NAATS Press Release:
SUBJECT: FAA TO
OUTSOURCE 2400 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER POSITIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wheaton, MD-- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today 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 U.S. 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 U.S.
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�.
The National
Association of Air Traffic Specialists opposes this derogation of service
and is conducting several congressional meetings to educate legislator. We
ask for your help. A complete list of services affected and the current
status of the outsourcing process can be located through links at
www.naats.org or contact :
- Kate Breen,
President
- National Association of Air Traffic Specialists (NAATS)
- 11303 Amherst Avenue, Suite 4
Wheaton, MD 20902-3902
Phone (301) 933-6228
Fax (301) 933-3902
|