After weeks of wondering which way front line controllers might lean in the recently energized air traffic control debate, NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said this afternoon that the National Air Traffic Controllers Association stands behind the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Act originally published by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA). Rinaldi said support came in part, because “…The bill fully aligns with NATCA’s policies, practices, and core principles … [and] protects our workforce, including pay, benefits, retirement, and collective bargaining rights.”
NATCA Supports AIRR Act
Key Takeaways:
- The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) formally backs the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Act (Shuster's bill), citing its protection of controller pay, benefits, and collective bargaining rights, as well as its promise of stable funding for modernization and maintenance of system safety.
- The union's support stems from the bill's alignment with its core principles, emphasizing the maintenance of safety and efficiency, creation of a stable funding stream, and ensuring air traffic service for all industry elements.
- Despite Shuster's updated plan to exempt general aviation from user fees, a significant portion of the aviation industry remains skeptical about the long-term implications of ATC privatization.
- NATCA maintains it is open to any non-for-profit FAA reform proposal that addresses current issues, indicating support for other initiatives like the Aviation Funding Stability Act (H.R. 2800).
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