May 31, 2006 Clock Is Ticking On FAA/ATC Dispute

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By Mary Grady , Newswriter, Editor

June 5 is the deadline for Congress to act on the FAA's proposed contract for air traffic controllers, and unless something happens between now and then, that proposal will become the new contract. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is far from giving up that something will happen. Several bills are in the works in the halls of Congress that would derail the FAA's plan, and the NATCA lobbying effort is at full force. John Carr, president of NATCA, says a majority of Congress "wants the FAA to restore fairness and accountability to the bargaining process." They have until Monday to act on that conviction. And if they don't? According to NATCA: "The consequence of this extends to economic loss, loss of efficiency, and unfortunately compromises in safety for the entire system."