Controllers Not ‘Inherently Governmental’

The White House has issued an executive order (No. 13180) stating that air traffic control positions are not “inherently governmental” for purposes of determining whether positions are potentially subject to privatization. The order reverses a designation made by President Clinton in late 2000 when he authorized creation of a “performance-based organization” in the air traffic control function. The administration says the order merely reflects the reality that some controller positions already are being performed under contract, but representatives of controllers are concerned that the change will open the door to further privatization.