National President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) David Spero joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the struggles of their two bargaining units. Spero also discussed efforts to get a new contract and the organization's desire for the FAA reauthorization in the fall.
The two units that make up PASS, Air Traffic Control and Aviation Safety, need more support and materials to do their job, Spero said. He discussed needing more tools to complete Air Traffic Control equipment repairs. Conversely, the Aviation Safety workforce needs help to stay staffed. Commercial airlines are poaching many Aviation Safety workers by offering higher wages than PASS can provide.
The two units are now up for new contracts, and negotiations with the Federal Aviation Administration are underway. The Aviation Safety bargaining unit has been in talks since January 2022. Spero said it wasn’t until March 2023 that the FAA began to negotiate in good faith. He aims to reach a new tentative contract agreement for both bargaining units before their convention later this year.
The FAA’s reauthorization is up for renewal this year. Following the recent staffing issues, PASS hopes that training and staffing needs will be considered during reauthorization. Spero hopes that any new member added to the FAA understands the job and will be able and willing to handle all aspects. After struggling with no official head of the FAA, accomplishing anything has been difficult, and Spero hopes to see a change in the process following reauthorization.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.