Mediation News

FAA Requests Federal Mediator to Extend Contract Negotiations

WASHINGTON, DC – The following statement may be attributable to FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey:

As the first two weeks of mediated contract negotiations come to a close, the FAA continues to seek a voluntary labor agreement with its air traffic controllers. Today, the FAA requested that the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) extend contract talks for up to a week to allow around-the-clock negotiations in an effort to reach such an agreement. The FMCS agreed to continue talks into next week.

We are grateful for the support the FMCS has provided during these recent weeks and their presence has helped both sides continue to work through a variety of outstanding issues. While progress has been made over the last eight months, major provisions regarding pay and work rules remain.

These contract negotiations come at a critical time for our nation’s aviation system. The outcome will significantly affect the FAA’s ability to modernize its system to improve safety and capacity as well as to replenish its future air traffic controller ranks.

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	Did You Know?
	Mediation may not be the most appropriate avenue for resolution in all cases. For example, it may not be appropriate in cases where: A definitive or authoritative resolution of the matter is required; The matter involves or may bear upon significant questions of Government policy that require additional procedures before a final resolution may be made; Maintaining established policies that apply to many people is especially important; The matter significantly affects persons or groups who are not parties to the process; A full public record of the proceeding is important; or The agency must maintain continuing jurisdiction over the matter with authority to alter the disposition of the matter in light of changed circumstances.