WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement today following Senate confirmation of Randy Babbitt as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration:
“With confirmation of Randy Babbitt as its leader, today the Federal Aviation Administration begins the important work of reforming itself and re-energizing efforts derailed in the Bush era to expand and modernize our aviation system.
“Administrator Babbitt inherits an agency still reeling from years of mismanagement and a lack of strategic vision and direction. In recent years, FAA leadership chose ideology over sensible policy, evaded tough decisions, and employed scorched earth tactics with its workforce that inspired the worst labor-management relations in a generation. Under Randy Babbitt that era ends today.
“Babbitt’s confirmation comes as renewed negotiations are under way with air traffic controllers and as crucial funding, technology, safety, job and worker rights issues are at stake in pending FAA reauthorization legislation.
“We look forward to working with Administrator Babbitt and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on the challenges of building the next generation aviation system that supports good middle-class jobs and meets the needs of our nation.
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The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, represents 32 member unions in the aviation, rail, transit, trucking, highway, longshore, maritime and related industries. For more information, visit ttd.org.
