Cites Security Issues

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) Wednesday expressed support for a bill (HR 4582) introduced by New Jersey Congressman Rob Andrews that would require anyone who works on a US aircraft at an outsourced repair station -- either domestically or overseas -- to undergo an FBI background security check.

"Congress has a responsibility to protect our nation from another terrorist attack," said Congressman Andrews. "If we do not implement tough safety standards for all persons working on US aircraft, both at home and abroad, then it's a dereliction of our duty. It is imperative for Congress to act now."

According to AMFA, today US airlines outsource over 50 percent of aircraft maintenance to these repair stations -- with workers at over 3,000 domestic and nearly 400 foreign stations having full access to US planes.

The FBI background checks have long been mandatory for aircraft technicians employed by US airlines, but no such guidelines exist for workers at outsourced stations.

The union maintains this plan compromises security, and the proposed legislation will close this security gap that leaves the US vulnerable to sabotage and attack.

"In the post-9/11 era, it's scandalous that the planes Americans fly on are increasingly being worked on by people whose backgrounds have never been checked," said AMFA National Director O.V. Delle-Femine. "We've been pushing for Congress to adopt legislation like this for years. Congress needs to do the right thing now by protecting the security and safety of the American public, including our members and their families."

Earlier this year, Delle-Femine said, federal agents arrested 27 illegal immigrants from the Philippines, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Chile, Laos, Mexico and Peru who were working for TIMCO, an outsourced repair vendor whose customers have included Northwest and other US commercial passenger and cargo airlines. One of the arrested illegal immigrants had been working on aircraft at TIMCO for a decade, using false documents.

AMFA's craft union is the largest labor organization in the airline industry representing aircraft maintenance technicians and related support personnel with over 18,000 members at carriers including Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, ATA, Independence, Horizon and Mesaba Airlines.

FMI: www.amfanatl.org