Arlington, Virginia – American
Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the
following statement today after the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration announced it is withdrawing its vaccine-or-test emergency temporary standard, which the U.S. Supreme Court stayed on January 13:
“We successfully challenged this misguided mandate all the way to the
U.S. Supreme Court, because it was a clear overstep of OSHA’s authority,
and because it would have had disastrous consequences for an
already-overstressed supply chain. The Supreme Court bounced it, and we
are pleased to see the agency has now formally withdrawn it, sending
this ETS to the dustbin where it belongs.
“The American people depend on us to deliver their essential goods each
and every day, and we’ll continue to fight any proposals out of
Washington that hinder our ability to do so safely and efficiently. That
includes any attempt by OSHA to create a similar, permanent standard
without going through the legally required process, including an actual
risk-based analysis.”
ATA led a coalition of
state trucking associations and national business groups in challenging
the ETS in federal court and filing an emergency application to the
U.S. Supreme Court for a stay. Of the 14 emergency applications, the
coalition’s was one of only two that the Supreme Court chose to hear
oral arguments on.
ATA Hails Supreme Court’s Rejection of OSHA Vaccine-or-Test Mandate
Arlington, Virginia – Today, the American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay of the Biden Administration’s vaccine-or-test mandate for employers:
“Today, ATA has won a tremendous victory on behalf of the trucking industry and workers and employers everywhere. Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court validates our claim that OSHA far overstepped its authority in issuing an emergency temporary standard that would interfere with individuals’ private health care decisions.
“Trucking has been on the front lines throughout the pandemic – delivering PPE, medical supplies, food, clothing, fuel, and even the vaccines themselves. Thanks to this ruling, our industry will continue to deliver critical goods, as our nation recovers from the pandemic and we move our economy forward.”
American Trucking Associations is leading a coalition of business groups to challenge the Administration’s COVID vaccine-or-test requirement for large employers
2022 begins with a bang as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments this Friday, January 7, on our request to stay the Biden Administration’s COVID vax-or-test mandate on businesses with more than 100 employees. Here’s a quick recap of events that led ATA’s legal challenge to the highest court in the land:
- Nov. 5, 2021: The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration published its Emergency Temporary Standard requiring all
businesses with 100 or more employees to get their workers vaccinated or
tested weekly.
- Nov. 10, 2021: ATA, joined by the state trucking
associations from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as a
coalition of business groups, filed suit in the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the Fifth Circuit, asking the court to stay and ultimately vacate
the mandate.
Other members of our coalition include the Food Marketing Institute, the International Warehouse Logistics Association, the National Association of Convenience Stores, the National Retail Federation, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors and the National Federation of Independent Business.
- Nov. 16, 2021: ATA’s challenge is consolidated
with other similar suits nationwide and reassigned to U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and
Tennessee Trucking Associations also joined our challenge.
- Dec. 17, 2021: In a 2-1 decision, the Sixth
Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the stay on the mandate. In response,
ATA immediately filed an emergency application to the U.S. Supreme Court
to reinstate the stay.
- Dec. 21, 2021: The Supreme Court announces it will hear oral arguments on our emergency application on January 7.
Why Friday’s proceedings are notable: Of the 14 or so emergency applications, ours is only one of two that the Supreme Court chose to hear oral arguments on. This presumably reflects the Court’s recognition that the seriousness of our arguments and our presentation of the issues makes our application the best vehicle for resolving this complex matter.
Timing and Deadlines: While the Supreme Court is free to issue its decision at any time, we expect them to do so quickly in this case, in light of the current January 10 enforcement deadline for the initial phase of the ETS (with full testing requirements for unvaccinated employees set for enforcement on February 9). For more information and resources, check out our updated COVID vaccine mandate toolkit for ATA member companies.
Exemption Status of Drivers: We continue to seek confirmation from OSHA on the extent to which commercial truck drivers are exempted by the carveout for employees who work alone or outdoors (with only occasional brief indoor contacts with co-workers or customers).
ATA formally requested truck drivers be exempted from the ETS, and U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh has indicated the mandate will not apply to most truck drivers. Our request for official guidance on that topic is still pending, although OSHA is said to be working on a comprehensive update to the FAQs it first published when the ETS was released.
Other federal COVID vaccine mandates
Separate from OSHA's ETS, there are two other mandates we are closely tracking.
Cross-Border Requirements: Canada’s vaccine mandate for foreign essential workers, including U.S. truck drivers, goes into effect January 15, 2022. The Biden Administration's mandate on Canadian drivers entering the U.S. goes into effect on January 22, 2022.
