Since 1985, Congress has designated the first full week of May as Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) to show appreciation for the men and women who make up the nation’s civil service. PSRW has always been an opportunity for the country to acknowledge the important work PASS members and all federal employees do every day to keep our nation running.

PASS National President David Spero released the following statement regarding the reinstatement of terminated probationary employees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):

“It is welcome news PASS received today that effective this week, the FAA is reinstating the 132 employees we represented who were summarily fired on February 14, 2025, while they were in their probationary period. They will receive back pay from February 15 and should return to duty status on March 20.

Today, David Spero, national president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), testified in front of Congress to address air traffic control systems maintained by employees PASS represents at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the lack of adequate staffing among the airway transportation systems specialists workforce and the resources needed to maintain the world’s largest, safest and most complex air traffic control system.

Update: PASS received a list from the FAA on Feb. 18 of the probationary employees it represents who were terminated. The total as of now is 132.

Washington, D.C.—David Spero, National President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today on the termination of probationary employees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):

As are many in the tight-knit aviation community, PASS is shocked and saddened by the collision over National Airport in Washington, DC last night. It appears there were no survivors among the passengers and crew aboard American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

With heartfelt compassion, we mourn the lives of all the souls who perished last night and send our sympathies to their loved ones.

Statement of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS) on the confirmation of Sean Duffy as the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) today. PASS represents 11,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense employees: