Language Mirrors That Of 'Flags of Convenience' Legislation Pushed By Union

The recently-introduced FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 includes a provision in it that would bar European-based airlines from undermining U.S. labor rights or standards if they wish to operate in this country, which is drawing plaudits from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

"After 18 months of hard work on H.R. 2150, the Flags of Convenience Don't Fly Here Act, the Teamsters are pleased that House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) decided to include its language in the new FAA reauthorization bill rolled out late last week," said Teamsters Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne in a statement released to the media.

"The measure makes clear under the European Union-U.S. Open Skies agreement that labor standards shouldn't be upended by foreign airlines, and bars the Department of Transportation from issuing an air carrier permit or an exemption from the rules to any EU provider. A 'flag of convenience' carrier is any foreign air carrier that is established in a country other than the home country of its majority ownership in an effort to avoid the home nation's regulations.

"The Teamsters implore Congress to pass this provision so the rights of U.S. airline workers are protected."

(Source: Teamsters news release)

FMI: www.teamster.org