Teamsters Will Fight Proposed Rule Weakening Regulation of Toxic Chemicals

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Teamsters-Will-Fight-Proposed-Rule/story.aspx?guid={2E8B6EC0-6CCF-4807-95A4-CC4C4F71C2C0}

WASHINGTON, Dec 02, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Bush Administration Proposes Rule As Boon To Big Business Before Leaving Office

The Teamsters Rail Conference pledged to fight a new Labor Department rule proposed by the Bush administration that would make it much harder for the government to regulate toxic substances and hazardous chemicals that workers get exposed to on the job.

The proposed rule is supported by rail corporations and would further delay the development of workplace safety standards designed to protect workers' health. President-elect Barack Obama opposes the rule.

"All workers deserve safe work places," said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. "It's not surprising that the Bush administration would try to push through this new rule as a gift to big business before leaving office. The Teamsters will work with the new Congress and the Obama administration to overturn this outrageous rule if it gets issued."
Rail workers are increasingly exposed to hazardous materials as freight rail and passenger rail traffic has increased across the country.

"If this rule gets pushed through by the Bush administration, it will mean more rail workers becoming ill from exposure to materials that they are not trained to handle safely," said Fred Simpson, Teamsters Vice President and President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED).

FULL story at link.

[BeatleBoot]

1. I will relay this news to my Dad

After mass on Sunday - at breakfast.

He's a retired Teamster (pushing 90 years old, now).

He will be proud.

As I am of you and organized labor!

Thank you Omaha Steve!

[steelworkers]

3. thank you for that

[Fire1]

2. So, why do we need unions, again?? (sarcasm)