No surprises here, but
a number of aviation and aerospace related trade unions are lining
up to support the recent initiative put forth by Senator Barack
Obama and a number of Democratic lawmakers in support of NATCA's
contract dispute with the FAA. While the Democrats and Unions are
long-time allies and obvious partners in such efforts, no one still
seems to be willing to step up and explain how the industry can
afford the greatly increased costs associated with the NATCA
proposal -- which would make Air Traffic Controllers some of the
highest paid workers in government service -- and certainly better
paid than the great majority of pilots, mechanics and other support
personnel who also offer critical services to the aviation
world.
The Unions' letter, reproduced below, was signed by leaders from
ALPA, IAMAW, TWUA, AFA and the IFPTE...
Dear Senator:
As unions representing hundreds of thousands of workers
employed by our nation's airlines, we are writing in support of the
Fair Labor Management Dispute Resolution Act of 2006 (S. 2201) and
ask that you cosponsor this important legislation. S. 2201 was
introduced by Senators Barack Obama, Patty Murray, Frank Lautenberg
and Daniel Inouye in an effort to bring much-needed fairness and
balance to a troubled bargaining process between the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) and its employees.
As we know first hand,
collective bargaining is never easy, but it is a process that
ensures workers have a voice in the workplace and are in a position
to work with their employers on key issues. However, for this
process to truly work, it must be impartial and fair to both sides.
Unfortunately, the bargaining position the FAA has taken in regards
to its employees is undeniably biased. The FAA Administrator
continues to take the position that the agency can simply send
labor disputes to Congress and then unilaterally impose a contract
on its employees. This is not true collective bargaining and, in
fact, the FAA has shown little interest in reaching a negotiated
settlement since it knows that it can simply impose its will as it
sees fit. Not only is this unfair, but it would create acrimony and
distrust among a workforce that is critical to the safe and
efficient movement of aircraft.
The Obama bill would ensure a more level playing field by
establishing a three step process of mediation, congressional
review, and if there is true impasse, binding arbitration. Despite
claims made by the FAA, S. 2201 is a measured and reasonable means
of ensuring a productive and fair outcome of bargaining. At the end
of the process, any outstanding disputes would simply be settled by
an impartial arbitrator.
As unions whose members rely on the safety of our air
traffic control system day in and day out, we understand the
intrinsic value of our FAA colleagues who operate and maintain our
airspace. They deserve a fair bargaining process.
The Obama bill is critical to protect the integrity of our
air traffic control system and the safety of our nation's airspace
and aviation system. We urge you to support this common-sense
legislation.