...FSS Workers Criticize Privatization Process

…FSS Workers Criticize Privatization Process

Editorial Staff

Sunday, June 05, 2005 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The PASS union is challenging the FAA's contract with Lockheed Martin for Flight Service Stations, claiming the FAA violated an agreement to involve the union in outsourcing federal employee work.
The union also voiced concerns that contracting out critical safety functions to the lowest bidder could compromise the safety of the National Airspace System.
A DOT Inspector General report highlighted ongoing problems with the FAA's airspace modernization efforts, including cost growth, schedule delays, and performance shortfalls.
The report concluded that the FAA lacks a clear strategy for its modernization programs and needs to develop one to meet growing demand for air traffic services.

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Meanwhile, the Professional Airways Systems Specialists (PASS) union said Thursday it is seeking an order from a federal arbitrator that would rescind a service contract awarded in February to Lockheed Martin to operate the FAA’s Flight Service Stations. At a hearing last week, the union argued that the FAA violated a contractual promise that it would involve the union in the process to transfer work performed by federal employees to outside contractors. “This is a blatant violation of our agreement with the agency,” said PASS National President Tom Brantley. “We believe that the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) should not be contracted out to the lowest bidder.” And in its third annual report on the FAA’s efforts to modernize the National Airspace System, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General found that cost growth, schedule delays and performance shortfalls with the FAA’s major acquisitions continue to stall progress. “Consequently, it is not clear how much these programs will cost, how long it will take to complete them, or what capabilities they will finally deliver,” the report says. The FAA needs to develop a comprehensive strategy if it hopes to keep pace with growing demand for air traffic services, the report concludes.