There was a recent federal court ruling that will have more than ripple effects on our industry… neither good nor bad depending on your beliefs related to unionization. The court recently ruled that workers not voting in an airline or railroad that have been previously counted as “against†unionization votes would no longer be counted. Rather, all that is needed now is a simple majority of those voting.
Whether you are for or against this recent change, the important thing to note is that it will change how many companies in our industry do business. Unless this case is appealed and turned over it will be much easier for unions to organize labor, and management works differently when it has to deal with organized labor.
On another subject, the FAA, in my view is becoming more aggressive in its policing activities. This could be the result of media pressure, new leadership, and more boots on the ground, but most likely a combination of each. Look at the aggressive stance it has taken in fining regional carriers Trans State and Go Jet $2.5M for infractions that occurred two years past. How about the proposed $450K fine against Falcon Jet for installing improperly electroplated parts on aircraft? Also, note the recent A/C submitted for comment wherein it will regulate maintenance contract language between air carriers and third-party maintenance providers. If employed, third-party maintenance providers will see their way of doing business substantially changed and this could significantly affect an already fragile labor market. Do you see these things as overzealous and business-slowing interactions or is the agency finally doing its job?
Or how about the recent unprecedented regulation controlling helicopter flights over the north shore of Long Island, New York. This regulation was not brought about because of concerns related to safety or efficient use of airspace. Rather it has been endorsed because of the political pressure applied by congressional representatives on behalf of some of their constituents who are bothered by the noise produced by the machines carrying the wealthy back and forth along the north shore of the island. Nelson DeMille is one of my favorite authors and if you have not read his books I highly recommend you try one. I think you will enjoy his writing. While most all of his books relate to spies and terrorist plots, he had two best sellers with The Gold Coast and The Gate House. Both deal with the wealthy citizens on the north shore. Reading these, although fiction, one can understand the weight these persons throw in the political world. What kind of precedent is being set when the wealthy can persuade their congressional representatives to have the FAA administer regulations based on their comfort? When will we see hospital pads forced to use possibly less safe air routes of ingress and egress when the local citizenry complains about the noise. This is a dangerous precedent so keep your eyes open for similar rulings down the road.
The previous are just a few significant items from recent news that will probably change how business is done in the near future and possibly affect the way aircraft maintenance is accomplished. Regardless of whether these things filter down to the hangar floor I think it is good to have knowledge of what is going on in our business.
Soon I will have been doing these blogs on and off for almost two years. For those of you that have read them “thanks†and for those that have taken the time to comment, “a special thanks†for your interest. One thing we all know is that we are in a highly volatile business where change is the order of the day. Everybody needs to be involved to protect his or her interests. So keep those comments coming. We all learn from each other.