US air controllers trying to halt privatization

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US air controllers trying to halt privatization

WASHINGTON, Aug 28 (Reuters) - U.S. air traffic controllers have launched an advertising campaign to defeat a bid in Congress to privatize their jobs at dozens of airports, the controllers union said on Thursday.

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TV ADs MISLEAD AOPA MEMBERS ABOUT ATC PRIVATIZATION

Based on comments to AOPA, members are puzzled by TV ads claiming that
Congress is about to privatize air traffic control. Other members have
been asked to sign postcards that misrepresent AOPA's position. Both the
misleading ads and the cards are the efforts of labor unions representing
FAA employees. Unless you listen carefully, it's easy to get lost in the
rhetoric. The ad stemmed from the FAA reauthorization bill pending before
Congress. Despite what the ad says, the bill would actually prevent ATC
privatization for at least four years. The ad is really about a part of
the bill that directs the FAA to look at some 69 control towers and consider
whether any of them should be staffed with contract employees. Many AOPA members fly from airports with contract towers already, and most report they are pleased with the service. Contract towers are less expensive for the taxpayer as well. "Make no mistake. AOPA is adamantly opposed to any effort to privatize air traffic control or charge user fees for safety services," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We have fought, and will continue to fight, attempts to take the responsibility for aircraft
separation and control away from the federal government." See