Transportation Labor Applauds FAA Choice

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.joc.com/node/410405

Thomas L. Gallagher | Mar 27, 2009 9:19PM GMT
The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story

Union supports selection of former ALPA chief to head agency

Transportation labor applauded President Obama’s choice of Randy Babbitt, former chief of the Air Line Pilots Association, to be the next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

“The FAA needs a leader who is respected by all elements of the aviation industry and who understands the critical importance of front-line aviation workers. Randy Babbitt’s nomination answers this call,” said Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO.

Noting budget and management problems that have prevented the agency from expanding and modernizing the system, Wytkind went on to say safety reforms are long overdue and the agency's collective bargaining system needs reform.

“Randy Babbitt will provide the leadership the FAA needs to work through these challenges, better protect workers, and serve the flying public,” Wytkind said.