Latest news on the privatization of air controllers, still needs work.

[madfloridian]

From FL Senator Bill Nelson in response to a Working Families activist letter I sent:

Thank you for contacting me regarding privatization of the nation's air traffic control system.

Senator Frank Lautenberg introduced S. 338, a bill that would prevent the privatization of the air traffic control system, with the exception of small and rural airports participating in the FAA's contract tower program. Specifically, this legislation will return the following positions to their status as "inherently governmental": air traffic controllers, air traffic control specialists, and flight service station controllers.

This bill is in response to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) notice re-characterizing air traffic control as a commercial function. Previously, the air traffic control system was characterized as an inherently governmental function that protected the system from privatization. The move to re-characterize the system as a commercial function creates an opportunity for future privatization. Although the Department of Transportation (DOT) has stated it has no intentions of privatizing the air traffic controllers, the ruling allows it to do so at its own discretion.

On June 12, S.338 was accepted as an amendment to S. 824, the FAA Reauthorization Act, by a vote of 56-41. I supported this amendment, because our nation has the best safety record in air traffic control, and it should not be compromised. Countries that have privatized their systems have seen an increase in the number of near misses between commercial aircraft and an increase in the number of flight delays.


The House also passed an FAA reauthorization bill, H.R. 2115, which allows for privatization of air traffic support staff, such as technicians, specialists, and other employees, but not air traffic controllers. Conferees from the Senate and the House filed the conference report (H. 108-240) on July 25th. At this time, the report does not contain the anti-privatization provision. Both the House and the Senate must pass the conference report before it can go to the President and be signed into law.

I appreciate hearing from you about this important issue. Feel free to contact me in the future.

If you require further assistance, please don't "reply" to this e-mail. Instead, click on the link below or paste it into your web browser.
http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm#email

[warren pease]

1. Gives new meaning to the words "final approach"...

It's sure going to be fun when, hanging seven miles in the air, the pilot tells us that "to remain viable in the global economy while maximizing upside potential for shareholders, Air Traffic Control Inc. has just layed off 20 percent of its workforce."

Just what I want controlling my airborne destiny: a chiseling, downsizing, bottom-line driven, miserly American corporation.


wp

[MercutioATC]

2. Think if we privatized the FDA and let the drug companies run it.

There'd be NO compromise to safety, would there?

Same story here, folks. Call your Congressmen...