NWRA Letter Supports Legislation to Improve Veteran Job Training

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) sent a letter to members of Congress on May 21 urging support for H.R. 2045, the “Veterans’ Education, Transition and Opportunity Prioritization Plan Act of 2019.” The legislation would establish an office within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better manage educational and employment programs for veterans.

“At a time when our industry is facing a shortage of commercial vehicle drivers, mechanics and welders, we urge Congress to pass H.R. 2045. This legislation would strengthen the VA’s education and job training programs and help alleviate the tight labor market in our industry,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith in a statement.

The private sector waste and recycling industry has a commercial motor vehicle fleet of more than 100,000 waste, recycling and compost collection trucks. The industry has experienced a growing labor shortage over the past several years, particularly when it comes to hiring individuals with a commercial driver’s license.

NWRA points out that driving for the waste and recycling industry offers numerous advantages such as rising wages, a five-day work week, set daily work schedules and being able to return home at the end of each day’s shift, unlike long-haul truck drivers.