ATU Urges Elimination of Duplicative ID Requirement

On November 19, the ATU called on Congress to eliminate costly and time consuming duplicative identification requirements that would affect certain bus operators who service U.S. ports. 

The duplicative requirement is the result of a new law that will require all port workers, and persons who require access to ports, to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).  While the law applies primarily to port employees, it would also affect up to 150 ATU members employed by Greyhound Lines (National Local 1700) who provide transportation to cruise ships in Florida.  In addition to obtaining a TWIC card under the new law, Florida law requires these employees to obtain a Florida Uniform Port Access Credential (FUPAC).

In a letter to Representatives Jim Oberstar (D-MN) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Chairmen of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Homeland Security Committee respectively, the ATU, along with the American Bus Association (ABA), argued that without preemption of the state law, "transportation workers will be required to file multiple applications, pay additional fees, endure repetitive background checks and wait for extended periods of time - all to replicate a security program mandated by the federal government."

The ATU is urging Congress to amend the pending Coast Guard Authorization legislation (H.R. 2820) to include some sort of preemption in order to address this problem.