ATA has been working with our partners in the Canadian Trucking Alliance to seek relief from this two-way mandate. Last month, 14 U.S. Senators sent a letter to President Biden objecting to the cross-border mandate. While we hoped the U.S. and Canadian governments would heed our concerns on the impact this policy will have on the supply chain, ATA now believes that fleets should prepare to comply with the impending requirements.
For more details on the U.S. requirements for foreign nationals, see the following resources:
- DHS Vaccine Requirements Announcement
- U.S. Cross Border Vaccine Fact Sheet
- U.S. Cross Border Vaccine FAQs
Government Contractors: On December 7, 2021, a federal judge in Georgia halted the requirement that all employees of federal contractors are vaccinated. That nationwide stay remains in place for now.
Chris Spear
Chris Spear is president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, the nation’s leading organization representing the interests of the trucking industry.
As president and CEO, Chris leads ATA’s efforts to advocate and educate on behalf of the trucking industry. Employing more than 7 million people and moving more than 10 billion tons of freight annually, trucking is the industry most responsible for moving America’s economy.
Prior to his time ATA, Chris worked in the transportation, energy, labor and technology sectors in over five different continents. Most recently, Chris worked for Hyundai Motor Company, where he served as vice president of government affairs. In that role, he served on the Executive Committee for Global Automakers. Previously, Chris was ATA senior vice president of legislative affairs and vice president of global government relations for Honeywell International.
Chris also has extensive experience in the federal government, serving as Deputy Representative for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Policy and as professional staff in the U.S. Senate.
Chris is on the board of directors for the American Transportation Research Institute, the Trucking Cares Foundation and the Louisa Swain Foundation. He has been awarded the US Department of Defense Joint Civilian Service Medal and Honeywell’s Premier Achievement Award.
Chris holds a master's and bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming. He is married to Michelle and they have four children.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrbX5CdPxkc&ab_channel=GlobalNews
Trucker convoy: East-coast leg of protest against vaccine mandate leaves Maritimes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRDjWjx5XX4&ab_channel=cpac
Conservative MPs comment on trucker convoy protests – January 27, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg1btSzvi10&ab_channel=CBCNews%3ATheNational
Concern about extremists within protest convoy
https://www.bitchute.com/video/SjnMYLUtkofa/
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d7yG12rLNA&ab_channel=Kryptospotted
Pat King - Troubles entering Winnipeg, Manitoba
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-BPQ1MS128&ab_channel=Kryptospotted
Pat King In His Own Words: Part 1 of 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdfIuHSKVrw&ab_channel=Kryptospotted
Pat King In His Own Words: Part 2 of 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7se3Dg9iVA&ab_channel=CBCNews%3ATheNational
#TruckerConvoy #AtIssue #EssentialWorkers
CBC News: The National | Protest convoy, At Issue, Hero pay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEi608Ay-Vc&ab_channel=CBCNews
Ottawa police prepare for protest as trucker convoy nears capital
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53w2W12muvQ&ab_channel=CBCNews
Government standing firm on vaccine mandate for truckers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcvLRcOj-jU&ab_channel=CBCNews
Government has given truckers enough leeway, minister says
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-truck-convoy-heading-to-ottawa-1.6329450
Some N.B. truckers join Ottawa-bound protest, but not with trucking group's blessing
Trucks were also seen leaving Enfield, N.S., in protest against pandemic restrictions
But it is a move that has proven polarizing, getting disapproval from the executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association.
"We don't support it," Jean-Marc Picard said on Information Morning Fredericton. "We think there's better ways to get the message across."
He said the trucking association has been at the table with government, fighting for drivers and trucking companies since the pandemic began.
A
convoy of trucks headed to Ottawa today to protest pandemic
restrictions does not have the support of the Atlantic Provinces
Trucking Association. The executive director of the APTA, Jean-Marc
Picard, says no good will come of the protest. (CBC)
In Aulac, truckers were greeted by people waving flags and holding signs referring to the "freedom" the convoy is allegedly driving to Ottawa to fight for.
The protest comes amid reports of empty grocery shelves across Canada, the result of a variety of issues affecting the food supply chain.
Truckers have complained about a vaccination mandate, which took effect on Jan. 15, that requires Canadian cross-border essential workers — including truckers — to show proof of vaccination at a port of entry to avoid stringent testing requirements and quarantine.
Picard said that the association tried to have the mandate reversed before its implementation but was unsuccessful.
