The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents over 100,000 ramp workers, customer service agents, flight attendants and more in the air transport industry, applauds Congress for passing H.R. 3935 and reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935) passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and addresses a wide range of issues, including working conditions and safety matters that affect the IAM’s air transport membership.
“We want to thank Senators Chuck Schumer and Maria Cantwell, as well as Congressman Rick Larsen, for their work on the bill and getting it through the finish line,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “This piece of legislation is extremely important to our union and all airline workers. It establishes common-sense improvements to rules for testing and operating unmanned aircraft, aircraft certifications, pilot certifications, operational standards, and more.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant recently wrote a letter to Congress, strongly advocating for FAA reauthorization.
“While the bill, H.R. 3935, does not address all the IAM’s demands in an FAA reauthorization package, it does include several of our requested provisions and will ultimately help improve the safety and working conditions of our air transport members,” wrote Bryant. “This includes provisions like employee assault prevention and response plan standards, increased scrutiny of foreign maintenance and repair stations working on U.S. aircraft to ensure uniform safety and support for U.S.-certified aircraft mechanics, improved cabin air quality and a ramp worker safety ‘call to action.’”
The IAM applauds Congress for making the necessary adjustments to pass FAA reauthorization and for taking this step to improve the safety and working conditions of IAM air transport members and all aviation industry workers.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, automotive, railroad, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.