Unions Express Concerns on USACE Operations

IFPTE, IBEW, NFFE, and AFGE have voiced their concerns with the chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) to discuss federal lock and dam operators employed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the possible implementation of off-site remote operations and the reduction of on-site operations staff on these critical infrastructures.

The unions are urging the Committee to provide necessary oversight before USACE implements a significant change in operations and introduces new cybersecurity threats to these critical infrastructures, and to ensure that qualified federal employees are on-site to operate our nation’s locks and dams 24 hours a day, seven days a week at full staffing levels.

If the USACE is permitted to unilaterally implement remote operations at these critical infrastructures, it will put our national and homeland security, public safety, and efficient interstate commerce at risk. Read the joint letter.