"The U.S. has a mandate, too, so even if Canada changed its mind, it's irrelevant. It's a moot point at this stage," said Picard.
In October, the U.S. started requiring all essential international travellers, including truck drivers, who cross land borders to be fully vaccinated.
In Aulac,
truckers were greeted with crowds of people waving flags and holding
signs referencing the "freedom" the convoy is allegedly driving to
Ottawa to fight for. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
"Look at where it's escalated now, the message is lost," said Picard, citing how the truck convoy has attracted multiple groups frustrated with public health measures.
Other groups and individuals opposed to restrictions and the pressure for vaccination made efforts to join the protest, which has raised security concerns.
"We don't feel it looks good on us and we're an amazing industry and we need to attract people, and we don't feel that it's helping us in any way," said Picard, who is troubled by reports of roadblocks as the truckers converge on Ottawa.
LISTEN: Jean-Marc Picard of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association speaks with CBC host Jeanne Armstrong about the trucking convoy
Currently, 90 per cent of truckers are vaccinated against COVID-19, but Picard said that is no longer relevant given the direction the trucking convoy has now gone in.
Picard has even received calls from the general public who feel the association should throw its support behind truckers.
But Picard has concerns over the long-term consequences of the convoy.
"The supply chain right now is very fragile, and we're losing people and we have a driver shortage and everyone's going to suffer from this long term if it just continues to escalate."
In
Aulac, truckers were greeted with crowds of people waving flags and
holding signs referencing the "freedom" the convoy is allegedly driving
to Ottawa to fight for. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
With files from Information Morning Fredericton
“Today, ATA has won a tremendous victory on behalf of the trucking industry and workers and employers everywhere. Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court validates our claim that OSHA far overstepped its authority in issuing an emergency temporary standard that would interfere with individuals’ private health care decisions.
“Trucking has been on the front lines throughout the pandemic – delivering PPE, medical supplies, food, clothing, fuel, and even the vaccines themselves. Thanks to this ruling, our industry will continue to deliver critical goods, as our nation recovers from the pandemic and we move our economy forward.”
your right to have and express your own opinions
your right to an education
your right to a private and family life
your right not to be mistreated or wrongly punished by the state
Protests were the vehicle for social justice and change and still are. Some examples would be: women's right to vote and gender equality.
Where's your pal "da blogger" ? Did he get the flu?
I am double vaccinated, but believe everyone should have their own choice.
I spoke with Barber, Bridgette, Tamara Lich and many other truckers and their pals after King's anti-vax buddies labelled me as a shill for the RCMP. Some conversations went well and others did not. I did so before the Convoy became a reality. Trust that I will never talk to Patty Baby King but I sent him lots of emails that he has been too chicken to answer. Go Figure who is a liar and who is not
Rachel Aiello CTVNews.ca Online Politics Producer
Published Tuesday, January 25, 2022 8:06PM EST
"Andrew Scheer met with the convoy as it passed through Regina on Monday night.
“Our position is that no one should lose their job for a healthcare decision. Truckers were essential workers for two years during the pandemic, and the government hasn’t explained why things need to change," he said to supporters.
Scheer is one of several MPs who have voiced support online for the initiative as well.
In a tweet thanking the truckers, he accused the prime minister of being “the biggest threat to freedom in Canada,” while former Conservative leadership candidate and Ontario MP Leslyn Lewis suggested the vaccine mandates “promote segregation.”
Other Conservatives, including MPs Pierre Poilievre and Garnett Genuis have called the federal mandate Trudeau’s “vaccine vendetta.”
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole has repeatedly dodged questions about his stance on the convoy. While he has been raising concerns with the vaccine mandate for truckers for several weeks and his caucus is soliciting signatures for a petition calling for the mandate to be reversed, he has not said whether he supports the protests.
“I support getting as many people vaccinated as possible, including truckers,” he told reporters on Monday. “It's not for the leader of the opposition or political party to attend a protest on the Hill or a convoy.”
The Conservative leader hasn’t said whether he will meet with the truckers once they arrive, but said he has been meeting with the Canadian Trucking Alliance, a group that recently condemned the convoy and its disruption on Canadian roadways as the wrong way to express dissatisfaction with government policies. "
Some N.B. truckers join Ottawa-bound protest, but not with trucking group's blessing
Short traffic disruption caused near Fredericton when close to 24 trucks passed through
There was a 10-minute delay in westbound traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway as police led the convoy leaders through groups of people standing near the truck stop.
