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Arbitrator Sustains PASS Telework Grievance

Last year, PASS filed a grievance regarding the across-the-board cancellation of routine telework and remote work arrangements. A hearing was held before an arbitrator on July 9, 2025. After a delay related to the 2025 government shutdown, the arbitrator issued a decision this week in favor of PASS-represented employees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The arbitrator determined that the FAA violated the parties’ collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), In large part, the arbitrator merely recognized the careful balance the FAA and PASS struck in developing rules around telework and remote work during contract negotiations from 2022–2024. Rather than guaranteeing specific telework schedules or remote work, the CBAs focus instead on the process to be utilized to determine which schedule can be available to employees. To that end, the arbitrator found that the CBAs call for routine telework requests and remote work arrangements to be determined on a case-by-case basis utilizing the criteria negotiated in good faith by the FAA and PASS.

February 19, 2026

The Cost of a Government Shutdown

When Congress failed to pass appropriations in the fall of 2025, the resulting 43-day government shutdown tested every corner of the aviation system—and placed an extraordinary burden on all PASS-represented employees. While much of the nation focused on delayed flights and service disruptions, the most critical work continued out of public view: PASS members kept radar functioning, navigational aids online, safety systems certified, and training and modernization plans intact—all while working without pay and without knowing when relief would come. Aviation safety inspectors and other employees were furloughed yet subject to intermittent recall with no telling what their schedule would be from week to week, adding to the stress of not getting paid.

With another funding deadline coming on January 30, PASS continues to warn of the dangers of costly shutdowns on the air traffic control system and the dedicated public servants who maintain and regulate it. “We will continue to stress that aviation workers must be insulated from political stalemates and cannot be forced to work unpaid,” said National President Dave Spero. “Disagreements in Congress cannot be allowed to impact the safety and efficiency of our country’s aviation system.” He also emphasized that “It took many hands to ensure that not one delay during the historic 43-day shutdown was attributed to equipment or system failures.”

January 5, 2026

PASS on Bonuses for FAA Employees

Earlier today, the FAA provided notice to PASS that it intends to award $10,000 bonuses to 423 PASS-represented employees in the FAA’s Technical Operations division, and an unspecified number of employees in Flight Program Operations.

While the union is appreciative that the important work of FAA employees is being recognized, it is important to understand that well over 6,000 PASS-represented employees worked without pay during the shutdown. They maintained all of the equipment and systems needed by air traffic controllers to communicate with pilots to keep the National Airspace System (NAS) operational and the American flying public safe. Other employees performed a wide range of critical services needed to maintain the aviation ecosystem. It took many hands to ensure that not one delay during the historic 43-day shutdown was attributed to equipment or system failures.

November 20, 2025

Government Shutdown Taking a Toll on Employees, ATC Modernization

The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS) continues to warn that the government shutdown could jeopardize the administration’s plans to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system, but expressed concern, too, for the well-being of the employees the union represents. “If the government is not opened as soon as possible, employees will be faced with no pay on October 28,” said National President Dave Spero. “In addition, training has been stopped for these employees who will be critical to the efforts to modernize the National Airspace System.”

PASS represents approximately 11,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense employees throughout the United States and abroad. These employees install, maintain, support and certify air traffic control and national defense equipment, inspect and oversee the commercial and general aviation industries, develop flight procedures, and perform quality analyses of complex aviation systems used in air traffic control in the United States and overseas. The employees work in the Flight Standards Service and Aircraft Certification in the office of Aviation Safety (AVS), and in Technical Operations, Air Traffic Services, Mission Support Services and Flight Program Operations of the Air Traffic Organization (ATO).PASS-represented employees in training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City were sent home on October 3, with no funding available to keep them in much-needed classes. “It can take three to five years to fully train a technician,” said President Spero. “Any lapse in training can push the clock back, as it did during the academy’s closure during the pandemic.”

October 21, 2025

Government Shutdown Could Jeopardize Modernization of Air Traffic Control System

The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS) warned today that a government shutdown could jeopardize the administration’s plans to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system. “At a time when there is much-needed focus and movement to reshape and revamp the nation’s air traffic control system, it is troubling that Congress has not been able to pass a continuing resolution or full appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026,” said National President Dave Spero.

October 1, 2025

2025 PASS Convention

Last week, over 150 PASS delegates, members and guests traveled to Las Vegas for the 2025 PASS Convention. This biennial event is an opportunity for PASS members to conduct important union business, hear from aviation and labor guest speakers, attend informational workshops, and meet with their fellow union brothers and sisters.

National President Dave Spero welcomed attendees on the first day of the convention. His remarks emphasized the critical contributions made by PASS members and the need to ensure the PASS voice is heard now and in the future. “Remember that America needs labor unions; America needs aviation; America needs us; our country needs you!” he said.

August 20, 2025