Transportation Workers Gather in Las Vegas for the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

Las Vegas, NV – On April 2, transportation workers and industry leaders convened in Las Vegas for the 2023 North American Transportation Conference to address the ongoing challenges workers face in the sector. The Conference brought together notable speakers, including Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff for the Machinists Union; Richie Johnsen, General Vice President of the Machinists Union; Sarah Nelson, head of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA); and Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

One of the key issues discussed during the Conference was the alarming trend of approximately one railroad derailment per day in the United States. Experts called for an end to the practice of precision and just-in-time rail scheduling, which they argued has contributed to increased risks and the potential for accidents.

Labor advances were also a major topic, with conference attendees focusing on improving transportation-sector working conditions and addressing worker grievances. The recent Agreement in Principle for seven contracts at United Airlines, covering more than 32,000 front-line workers, was presented as a positive development in this area. Conference attendees enthusiastically decided to ratify the Agreements in Principle at United Airlines while addressing ongoing contract talks at the company.

The Conference’s atmosphere was described as hardworking and sometimes raucous, with participants actively engaged in discussions and debates on the various issues facing transportation workers. The Conference served as a platform for industry leaders, union representatives, and workers to come together and collaborate on solutions to the sector’s pressing concerns.

While specific resolutions and action plans are yet to be announced, the 2023 North American Transportation Conference succeeded in shedding light on the critical issues facing transportation workers today. The event has paved the way for further collaboration and action to address these challenges and improve the lives of those working in the industry.

Johnsen led the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. These influential figures played a significant role in facilitating discussions and fostering collaboration among transportation industry stakeholders. Their leadership contributed to the conference’s success, ensuring that critical issues like air rage incidents and the safety of airline workers were brought to the forefront and addressed by critical decision-makers like Secretary Buttigieg.

Machinists Union Political Activists were supportive of Secretary Buttigieg’s comments. 

“The work the DOT and Justice department have done to help reduce violence against airline workers is a huge benefit to all of us, said Rich Jakubowski, a legislative chairman from Chicago. “If the administration is able to get the FAA reauthorization signed this year our members and the flying public will continue to see positive safety improvements.”

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