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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2023 – The 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), America’s largest air transport union, applauds the proposal by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandating drug and alcohol testing programs for certificated repair stations located outside the United States. The proposed rule significantly strives towards enhancing aviation safety and maintaining uniform standards worldwide.
According to the FAA, repair stations must ensure their employees receive all necessary anti-drug and alcohol training and send their testing data electronically to the DOT.
The proposed rule would impact approximately 977 repair stations in 65 countries. It is scheduled to publish in the Federal Register on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, and the public will have 60 days to submit comments.
“Our union has been on the frontlines fighting to bring this rule forward,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “This rule will help ensure airline passenger safety is a top priority globally while eliminating the financial incentives to push this work overseas. Today’s decision will bring jobs back to the U.S. and improve passenger safety.”
The drug and alcohol testing programs would align with FAA and Department of Transportation’s (DOT) drug and alcohol standards.
“Our hard-working members will be glad to know that all employees will be held to the same high safety standards and safety regulations set by the federal government,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Our union takes great pride in maintaining the highest levels of safety in the aviation industry. The FAA did the right thing by ensuring that facilities overseas abide by such high U.S. standards.”
The IAM is the largest airline union in North America, representing over 100,000 airline workers.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
