ALCEE L. HASTINGS PLEASE RESPOND TO : 20TH C ONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FLORJOA 0 2353 RAYBURN BUILDING WASHI NGTO N, DC 20515-0923 COMMITTEE ON RULES TELEPHONE: (202) 225- 1313 SENIOR MEMBER FA X: (202) 225- 1171 D 2701 W . OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD UNITED ST A TES SUITE 200 HELSINKI COMMISSION FT . LAUDERDALE, FL 33311 RANKING DEMOCRATIC MEMBER TELEPHONE: (954) 7 33-2800 FAX: (954) 73 5-9444 FLORIDA DELEGATION D CO-CHAIRMAN T OWN OF MANGO NIA PA RK Otnngress ·nf tqe lniteh ~fates M UNICIPAL C ENTER 1755 EAST TIFFANY DRIVE SENIOR DEMOCRATIC WHIP M ANGONIA PARK, FL 3340 7 rL;nusc nf itcprcscntatiucs TELEPHONE: (56 1) 469-7048 'ltas4ingtnn, i<!t 2U515-D92U www. alceeha stings .hou se.gov June 13, 2018 The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 455 Twelfth Street SW FCC Malf room Washington, DC. 20554 RE: WC Docket No. 17-84, Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment Dear Chairman Pai, As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers One-Touch Make-Ready (OTMR) proposals for the expansion of high speed broadband internet access, I ask that you give full consideration to line workers' contractual obligations under existing collective bargaining agreements. As you know, OTMR proposals would allow companies seeking to add equipment to utility poles to move pre-existing equipment, wires, and utility lines. While I am supportive of efforts to improve efficiency, I am concerned that well-intentioned streamlining efforts that bypass skilled workers may lead to increased service disruptions and decreased worker safety. Professional line workers are in the best position to safely and adeptly move existing utility lines while ensuring worker safety and reliable service. These individuals are by-and-large career employees in career level jobs with health and retirement benefits. Should the Commission bypass these workers, American consumers would undoubtedly pay a price through added delays. As the Commission considers action on OTMR proposals, I ask that you respect existing collective bargaining agreements that allow line workers to maintain control over their own materials and facilities; thereby ensuring work is done safely and properly. Thank you for your attention in this matter. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (202) 225-1313. ee L. Hastings Member of Congress PRINTED O N RECY CL D PAPER ®~11