargaining agreement unless Amtrak and the organization representing such employees have agreed to collective bargaining agreement provisions no later than October 1, 2007 which require such employees to make reasonable contributions to health benefit costs and permit work rule reforms that achieve measurable operations productivity improvements. Such work rule reforms must, without limitation, include provisions that reduce crew consist requirements, eliminate scope of work and job specification restrictions, increase scheduling flexibility and eliminate restrictions on contracting out of work by Amtrak.”
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) will make a Motion to strike the language.
Senator Murray will hopefully be supported by Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA). The subcommittee has a 10-9 Republican majority, and Senator Specter’s vote is needed in order to oppose Bond’s measure.
BLET and Rail Conference members are urged to call the following Republican members of the Committee and ask them to oppose Senator Bond’s language:
Senator Richard Shelby (AL) (202) 224-5744
Senator Arlen Specter (PA) (202) 224-4254
Senator Robert Bennett (UT) (202) 224-5444
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) (202) 224-5922
Senator Mike DeWine (OH) (202) 224-2315
Senator Sam Brownback (KS) (202) 224-6521
Senator Ted Stevens (AK) (202) 224-3004
Senator Pete Domenici (NM) (202) 224-6621
Senator Conrad Burns (MT) (202) 224-2644