PASS Statement On Sequestration

Details: Published: July 09, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Mike Perrone, national president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS),the union that represents over 11,000 systems specialists and aviation

safety inspectors at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD), released the following statement regarding the FAA's update on sequestration:

"PASS is extremely concerned regarding the serious impacts sequestration will have on the aviation system. PASS represents FAA employees who are responsible for, among other things, maintaining, certifying and inspecting every aspect of the National Airspace System. Sequestration will force the FAA to cut over $600 million from its budget this fiscal year, resulting in reduced capacity of the system, furloughing every FAA employee and seriously impacting the FAA's ability to continue in its modernization efforts.

"While PASS and the FAA are dedicated to preserving the safety of the system above all else, unfortunately, this will be done by making major operational changes. These changes may include facility closures, elimination of shifts, reduced system and airspace maintenance, increased restoration times, and fewer aviation safety inspections, all of which will have a far-reaching negative impact on the aviation system and the flow of commerce across this country. PASS urges lawmakers to work together to develop a solution that avoids these budget cuts and allows the continued safe and efficient operation of this country's aviation system."

For more information or questions, please contact Kori Blalock Keller at (202) 293-7277 x110.

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For 36 years, PASS has represented more than 11,000 employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Defense who 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 the aviation systems. For more information, visit the PASS website at www.passnational.org.