For Release: Thursday, August 13, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

FAA & NATCA MOVE FORWARD WITH A LABOR AGREEMENT

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today praised the tentative agreement of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to resolve important employee workforce issues, such as more equitable pay standards, greater flexibility with work schedules, child care support, a review process for grievances, as well as other issues.

Costello said, “I am pleased both parties were able to come together to produce a three-year collective bargaining agreement that was negotiated fairly and that NATCA and its members can review. This is a positive step forward and I will continue to work with President Obama and Secretary LaHood to address labor relations at the FAA.”

Costello, Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, has lead the effort to bring the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) back to the bargaining table and has made this his number one priority as Chairman. In the 110th Congress, Chairman Costello introduced legislation to provide fairness to the negotiation process by referring contract negotiations to an impartial third party for binding arbitration.

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