Even within the FAA, these workers were part of various teams, and according to some reports, some of the employees who were fired worked for the department that handles critical maps for the country’s air traffic control.
According to ABC News, some of these workers belonged to the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO) en route charting group. The news outlet cites sources who said that these workers maintained and updated Enroute Navigation Charts used in the National Airspace System and by ATC workers across the United States.
An employee who worked for that team described to WTOP News the kind of work done by the department that produces and updates digital and paper maps and charts, saying:
“Say, you have to remove an airport that’s no longer in operation. You might have to add airways to a busy airport that has their summer rush coming up. These are crucial and critical to what the air traffic controllers do for their routes and without maps, they could not operate. ”
Simple Flying has contacted the FAA for comments.
The National President of Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), a union representing more than 11,000 employees of the FAA and Department of Defense (DoD), is not happy with recent layoffs at the FAA.
Last week, it issued a statement saying that it was troubled and disappointed by the administration’s decision to fire FAA probationary employees PASS represents without cause nor based on performance or conduct.
Employees were caught off guard as these terminations were sudden and without much warning. One of them told ABC News he was first locked out from his work program and computer systems before receiving an email about his layoff:
“My immediate thought was that I had been hacked … It was nowhere on my radar that I was at risk of being fired. ”
The changes being made in federal workforce are unlike anything seen before. Many are surprised at how quickly some decisions have been made; several now say certain decisions are also being reversed.
Many workers reportedly brace themselves for a second wave mass layoffs. According Reuters report Office Personnel Management responsible handling information millions past present government removed procurement team people.
Many career civil servants face uncertain future according Reuters cites anonymous source saying firing Office Personnel Management likely serve model use new more sweeping layoffs.
Elon Musk heads Department Government Efficiency last week reported SpaceX set visit FAA Air Traffic Control Command Center larger strategy reform system.
Musk handling DOGE divided opinions view actions rightful attempts curb wasteful spending favor given much power make such decisions.
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