FAA Labor Unions Seek Obama's Help

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/14/AR2008111402794.html

By Sholnn Freeman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 17, 2008; 12:00 AM

Labor unions at the Federal Aviation Administration are looking to President-elect Barack Obama for quick action to settle long-running contract conflicts at the agency.

The agency's two largest labor unions, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, which represents technicians and safety inspectors, say their top priority is resolving the disputes.

"We want a contract," said Patrick Forrey, the controllers' union president. "We've gone two years without a contract."

Labor leaders say the unions will offer the new administration a "to-do list" involving presidential executive orders on assorted labor policy questions. One would reinstate a Clinton-era policy that required managers at federal agencies to work cooperatively with labor unions. The need, the leaders say, arises partly from labor's struggles with the Bush administration at agencies like the FAA. They spoke on condition of anonymity because discussions have not yet taken place.

Created 50 years ago, the FAA's chief responsibility is safeguarding the nation's aviation system. But the agency has also built a reputation when it comes to labor problems, with conservatives pressing management prerogatives and the unions pushing back. The air traffic controllers' union has effectively been at war with the administration for nearly the entire Bush presidency.

Under federal law, the FAA is only agency in the federal government that negotiates with its union over pay and benefits.

FULL 2 page story at link.