October 20, 2000
Dean Mr. Chairman:
On behalf of the 1.3 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the National Association of Air Traffic Specialists (NAATS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees that we represent, we are writing to advise you of a serious inequity which affects a dedicated group of FAA air traffic controllers.
In 1996, as a result of a provision in the FY 1996 transportation appropriations bill, the FAA was removed from coverage under most of Title V, U.S.C. that sets forth the personnel and compensation system for civil service employees. This measure also directed the FAA to develop a new pay and personnel system. On October 1, 1998, as part of its reorganization, the FAA negotiated and implemented the new Air Traffic Control Specialized Compensation system (ATCSC) for field air traffic controllers (Series 2152).
The air traffic controllers that our organizations represent are also Series 2152 controllers. There was an understanding with the FAA, that under the new personnel and compensation system, that all Series 2152 controllers would receive comparable compensation. The FAA has now informed the air traffic controllers who are not covered by ATCSC, that they will not be comparably compensated; rather they would receive a significantly lower rate than the agreement- covered controllers. Since all Series 2152 air traffic controllers share the same series classification and are certified and qualified, regardless of the type of facility or the location where they work, we believe that they deserve comparable compensation.
The civil service personnel and compensation system under Title V provided fair and equitable treatment to all FAA employees. It has been replaced with a system that pits one employee group against another. The FAA now has serious morale problems that have resulted in a number of lawsuits being filed and EEOC complaints filed against the FAA by its employees.
We believe that congressional action by your committee is necessary to address this gross inequity. AFSCME and NAATS respectfully request that your committee investigate this matter and act to ensure equitable compensation for all FAA controllers before Congress adjourns this year. If you require any additional information, please contact Ed Jayne of the AFSCME Legislation Department at (202) 429-1188 or Wally Pike, NAATS President at (301) 933-6228.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter
Sincerely,
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