Three powerful congressmen recently got an introduction to the Teamsters' new Airline Division Director, Capt. David Bourne. Even more recently, Capt. Bourne met with the top aide to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., and with key staff of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees aviation.

The message: If you're talking about issues that affect airlines or other transportation modes, the Teamsters are the definitive voice.

The three congressmen are important to the Teamsters because of their strong influence over legislation and funding for aviation and transportation. Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., is chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Ill., is chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee; and Rep. Ed Pastor, is the No. 2 Democrat on the Transportation Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee.

Capt. Bourne made sure they knew that the Teamsters are the face of transportation in America. He told them we represent 600,000 people who drive some sort of vehicle for a living, as well as the full gamut of aviation jobs.