Today, after meaningful bipartisan negotiations, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024.
“This reauthorization of the FAA is a victory for workers, and the AFL-CIO is thrilled by its passage,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “While rejecting harmful policy changes, this bipartisan agreement strengthens safety standards, supports workforce growth and enhances aviation infrastructure. From addressing industry staffing crises to carving out key protections for workers and travelers alike, this legislation meets the moment for aviation workers on the job every day and the hundreds of millions who travel by air each year. The AFL-CIO is proud to work with our allies in Congress and all the aviation unions of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, on this reauthorization. The bill that passed the Senate last week and the House today was the product of negotiations from both sides of the U.S. Capitol, with aviation workers making their voices heard every step of the way. We look forward to President Biden signing this critical legislation into law.”
Background:
Aviation is a cornerstone of America’s economy, with our affiliate members playing
crucial roles in production, operation and maintenance. Upholding the highest safety standards is crucial for maintaining U.S. global aviation leadership. While rejecting detrimental policy changes, this bipartisan agreement strengthens safety standards, supports workforce growth and enhances aviation infrastructure, including:
- Addressing the air traffic controller staffing crisis to improve safety and efficiency.
- Establishing a process to mandate the installation of secondary barriers on existing aircraft to enhance security, following the Department of Transportation’s mandate.
- Standardizing reporting systems for smoke and fume events on aircrafts, alongside rulemaking for onboard detectors and monitoring equipment.
- Strengthening protections for flight crew involved in accident and incident investigations.
- Modernizing mental health and medication protocols for pilots.
- Requiring protections for flight crew regarding FAA certificate actions and employer discipline related to cockpit voice recorders.
- Updating disclosure protections for voluntary safety reporting programs.
- Improving runway and airport alerting systems.
- Issuing guidance on crew member pumping during noncritical flight phases.
- Establishing advisory committees to advise on matters related to women in the aviation industry.
- Creating a national strategic plan to enhance recruitment, hiring and retention in the civil aviation workforce.
Contact: Riley Lopez, 202-637-5018