Hundreds of people stood along the highway, holding flags and signs in support of the trucks, whose next stop was to be Edmundston, near the Quebec border.
The convoy had grown from the five trucks spotted leaving the Irving Aulac Big Stop, after arriving in New Brunswick from Nova Scotia on Thursday morning.
The protest convoy from various parts of Canada has been a polarizing move in the Atlantic region, getting disapproval from the executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association.
"We don't support it," Jean-Marc Picard said on Information Morning Fredericton. "We think there's better ways to get the message across."
He said the trucking association has been at the table with government, fighting for drivers and trucking companies since the pandemic began.
A
convoy of trucks headed to Ottawa today to protest pandemic
restrictions does not have the support of the Atlantic Provinces
Trucking Association. The executive director of the APTA, Jean-Marc
Picard, says no good will come of the protest. (CBC)
In Aulac, truckers were greeted by people waving flags and holding signs referring to the "freedom" the convoy is allegedly driving to Ottawa to fight for.
The protest comes amid reports of empty grocery shelves across Canada, the result of a variety of issues affecting the food supply chain.
Truckers have complained about a vaccination mandate, which took effect on Jan. 15, that requires Canadian cross-border essential workers — including truckers — to show proof of vaccination at a port of entry to avoid stringent testing requirements and quarantine.
Picard said that the association tried to have the mandate reversed before its implementation but was unsuccessful.
"The U.S. has a mandate, too, so even if Canada changed its mind, it's irrelevant. It's a moot point at this stage," said Picard.
In October, the U.S. started requiring all essential international travellers, including truck drivers, who cross land borders to be fully vaccinated.
In Aulac,
truckers were greeted with crowds of people waving flags and holding
signs referencing the "freedom" the convoy is allegedly driving to
Ottawa to fight for. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
"Look at where it's escalated now, the message is lost," said Picard, citing how the truck convoy has attracted multiple groups frustrated with public health measures.
Other groups and individuals opposed to restrictions and the pressure for vaccination made efforts to join the protest, which has raised security concerns.
"We don't feel it looks good on us and we're an amazing industry and we need to attract people, and we don't feel that it's helping us in any way," said Picard, who is troubled by reports of roadblocks as the truckers converge on Ottawa.
LISTEN: Jean-Marc Picard of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association speaks with CBC host Jeanne Armstrong about the trucking convoy
Currently, 90 per cent of truckers are vaccinated against COVID-19, but Picard said that is no longer relevant given the direction the trucking convoy has now gone in.
Picard has even received calls from the general public who feel the association should throw its support behind truckers.
But Picard has concerns over the long-term consequences of the convoy.
"The supply chain right now is very fragile, and we're losing people and we have a driver shortage and everyone's going to suffer from this long term if it just continues to escalate."
A
10 minute delay in westbound traffic was seen as the convoy was
eventually escorted by police, through groups of people standing in the
TransCanada highway. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
With files from Information Morning Fredericton
Protesters against COVID-19 measures gather in Enfield to see off Ottawa-bound convoy
Flag-waving group gathered at Big Stop parking lot early Thursday
There were few trucks present but around 250 people turned up before dawn in Enfield, N.S., to see off an Ottawa-bound convoy protesting COVID-19 public health mandates.
Flag-waving supporters carrying placards bearing slogans including "Thank you truckers" and "True north strong and free" congregated in the Big Stop parking lot, and some lined Highway 102. At some points the crowd chanted "freedom" and sang the national anthem.
Another convoy of trucks and other vehicles has also been been heading to Ottawa from western Canada and is expected to arrive in the capital this weekend, part of a protest against a federal vaccine mandate for truck drivers.
The mandate, which took effect Jan. 15, states that all Canadian cross-border essential workers, including truckers, must show proof of vaccination at a port of entry to avoid stringent testing requirements and quarantine.
Truckers travelling within Canada are not affected by the new measures. The United States has implemented a similar mandate, requiring that all U.S.-bound travellers show proof they've had the required shots.
Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said this week the government will not back down on its vaccine requirements, and said the aim is to protect truck drivers as well as supply chains.
Supporters of the convoy at Enfield said they weren't against vaccines or masks but were against public health mandates.
Some of those present called members of the media "scum" and "communists."
As the 10 to 15 trucks present left around 7 a.m. and headed toward their next stop near the New Brunswick border, fireworks were set off while supporters waved and some honked their horns.
When they get to Ottawa they say they plan to stay there until all restrictions are dropped.
The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, which lobbied against the vaccination rules for truckers, has said it does not support the protest.
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