The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) sent a letter to Members of Congress urging support for H.R. 2045, the “Veterans’ Education, Transition, and Opportunity Prioritization Plan Act of 2019.” This 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.
The private sector waste and recycling industry has a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) 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 CDL.
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 drivers.