WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International President Warren S. George this morning strongly criticized the Department of Homeland Security for missing a November 1 deadline to issue security training regulations for transit workers as required by the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act.
For more than six years, the Amalgamated Transit Union has been fighting for mandatory security and emergency response training for transit workers. When the new legislation was passed three months ago, it appeared that the ATU's members would finally receive the security training that they need to ensure the safety of their passengers.
Apparently, DHS has ignored the deadline Congress set to establish guidelines for the program.
"It is simply irresponsible," declared George, who insisted, "America's transit workers and passengers deserve better."
As of this morning there has been no indication that DHS has even begun the process of developing the overdue guidelines. The law also directs DHS to consult with transit labor representatives in the development of the program.
"As the largest union representing transit workers in the United States , I would expect DHS to consult with us in this process," said George. "We have not been contacted, and to my knowledge, no other transit labor unions have been contacted either."
For further information go to: http://www.atu.org.
For further information contact:
Karen Head , 202-537-1645
SOURCE Amalgamated Transit Union
