Union Reports Major Layoffs at National Aviation Safety Body

The Trump administration has initiated the dismissal of hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, shortly following a tragic mid-air plane collision in Washington D.C. According to Alex Spero, head of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union, several hundred probationary workers received this news via email late Friday night. Spero characterized these firings as “shameful” and warned that they would exacerbate an already overburdened workforce by transferring additional responsibilities onto them.

The FAA maintains that it has retained employees essential to safety critical functions, while also stating that the agency continues to hire and onboard air traffic controllers and other support staff. This reduction in staff is part of a broader cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which aims to significantly reduce the federal workforce.

Spero’s statement highlighted that affected employees included systems specialists, safety inspectors, maintenance mechanics, administrative personnel, and others. He criticized this move as “unconscionable” in light of recent deadly aircraft accidents within a month, including the crash near Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan airport where 67 people perished.

Jason King, one of those laid off, expressed concern about how these cuts would impact aviation safety. He told WUSA9 that firing individuals directly involved with air safety is “concerning for public safety in our national airspace.” He further stated that this decision “threatens public trust and increases the likelihood of future accidents,” emphasizing that “aviation safety should never be treated as a budget item to be completely cut.”

On Monday, SpaceX was scheduled to visit the FAA with Elon Musk’s team to propose improvements to the U.S. air traffic control system following the January crash in Washington D.C. Although investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have yet to pinpoint the cause of this collision, airport staffing levels on the evening of that accident were reportedly below normal.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned that SpaceX’s visit would provide a “first-hand look at the current system” and allow them to design “a new world-class air traffic control system.” He also planned to inspect the FAA Academy later in the week, aiming to understand staff training better and ensure only top-tier individuals guide aircraft.

President Donald Trump recently stirred controversy by suggesting that diversity programs initiated by previous administrations had lowered hiring standards, potentially contributing to the Washington D.C. crash. The administration has also directed government agencies to terminate nearly all probationary employeesabout half of whom are currently at risk in recent cuts, including some “disease detectives” from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Additionally, Trump’s administration is seeking Supreme Court approval to fire the head of an independent ethics agency that protects federal whistleblowers. This move has been challenged by Hampton Dellinger, who heads the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and sued the administration after being dismissed last month.

Throughout his presidency, Trump has reduced more than a dozen inspectors general across various federal agencies, further highlighting ongoing efforts to streamline or eliminate government positions perceived as unnecessary expenses or bureaucratic hurdles.