The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary regulatory body for the aviation industry in the United States. They are responsible for setting safety standards, regulating air traffic, and ensuring that all aircraft operating within US airspace meet certain requirements. While the FAA has a significant impact on the aviation industry, there are some areas where their authority is limited.
One of these areas is collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). CBAs are contracts negotiated between labor unions and employers that govern employment terms and conditions. In the aviation industry, CBAs are fairly common, with many airline and airport workers represented by unions. However, the question arises whether the FAA applies to CBAs.
The short answer is yes, the FAA does apply to CBAs, but not in all cases. The FAA has limited authority over CBAs because labor law is primarily the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). However, the FAA does have some oversight in certain areas.
For example, the FAA requires that all airline personnel receive training in safety procedures and emergency operations. This means that any CBA negotiated between a union and an airline must meet these requirements. Additionally, the FAA has specific regulations related to drug and alcohol testing for aviation personnel. Any CBA that governs drug and alcohol testing must comply with these regulations.
In general, the FAA`s authority over CBAs is limited to areas related to aviation safety and security. The NLRB has primary jurisdiction over labor relations and disputes between unions and employers. However, the FAA can become involved in labor disputes if they impact safety or security. For example, if an airline worker engaged in a work stoppage that caused flight delays or cancellations, the FAA could step in to mitigate safety risks.
In conclusion, while the FAA does apply to collective bargaining agreements in the aviation industry, their authority is limited. Labor law is primarily the jurisdiction of the NLRB, with the FAA`s authority limited to areas related to aviation safety and security. CBAs must comply with FAA regulations related to safety training and drug and alcohol testing, but the NLRB has primary jurisdiction over labor relations.