Congress Passes TWU-backed, Pro-Worker FAA Bill – With Crucial Language Raising Standards at Foreign Aircraft Repair Stations

The Transport Workers Union hails the passage of a five-year Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that closes troubling safety gaps between domestic and foreign aircraft repair stations and incentivizes airlines to keep critical aircraft maintenance jobs in America.  

“It’s been a long road, now the House and Senate have finally come together to stand up for aviation workers and the traveling public. Repair work on American planes should be done in the United States of America by licensed and qualified American mechanics, who are – by far – the best in the world,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said. “This bill is the product of years of hard work by our TWU members from coast to coast to protect our jobs and make our aviation system safer for workers and travelers alike.” 

All foreign aircraft repair stations would be subject to at least one unannounced safety inspection each year, along with minimum qualifications for mechanics and other workers abroad who work on aircraft registered in the United States. 

“The TWU will keep fighting to ensure that critical safety personnel won’t see their livelihoods upended because bottom-line-obsessed corporate executives see workers and safety as impediments to maximizing profit,” Samuelsen said.  

In addition to the strong foreign repair station language, the FAA bill includes a directive to the FAA to develop a system for Pilots, Flight Attendants and other airline workers to report fumes and smoke on planes. And the bill orders studies to better understand atmospheric radiation exposure on flight crews, and the health and safety impacts of unsafe cabin temperatures.  

The bill also includes two other provisions that are designed to protect Flight Attendants. The Transportation Security Administration is directed to establish standards for basic security training, so Flight Attendants are better equipped to handle unruly passengers. And the FAA is able to handle more civil penalties for unruly passengers who have inflicted violence or verbal abuse at Flight Attendants and other aircraft personnel instead of leaving it to district courts. 

The TWU thanks lawmakers who stood up for TWU-represented Aircraft Mechanics, Flight Attendants, Ramp Workers, Dispatchers and Pilot Simulator instructors to pass a critical bill. 

“I want to thank all of our members who talked with lawmakers and staff about the importance of passing this bill and ensuring that critical language protecting Flight Attendants and bolstering American mechanics is included,” Samuelsen said. “It was a long road, but ultimately a successful outcome for the TWU.” 

Background: The bill authorizes the FAA and provides billions of dollars for airport improvements and operations through September 30, 2028. The bill passed the U.S. Senate last week before it passed the U.S. House, and President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law ahead of a Friday deadline.