November 19, 2002 FAA Unions Picket

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By Russ Niles, Newswriter

Some of the FAA's unionized members are taking their message and their fears to the streets at Detroit Metro Airport today. "This is very significant because it is the first time in our memory that multiple FAA unions are combining forces to hold an informational picketing," said Jim Pratt, a union spokesman. Pratt, in an e-mail to AVweb, said the government is trying to save money on key flight safety services so it can pay for the Transportation Security Administration's programs. Among the issues concerning the unions is the potential contracting out of flight service station functions and equipment maintenance. They're also protesting the protracted contract talks with some unions, some of which have dragged on for four years. More picketing is planned for Philadelphia on Friday and Atlanta later this month.