Press Releases
Teamsters Applaud Adoption of TAMC Language in House, Senate FAA Reauthorization Bills
(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters, the Teamsters Airline Division and the Teamsters Airline Mechanics Coalition (TAMC) commend the inclusion of language sought by the TAMC in separate bills passed by both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
The bills, which reauthorize and refund the Federal Aviation Administration, now both have provisions within their text to increase oversight at foreign aircraft repair stations. They also elevate standards for drug and alcohol testing at foreign repair stations, institute background checks for workers performing safety-sensitive functions at repair stations to ensure that they do not pose a threat to aviation safety and require foreign repair stations to adhere to higher safety standards when servicing U.S.-based aircraft.
“The inclusion of this language into these bills is a great example of the power of bipartisan cooperation,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “The Teamsters have been pushing lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to prioritize the needs of workers and the traveling public. These bills show that our hard work is paying off.”
“This is a big step forward for airline mechanics,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “These are common sense measures that will go a long way in raising safety standards for everyone who uses an airplane. No matter what their party affiliation, it is important that lawmakers recognize that greater aviation safety benefits everyone.”
“This is the result of years of hard work, hours of meetings with lawmakers and miles of walking in the halls of Congress,” said Chris Moore, TAMC Chairman. “Thank you to everyone who made the journey to Washington to lobby on behalf of our cause. The flying public is incredibly grateful for your efforts.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.