The following is a
statement from FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, on the passing of
the congressional deadline for modification of the FAA's final
contract offer to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
submitted April 5.
As Congress failed to act to modify either the FAA's proposal,
or the existing regulations governing action on an impasse, within
the specified 60 day timeframe.... Blakey reports the FAA will
impose its new contract effective June 5, 2006... TODAY.
"Despite negotiations lasting nine months, including one
month of mediation, the Federal Aviation Administration and NATCA
could not agree on the terms of a new contract that would allow
necessary changes in the agency’s personnel system. As
provided by law, we sent our entire proposal, along with
NATCA’s proposal and objections, to Congress on April 5, 2006
for a period of 60 days. That period for review has ended without
modification of our proposal by Congress. Therefore, under the
terms of our statute, the FAA’s proposed change takes effect
as of today, and we will begin the process of implementing our
proposal.
"We recognize that change of this kind will require close
coordination with our managers, supervisors and union
representatives. Thus, even though the prior contract has ended, we
will transition by operating under the former work rules and pay
rules as we phase-in the successor terms and conditions. The
phase-in will be handled in a deliberate and orderly manner, and we
will ensure that air traffic managers and supervisors are well
trained to implement these provisions and to answer questions from
the workforce as they arise. Our controllers are part of a very
dedicated workforce and we are committed to working with them to
ensure a smooth transition."
Under the terms of the current regulations governing
an impasse, controllers cannot appeal the FAA's decision; however,
a House bill scheduled for a vote
this week could force the FAA and NATCA to
resume talks... again... but this time under binding
arbitration, in which both parties agree ahead of time to accept
the final ruling of the arbitrator(s).
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