Congratulations President Obama!
The following is a compilation of NATCA's statements and press releases documenting President Obama's historic journey to the White House.
November 5, 2008
NATCA CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA, LOOKS FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SAFER, MORE EFFICIENT AVIATION SYSTEM
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The nation’s air traffic controllers and aviation safety professionals, represented by NATCA, are joining today in the exuberant celebration of the historic election of Barack Obama and extend their congratulations to him on this special day of restored hope for the United States of America. NATCA President Patrick Forrey released the following statement as the organization now looks forward to the bright future of the National Airspace System:
“President-elect Obama supported NATCA from the beginning in our long struggle for fair collective bargaining rights with the Federal Aviation Administration. We were proud to support him and join with working men and women across the country to win this campaign. We’re in a new horizon. Our nation’s aviation system will be restored to provide the traveling public the highest level of safety and efficiency to give our economy a stimulus through renewed focus on our infrastructure.
“For more than two years now our workforce has been one in crisis, attacked and disrespected by an anti-union administration. But change is coming. It is imminent. And NATCA will be there to welcome, embrace and escort it as we work together for a safer, more efficient system. No longer will the employees at the FAA be treated like the enemy. There will be a culture change. We greatly look forward to working together with President-elect Obama’s administration to modernize our infrastructure while enhancing safety in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration. We also will offer our service as the dedicated safety professionals we are, stationed on the front lines of the system.
“NATCA has waited a long time for this day and we couldn’t be happier in embracing the hope that fairness will finally be brought back into the FAA. President-elect Obama’s victory has brought about something this controller workforce has not felt in more than two years – hope for change.”
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AMERICA’S AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORT SEN. BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has given its endorsement for president to Senator Barack Obama, a champion of fair collective bargaining rights for controllers, a fierce advocate for aviation safety and holding the Federal Aviation Administration accountable, and a courageous, inspiring and devoted leader for working men and women nationwide.
“This has been a historic battle for the Democratic nomination and we feel extremely proud and excited to throw our complete support behind Senator Obama as we look ahead to the most important presidential election in the history of this nation’s aviation system and the most important for the air traffic controllers,” NATCA President Patrick Forrey said.
To read more, click here
To read Sen. Obama's letter thanking NATCA for its endorsement click here.
Sen. Barack Obama addressing NATCA members during
NATCA in Washington in 2006
(Click on image for larger picture)
From Sen. Obama's press release on receiving the support of NATCA:
"I want to thank the highly skilled and dedicated men and women who ensure that Americans are safe when they're on board an aircraft and I am grateful for their support," said Senator Obama. "As President, NATCA will have a partner in the White House. Together, we can fix our nation's aviation system and tackle the challenges we face – from the damaging effect flight delays have on our lives and our economy to recent safety concerns. I applaud the work that NATCA does day in and day out to strengthen our aviation system and keep Americans safe, and I look forward to working with its members going forward."
To read the entire press release, Cick Here
Obama Supports NATCA
On January 26, 2006, Senator Obama made the following statement of introduction concerning the "FAA Fair Labor Management Dispute Resolution Act of 2006." The bill was drafted to force the Federal Aviation Administration to engage in productive, good faith contract negotiations with its unions, including the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, denying the agency any ability to unilaterally impose a contract without the consent of Congress.
"Mr. President. In the hours after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, America’s air traffic controllers rose to meet the tremendous challenges of that day.
"After halting all takeoffs, controllers began clearing the skies over America. Under unprecedented conditions, controllers guided 4,500 planes carrying 350,000 passengers to safe landings. They also rerouted more than 1,100 of the 4,500 flights within the first 15 minutes of the landing order — about one every second – and cleared the skies over America within 2 1/2 hours.
"That kind of performance was wholly dependent on the caliber and training of the world’s finest air traffic controllers. And as I come to the floor of the Senate today, there are hundreds of pilots flying commercial airplanes under an air traffic controller’s guidance. Each and every day, the lives of thousands of people are in the hands of each and every air traffic controller.
"Because what they do is vital to our safety, I became very concerned by a letter I received from Illinois air traffic controller Michael Hannigan last December. He wrote that 'the air traffic controllers, who work aircraft everyday, often six days a week, are not being allowed to negotiate in good faith with the Federal Aviation Administration.' And he asked for me to help 'the hard working Federal employees that want the protections as a labor union that they should have a right to bargain for.'"
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Important Election Links
Sen. Obama's Official Website
Sen. Obama at NATCA in Washington 2006
AFL-CIO Working Families Vote 2008
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