FAA said labor costs account for 80 percent of its
operating budget and that the 1998 agreement tied its
hands with inefficient work schedules and overstaffing
in some locations.
In initial negotiations through July 22, it said it was
seeking a contract that would give management a more
flexible and efficient use of its workforce and a rapid
introduction of new safety technologies “without
protracted, cost-consuming procedures.”
FAA blames labor provisions in the current contract for
delaying the introduction of some new air traffic control
systems and restricting its ability to respond to changes
in traffic volume and patterns.
NATCA’s Carr said the union’s agenda for the negotiations
are to get the agency to “stop paying lip service” and
invest in the latest generation technology.
He said another goal is to address a staffing shortfall
of 1,000 controllers compared to seven years ago that
handle more traffic. “That problem needs to be addressed,
immediately,” said Carr.
He added, “We are prepared to put the rhetoric aside if
the FAA shows that it is not going to try to unilaterally
impose their contract on us.”
