WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Bakers Association (ABA) urges the inclusion of Senator Collins' Hours of Service (HOS) Restart Study provision in the FY2015 Transportation Appropriations bill. The language that received strong bipartisan support during the full Appropriations Committee markup and is expected to be rolled into the omnibus spending package.
"Transportation policy that impacts tens of thousands of bakery employees should be based on sound science and data. FMCSA had neither when it issued its new restart rule,” said Robb MacKie, ABA President & CEO. “The Collins amendment would ensure that FMSCA has all the facts before moving forward."
The Collins' language imposes a stay on the 1 am – 5 am provision of the 34 hour restart rule, as well as the 168 hour rule to the new Hours of Service for one year in order for the appropriate safety studies to be conducted.
"This is a critical issue for bakers, as the new HOS rules are making it more difficult and costly to deliver the freshest possible products to America’s families,” added MacKie. “Additionally, it is our belief the rules are adversely impacting safety by pushing more trucks onto the road during peak driving hours.”
Senator Collins Amendment to the FY2015 Transportation Appropriations bill, was approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee by a strong bipartisan 21-9 vote last June.
"Contrary to the misinformation being spread about the Collins' language, it would not change the daily driving time limit, the daily working time limit, the daily rest break requirement, or the weekly work limit. It only addresses two restrictions on one element of a larger set of rules, and requires a safety study that should have already been conducted," said Mike Goscinski, ABA Manager, Government Relations & Public Affairs.
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $102 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 706,000 highly skilled people.
Source: American Bakers Association
