Article Summary –
The Trump administration fired hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, although Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that none of the dismissed were air traffic controllers or critical safety personnel. Despite this claim, many of the terminated employees reportedly held roles related to aviation safety, which has raised concerns from the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union about increased workloads and public safety risks, especially in light of recent deadly plane crashes. The firings were part of a broader initiative to reduce federal workforce numbers, as directed by a February 11 executive order from President Trump, which exempts positions related to public safety.
The Trump administration fired hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration employees on Feb. 14, an agency responsible for ensuring U.S. air traffic safety. Since President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, deadly plane crashes have occurred in Alaska, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on social media that under 400 probationary employees were let go, none of whom were air traffic controllers or crucial safety staff.
The FAA, employing 45,000 people, is responsible for certifying passenger flight safety at 16 airports in Pennsylvania, according to May 2024 data from the Office of Personnel Management. Of the fired, 113 were union members, with three based in Pennsylvania.
The Department of Transportation confirmed ongoing recruitment for air traffic controllers and safety professionals, maintaining staff who perform safety-critical duties.
Despite this, many dismissed employees reportedly held vital safety roles, such as aviation safety assistants and maintenance mechanics.
David Spero, PASS union president, criticized the firings, stating it would burden an already understaffed workforce and ignore FAA’s mission-critical staffing needs, especially following recent aviation accidents.
Spero deemed it “especially egregious” to cut flight safety personnel now. The Associated Press inquired whether radar, landing, and navigation staff were considered critical safety workers, but the department needed to confirm.
Trump’s administration has terminated around 10,000 federal workers, aiming to optimize workforce efficiency. An executive order exempted roles related to public safety, immigration, or law enforcement.
The White House did not comment on whether the FAA firings complied with the executive order’s exemptions.
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