Media Contact: David Roscow, 202-537-1645 x254
Washington, DC – ATU International President Larry Hanley issued the following statement to mark July 4.
“This Friday, we’ll celebrate the 238th birthday of America with time-honored traditions: displays of Old Glory, spectacular fireworks, backyard barbeques, picnics, parades and concerts. Ours is a nation of mobility, expansion and freedom – and millions of families will exhibit that spirit by taking to the road.
“July 4 also marks the height of the summer travel season and AAA estimates almost 35 million people will travel by motor vehicle July 2–6. Many will take intercity buses, which have seen ridership increase for the past seven years. That’s the highest volume of road travelers since the pre-recession holiday in 2007.
“Unfortunately, all of those vehicles create a greater potential for accidents. And drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of crashes and highway fatalities. More than 55,000 such accidents occur in the U.S. each year, killing more than 1,550 people and injuring another 71,000.
“Most bus travellers would be surprised to learn that an alarming number of fatal intercity bus crashes occur each year because there is a fatigued driver struggling to stay awake at the wheel.
“They might be even more surprised to learn that the Fair Labor Standards Act covers most workers in the United States, but exempts intercity bus companies from the requirement to pay overtime to their severely underpaid drivers. Many drivers make just over minimum wage and are forced to take second jobs just to make ends meet.
“The exploitation and mistreatment of low-wage intercity drivers by underhanded discount bus companies is the central cause of driver fatigue – and it’s killing people on our nation’s highways.
“Were Congress to extend this simple overtime protection to bus operators, it would deter the overscheduling of drivers, while reducing their need to work second jobs during rest periods.
“It’s time for Congress to address driver fatigue in a meaningful way by getting rid of the overtime exemption for intercity motor coach operators.
“And, as you drive our nation’s roads to celebrate our independence this weekend, please travel safely and remember that America’s transportation arteries are vital to our freedom of mobility. Let’s commit ourselves to improving their safety for all. American motorists expect and deserve no less.”
About ATU
The Amalgamated Transit Union is the largest labor organization representing transit workers in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1892, the ATU today is comprised of over 190,000 members in 253 local unions spread across 47 states and nine provinces, including 3,000 workers at Greyhound Lines, Inc. Composed of bus drivers, light rail operators, maintenance and clerical personnel and other transit and municipal employees, the ATU works to promote transit issues and fights for the interests of its hard-working members.