NATCA President Patrick Forrey Statement on Obama Administration Announcement

WASHINGTON, April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Patrick Forrey released this statement following the announcement today by the Obama Administration that it will appoint a team of mediators to immediately address the contract dispute between the Federal Aviation Administration and NATCA.

"With this bold step, President Obama is fulfilling his commitment to the safety and modernization of the air traffic control system and to the dedicated men and women safety professionals who run the system each day. President Obama is showing the leadership that will guide a positive way forward in which aviation safety professionals will be included as valued stakeholders. As the president made clear, a resolution to the dispute is critical to stabilizing the controller workforce, restoring a collaborative working relationship between controllers and the FAA and successfully installing the Next Generation Air Transportation System needed to spur economic development and increase the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of air travel.

"I would like to thank Secretary LaHood for his leadership and commitment to resolving this issue."