Massive layoffs at the FAA despite plane crashes: “they are shameful, they will increase the workload on a workforce that is already stretched to the limit”
The Delta Air Lines plane crash in Toronto occurred just days after hundreds of aviation workers were fired.
The Delta Air Lines plane crash, in which an aircraft flipped upside down at Toronto Pearson International Airport, occurred less than three days after the Trump administration began firing hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees.
Toronto crash follows Washington tragedy
All 80 passengers and crew survived the accident in Canada, although two people remain critically injured. There have, however, been several aviation tragedies in recent weeks, mostly notably the mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet which was just about to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington. Both aircraft ended up in the Potomac River, with 67 lives lost.
Rather than increase aviation safety staff, however, the opposite occurred.
FAA layoffs “shameful”
Alex Spero, head of Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union, revealed “several hundreds” of the FAA’s probationary workers were informed by email on February 14 they had been laid off, a decision that has been strongly criticized.
Spero described the move as “shameful” and claimed the firings “will increase the workload and place new responsibilities on a workforce that is already stretched thin”.
An FAA statement said it had “retained employees who perform safety critical functions” and that it “continues to hire onboard, air traffic controllers and safety professionals, including mechanics and others who support them”.
Aviation incidents in immediate aftermath of Trump inauguration
The fact the news comes in one of the worst months for aviation in recent history isn’t a good look for the Trump administration, which only came back into office on January 20.
In the aftermath of the fatal Washington crash at the end of January, the American president caused controversy by suggesting the accident may have been caused by his predecessors lowering hiring standards by supporting diversity programs.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment
Your opinion will be published with first and last names