WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following statement was issued on December 5 by Sonny Hall, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, after the United States Senate voted 90-9 to approve the Railroad Retirement and Survivors’ Improvement Act of 2001.
“This is a great day for current and retired rail workers. Like the House, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to improve and protect the retirement security of railroad employees and their families, including surviving spouses. I urge the House to act swiftly on final passage, and I encourage President Bush to immediately sign the bill and provide a secure retirement system for the men and women who have dedicated their lives to our nation’s rail system.
“Union members from across the country inundated Congress with e-mails, phone calls, and letters. Their hard work and persistence paid off, and they should be congratulated for their activism.
“On behalf of the nation’s transportation workers, I thank the Senate for voting in favor of this important legislation.”