No, Sir, They Don't Like It

From NAATS...

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced this week the decision to contract out a portion of the Nation’s Air Traffic Control System in what is considered to be the largest, most complex outsourcing effort of public functions in US Government history.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a 5 year deal that, with options, is valued at $1.9 billion dollars. Information released with the announcement indicated a dramatic consolidation plan, closing 38 Automated Flight Service Stations (AFSS) across the US.

The National Association of Air Traffic Specialists strongly condemns the Federal Aviation’s decision to involuntarily separate 2000 controllers. NAATS feels the outcome was largely a result of age discrimination and a conscious decision to deny a large portion of the workforce the retirement they have earned. "Many of our controllers are 3 to 4 years short on retirement, and stand to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars from their pensions," stated Kate Breen, NAATS President. "It was bad enough the Bush administration allowed the theft of pensions of Enron employees, but now as a direct result of his management agenda, Bush is sanctioning government employees losing a large portion of their pensions."

In 1981, the flight service controllers assisted the Agency while it struggled to make it through the controller strike. Then in the days after September 11, 2001 the employees were the Agency’s direct communication to the aviation community after terrorist attacks grounded all flights across the nation. The flight service stations’ traffic tripled as controllers briefed pilots on the latest information available. "Every time there has been a crisis, the men and women of Flight service have been there to bail out the Agency," Breen said.

The FAA has alienated a dedicated workforce. Morale was at an all time low as the agency made the announcement via telephone and web-based media. Controllers’ emotions ranged from anger to tears as they learned they would lose their federal employment and retirements. Breen stated "From all reports I have received the controllers continued to maintain their high level of professionalism in spite of bad news."

FMI: www.naats.org