Dear [ Decision Maker ] , America's air traffic controllers are dedicated men and women who have one single priority: safety in the skies. But recently, the FAA has been jeopardizing the safety, efficiency and integrity of America's aviation system. I am writing to ask you to help put an end to this mismanagement and safeguard the future of America's air traffic control. First, the FAA must adequately staff the air traffic control system. Though air traffic is increasing to record high levels, there are already 1,000 fewer air traffic controllers than there were two years ago. That means fewer controllers guiding more planes, and that's not safe. Second, the FAA must immediately commit to modernizing air traffic control facilities. From surface radar to global positioning systems, the FAA has cut or delayed many programs that are vital to passenger safety. That has to stop, and modernization needs to start. Third, the FAA has to stop attacking its own workforce. The agency recently wasted taxpayer dollars by conducting a 22 city press tour to attack the men and women who run America's air traffic control. The FAA also appears intent on using Congress to unilaterally impose contract terms at its discretion. This is not true collective bargaining and will create an environment of mistrust and hostility. We rely on our elected officials to take leadership positions on critical issues like safety in the skies. I call on you to send a message to the FAA today: stop jeopardizing America's aviation system, putting our citizens and our economy at risk.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
Staffing Crisis: A serious and dangerous staffing crisis is looming over our nation’s air traffic control system, meaning each controller is watching more and more planes. While air traffic is increasing to record levels, staffing levels are dropping rapidly. Today, there are 1,000 fewer controllers than there were just two short years ago. But in fiscal year 2004, the FAA hired only 13 new controllers. Meanwhile, the FAA pulls more and more controllers into supervisory positions, causing an even greater drop in the number of people watching our planes. More high paid managers and fewer traffic controllers is not the answer! System Upgrades: As air travel increases, it is crucial that the air traffic control system be modernized so that planes can fly safely and efficiently. But the FAA only pays lip service to modernization. In reality, the FAA is slowing, cutting or derailing critical modernization programs, damaging passenger safety and wasting taxpayer dollars. Ignoring the need for technology improvement won’t stop the future from coming! Anti-Union PR: While claiming that it has insufficient funds to modernize air traffic control technology, the FAA Administrator and her deputies engaged in an expensive 22 city media blitz to attack dedicated air traffic controllers and the union that represents them. The FAA is also attempting to use Congress to subvert the collective bargaining process. Union-bashing will not make air passengers safe! |
| Maintainer: Indiana AFL-CIO (inaflcio@inaflcio.org) |  |