Article Summary –
The Trump administration, under an executive order aimed at workforce optimization, fired hundreds of probationary FAA employees, sparking concerns from the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union about increased workloads and safety risks, especially in light of recent deadly plane crashes. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy clarified that none of the fired employees were air traffic controllers or critical safety personnel, though some positions sound safety-critical, which the Department of Transportation is investigating. The FAA continues to hire for safety-critical roles, but the union argues that the firings exacerbate existing understaffing issues, potentially compromising public safety.
The Trump administration recently terminated hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration employees, the agency responsible for U.S. airspace safety. Following Trump’s return to the White House, fatal plane crashes occurred in Alaska, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
On Feb. 17, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that almost 400 probationary employees hired within the last year were let go, emphasizing that no air traffic controllers or essential safety staff were affected.
The FAA, with about 45,000 employees per May 2024 data, ensures safety compliance at 19 Michigan airports.
Liz Doherty from the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union reported that 113 terminated employees were union members, including two from Michigan.
The Department of Transportation reaffirmed it continues hiring safety professionals, including air traffic controllers and mechanics, retaining staff in vital roles.
Some fired personnel reportedly held crucial safety titles such as aviation safety assistant and maintenance mechanic.
PASS president David Spero criticized the cuts, stating they increase workload on an already strained workforce, risking public safety.
Spero highlighted that with recent fatal aircraft accidents, cutting the flight safety agency now is especially troubling.
When asked if workers managing radar and navigation were considered safety-critical, a department spokesperson said they would investigate.
Trump’s administration has dismissed around 10,000 federal employees. A Feb. 11 executive order directed agency heads to prepare for large-scale layoffs, exempting roles related to public safety and law enforcement.
The White House did not comment on whether the FAA firings complied with the executive order exemptions.
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