Here's what the Bush government does to federal labor unions:

[MercutioATC]

"WASHINGTON - Contract talks between the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Federal Aviation Administration, which broke down last week over economic proposals, have officially concluded with the FAA walking out of the negotiations and declaring impasse after rejecting an offer that would have saved taxpayers $1.4 billion. The Agency is expected to send the contract to Congress almost immediately, failing to solicit the union’s formal objections as required by law.

As first reported by NATCA late last week, the parties held a very brief meeting on Tuesday night in order to exchange new proposals on pay. NATCA’s proposal included a revised offer meeting goals described by the FAA Administrator in discussions with NATCA this weekend. The proposal maintains previous levels of taxpayer savings, estimated at over $1.4 billion. Unfortunately, the FAA was not prepared to engage in meaningful discussion - the meeting, held at approximately 10pm Eastern time, was characterized by one union participant as lasting no more than five minutes, the majority of which was spent by NATCA discussing their proposal.

The parties met again on Wednesday in a formal session to exchange typewritten proposals and to read statements into the record. No bargaining of any kind took place. While the union invited FMCS mediators to join the meeting and observe the proceedings – a request the agency originally agreed to – no formal mediation took place. The union, in consultation with the mediator, made a formal request to continue talks under the auspices of federal mediation, but that offer was rejected by the agency. The FAA in effect walked out on federally mediated talks aimed at reaching a voluntary agreement.

As of this date, the parties have concluded all meetings and no further meetings, mediations or negotiating sessions are planned."

http://www.fairfaa.com/pr_FAA_walks_out_on_contract_talks.asp


This administration doesn't like unions... especially federal labor unions. It's just a shame that, in their quest to bust unions, they're dismantling the safest and most efficient air traffic control system on the planet. Bush will keep you safe? Riiiiiiight....

http://www.fairfaa.com/

[BrklynLiberal]

1. The death of unions started with Raygun and Air Traffic Control Workers.

It was the first volley in the neverending war between Repukes and Labor.

[Southsideirish]

3. How come the other unions didn't support them? It gave a-hole "Ronnie"

Ree-gun his first big victory. That was a crying shame.

[wtbymark]

2. I hate to say it but...

walk out, picket the facilities, effectively shut down the industry. The fascists can't deal with the lost revenue. A few airlines might go belly-up needing more gov't dollars to bail them out. Boeing surely won't like it either - new planes, maintanence contracts? Once Bush starts pissing off the lower-upper class - it will be wholesale time for the admin.

[MercutioATC]

5. Remember what happened the last time we did that???

That's simply not an option.

Unfortunately, that leaves us in the unenviable position of having no real cards to play other than the support we get from some informed Congressmen.

[xmclt]

7. Air Traffic Controller's walking out..........

is not necessary. There will be so many retiring no one needs to walk out. Just retire and at least you'd get the cost of living increase. 1 in 4 controllers are eligible to retire by the end of 2007. 9 out of 19 are eligible at Bangor, Maine right now. There will be fewer and fewer controller's working. It takes at least 3 years to train and get proficient. There is no getting around that. I've been a controller for almost 19 years in the FAA. Turmoil abounds in management, and as soon as I am able (September 28, 2012), I am out a here. Have fun newbees. You'll be making 30% less, with no cost of living increase in your salary, to perform one of the most unique jobs around. Can anybody say employee turnover?

The FAA plans on imposing their version of a contract as soon as Congress DOES NOT act within a couple of weeks on the current impasse. For more info see: www.fairFAA.com

See: www.c-span.org
Washington Journal...All recent programs.....John Carr interview 4/13/2006

[central scrutinizer]

4. It's not just unions,

they would like to undo the entire civil service system and return the days of patronage and the "spoils" system. That way you create a whole lot of people with a vested interest in voting for the party in power so they can keep their jobs. That is what is behind the whole "contract it out" mentality of the Repukes. It isn't cost effective - they don't give a shit about that because they will just put it on the national credit card. It is all about staying in power. Cost in money and lives be damned.

[MercutioATC]

6. Agreed...and NATCA is the best-heeled federal union.

Small, but lots of cash. Taking us down would go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.