We have all heard co-workers say that it doesn’t matter who gets elected President. Ask those brothers and sisters to consider the following, which is just a partial listing of critically important positions that will be filled by the next President of the United States.
The President of the Unite States makes appointments to the following positions.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The President appoints the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, subject to Senate approval.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
The President appoints the head of the Federal Transit Administration subject to Senate approval.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
The President appoints the head of the Federal Railroad Administration, subject to Senate approval.
Nation Mediation Board (NMB)
The President appoints the three members of the National Mediation Board, subject to Senate approval. No more than two of the three may be of the same political party. President Bush most recently appointed a former senior staffer for House Majority Leader Tom Delay to one of the three jobs on the Board. Most Amtrak workers and many freight workers are entering their fifth year without a contract, yet the NMB shows no interest in releasing them from mediation.
Surface Transportation Board (STB)
The President appoints the three members of the Surface Transportation Board, subject to Senate approval. No more than two many be of the same political party. The STB, which rubber-stamps proposed rail mergers, currently takes the position that it may amend or abolish all or parts of any collective bargaining agreement which they deem an impediment to the success of the merger.
The Secretary of Labor
Appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation. Labor Secretary Chao, appointed by President Bush, is the architect of the new reporting plan which the Labor Department hopes to implement in an effort to cripple union Locals. Work with the Department of Transportation on 13c labor protection issues. Secretary Chao is also presiding over a Department-wide project to contract out major functions of the Department of Labor.
The Secretary of Transportation
Appointed by the President, subject to Senate approval. Secretary Mineta, appointed by President Bush, whole-heartedly endorses the break-up of Amtrak proposed by the Bush Administration. The DOT interprets 13c among other issues of importance to transportation labor.
Presidential Emergency Board (PEB)
The President of the United States appoints members of a Presidential Emergency Hoard to address contract disputes under the Railway Labor Act. These positions are not subject to Senate confirmation. In recent Republican Administrations., these PEBs have been heavily weighted toward management’s point of view.
Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)
The three members of the Railroad Retirement Board are appointed by the President of the United States, subject to Senate confirmation. No more than two members may be of the same party. Last year President Bush appointed a second Republican to the Board. The railroads almost immediately after this appointment began demanding the Board implement tough new restrictions on disability pensions.
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Five members, appointed to the NLRB by the President, subject to Senate confirmation. This agency is critically important to workers seeking the right to organize without management intimidation.
Amtrak Board of Directors
Seven positions, appointed by the President, subject to Senate confirmation. President Bush’s first appointee to the Board has no railroad background, but is a major fundraiser for the Bush Campaign, raising more than $100,000 for Bush 2000. When several positions opened on the Board last year, Bush submitted several new anti-labor nominees to the Senate, including one individual who has been a major proponent of privatizing Amtrak.
