NATCA PRESIDENT PATRICK FORREY STATEMENT ON OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCEMENT
WASHINGTON – National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Patrick Forrey released this statement following the announcement today by the Obama Administration that it will appoint a team of mediators to immediately address the contract dispute between the Federal Aviation Administration and NATCA.
“With this bold step, President Obama is fulfilling his commitment to the safety and modernization of the air traffic control system and to the dedicated men and women safety professionals who run the system each day. President Obama is showing the leadership that will guide a positive way forward in which aviation safety professionals will be included as valued stakeholders. As the president made clear, a resolution to the dispute is critical to stabilizing the controller workforce, restoring a collaborative working relationship between controllers and the FAA and successfully installing the Next Generation Air Transportation System needed to spur economic development and increase the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of air travel.
“I would like to thank Secretary LaHood for his leadership and commitment to resolving this issue.”
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COSTELLO APPLAUDS CHOICE OF JANE GARVEY TO OVERSEE NATCA/FAA NEGOTIATIONS WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, today applauded the choice of former FAA Administrator Jane Garvey to oversee the mediation process between the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on a new contract. Work rules were imposed on the union in 2006 when the FAA declared negotiations to be at an impasse. “Jane Garvey is a tremendous choice and I commend her for taking on this important role, as well as President Obama and Secretary LaHood for moving quickly on this issue,” said Costello. “Getting a new controller contract in place is the most important aviation issue the administration needs to address. The current work rules have led to a wave of controller retirements and low morale. Safety is always our top priority, and as we have seen again recently, there is no substitute for experienced controllers. I stand ready to assist this process in any way necessary.”
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