Trio of Unionists Confirmed for Obama Administration Posts

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/05/26/trio-of-labor-leaders-confirmed-for-obama-administration-posts/

by Mike Hall, May 26, 2009

Three former union members and leaders—with the Air Line Pilots (ALPA), Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) and Seafarers (SIU)—won U.S. Senate conformation last week for top posts in the Obama administration. All three were approved by voice vote.

Capt. Randy Babbitt, a 25-year veteran of commercial airline and a former two-term ALPA president, will steer the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

ALPA President Capt. John Prater says:

Babbitt’s experience as an airline pilot, union president, aviation consultant and member of numerous government and industry advisory committees will serve him well as he leads our industry.

Under the Bush administration, the FAA broke off bargaining with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) over a new contract in 2006 and imposed a set of harsh new working conditions and pay cuts. The Obama administration has begun a mediation process to reach an agreement. Babbitt, says NATCA President Patrick Forrey,

has the opportunity to do great things with our National Airspace System and restore the credibility of an agency in need of a priority readjustment and severe morale boosting….But first, this workforce must be assured that its help is wanted and not ignored like the last several years. It is time for a restoration of fairness to FAA labor relations and the opening of the door of collaboration and mutual respect.

FULL story at link.