Labor Department Extends Collection for Urban Transit Worker Protections
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info to protect transit workers’ rights when federal money helps run city transit systems. This extension affects transit agencies and workers, making sure their jobs stay safe while the government checks in. Comments on this plan are open until February 20, 2026, with no new costs expected—just keeping the system running smoothly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Required Transit Worker Protections
If you are a transit worker in a system that uses federal funds, federal law (49 U.S.C. 5333(b)) requires arrangements that protect your rights before the Federal Transit Administration can award funds. Those protections include preservation of rights and benefits under collective bargaining agreements, continuation of collective bargaining rights, protection against worsening employment positions, assurances of employment for employees of acquired systems, priority of reemployment for laid-off employees, and paid training or retraining programs.
Three-Year Information Collection Extension
The Department of Labor proposes to extend the information collection titled "Protections for Transit Workers under Section 5333(b) Urban Program" for three (3) years under OMB Control Number 1245-0006. The agency estimates 1,851 respondents with an average of 8 hours per response, totaling 14,808 annual burden hours and $0 in annual other costs.
Certification Timelines for Grants
When the FTA forwards grant applications subject to 49 U.S.C. 5333(b), DOL follows set timeframes: parties have 15 days to object to recommended terms; DOL may direct up to 30 days of negotiation if objections are sufficient; DOL can issue an interim certification permitting FTA to release funds while disputes continue, and DOL sets final certification within 60 days (and may request briefs).
When Referrals Are Not Required
DOL will not refer a grant application for review under 29 CFR part 215 if: employees in the service area are not represented by a union; the grant is for routine replacement items; or the grant is a Job Access project serving populations under 200,000. Grants where employees are not represented by a union will be certified without referral based on protective terms and conditions set by DOL.
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