Air Traffic Controllers Face a “Carbon Copy” Of 1980 Conditions (remember PATCO?)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/node/6988

Air Traffic Controllers Face a “Carbon Copy” Of 1980 Conditions - 10/08/07

By Doug Cunningham

A perfect storm of outdated equipment, short staffing and a hostile management is engulfing air traffic controllers who are struggling to maintain air travel safety and efficiency. It’s beginning to look like 1980 all over again, when the old PATCO union went on strike and was smashed by former President Ronald Reagan.

: “It’s a carbon copy. They’ve decided t put their foot down on this union. They’ve done that to the point of driving away their best, their most loyal, their most dedicated, their most highly skilled controllers in this country.”

National Air Traffic Controller’s Association spokesman Doug Church says the FAA is failing to adequately provide for a thorough modernization of the nation’s air traffic control system.

: “This FAA for the last five years has done nothing in the way of modernization. They’ve squandered so many opportunities.”

Church says it’s vital that U.S. Senators hear from the public to get the FAA re-authorization bill passed so air traffic controllers will have a new labor contract.

: “The need for a contract is so that veteran controllers can stay on the job - will have a reason to stay instead of going into retirement - so we can hold onto these veteran controllers a little while longer so they can keep the system going an train their replacements."

[gateley]

1. I remember when Reagan just pulled the plug on the entire Union. This is

unacceptable. They should use the Homeland Security - War On Terror card to get funding and backing.

I'm writing my Senators (warmongers, both) and use those arguments as to why I expect them to vote on passing the FAA re-authorization bill.

[gateley]

2. Here's my e-mail to my Senators (Burr and Dole)

It may be a little heavy handed on the references, but I think that's the only way to get them to listen to me -- they love that shit.

I have just learned of the FAA re-authorization bill. In this time of potential terrorist attacks and the vulnerability of our country, I feel it would serve Homeland Security better if we would retain the seasoned Controllers and upgrade their equipment. This goes beyond our domestic commercial flights, I feel it is imperative to pass this bill as part of our War on Terror.
Thank you for your consideration.