On Monday, The Wall Street Journal took another look at the aviation world, with an editorial supporting privatization of the air traffic control system. The editorial criticized the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) for its “excessive demands.” FAA Administrator Marion Blakey’s proposals are “modest” and “reasonable,” the editorial says, while NATCA, funded with union dues from taxpayer-financed salaries, is lobbying Congress to take away the FAA’s right to impose a contract if the talks stall. NATCA President John Carr was quick to respond, calling the editorial a “highly polished piece of pandering” in his blog on Tuesday. Carr asks, “Why does the Wall Street Journal find it necessary to try to make it sound like a dirty, bad thing when a union grows, and organizes the unorganized, and collectively bargains?” Carr goes on to dissect the editorial in detail.
Private ATC Suggested
Key Takeaways:
- The Wall Street Journal published an editorial supporting the privatization of the air traffic control system, criticizing NATCA's "excessive demands" and praising FAA Administrator Blakey's proposals.
- The editorial highlighted NATCA's lobbying efforts against the FAA's right to impose contracts, funded by union dues from taxpayer-financed salaries.
- NATCA President John Carr swiftly responded, calling the editorial "pandering" and questioning its negative portrayal of union growth and collective bargaining.
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