More than 11,000 airline pilots represented by ALPA have received notice of potential furlough, and without a clean extension of the CARES Act Payroll Support Program, hundreds of thousands of employees are at risk of losing their jobs and health insurance benefits on October 1, 2020. But ALPA is not alone in calling on Congress for help.

Congress has returned to session in Washington, D.C., and lawmakers have just over two weeks to pass legislation that extends the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act through March 21, 2021—an action that would stave off layoffs for thousands of airline pilots when the current funding expires on September 30, 2020. As many airlines have already indicated a significant reduction in workforce once the funding ends, ALPA remains steadfast in reinforcing its calls to the U.S. government to help save hundreds of thousands of aviation jobs through a clean extension of the CARES Act.  

Air Line Pilot Association (ALPA) executive leaders and safety champions testified on behalf of 63,000 airline pilots at two hearings this week on Air Traffic Control (ATC) modernization and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization.  

Strong unions have led to economic stability for professional airline pilots and other workers across the United States and Canada. This stability and predictability, made possible by collective bargaining agreements, have provided jobs for hardworking Americans and allowed airlines to expand service to new markets and attract new passengers and freight shippers. But workers’ ability to choose union representation is under attack right now due to a proposed rule change by the National Mediation Board (NMB).

Independence Day is a time for the nation to celebrate freedom while reflecting on American values. Today, as we recognize the record number of individuals flying on this Fourth of July holiday, ALPA and its pilots continue to work hard to keep our motto, “Schedule with Safety,” front and center. Flying is the safest mode of transportation in the world thanks to our highly trained and qualified pilots, whose top priority is to keep flying safe.