Thu, Feb 03, 2005
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."
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