1.24.19 – Government Shutdown Continues

Thursday, January 24, 2019

 
 With the Government Shutdown – Are the Skies Safe?

“Is it safe to fly with the TSA, FAA and NATCA employees working without pay?” It is a reasonable concern and one that needs a response. First off, we have the safest and most secure air travel system in the world. The foundation of the system is a layered approach that includes numerous systems and procedures all designed to overlap and ensure that no single point will result in total failure. The systems overlap because we all understand that mistakes can happen. In a layered approach, no single mistake or breakdown should ever end in disaster. Having said that the system is safe, it is being tested by the shutdown as unpaid workers are turning to second and third jobs to pay their bills. Workers are reporting increased fatigue and increased stress. That is troubling information and that is why APFA is redoubling its calls to put government workers back to work NOW while border security negotiations continue.

These workers are American workers with families to support and responsibilities to fulfill.These are workers with tough jobs and often modest pay who should not suffer due to any unyielding political agenda. We owe it to these hardworking brothers and sisters, to our commitment to the safety of the flying public and to the security of our nation’s airspace to reopen the Government now. We can never let our guards down.

Call your member of Congress, call your Senators, tell the White House:
“I am a Flight Attendant and a safety professional. We will not jeopardize aviation safety and security. Vote for the bipartisan compromise NOW.”

Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

Allie Malis
APFA National Government Affairs Representative
[email protected]