New York Times
In a major victory for aviation professionals, the William J. Hughes Technical Center in Southern New Jersey will remain under federal control and be renamed the William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace following the passing of the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 earlier this month. The center, which is home to thousands of FAA workers represented by the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), had been at risk of privatization and outsourcing due to potential fragmentation of its operations.
The NFFE National President Randy Erwin expressed his excitement about this development, highlighting the significance of this victory for the aviation professionals represented by NFFE Local 1430 and the facility’s importance to maintaining local control and preventing privatization. He emphasized that with this autonomy, NFFE members can continue their crucial work in upholding United States’ global leadership in aviation safety and technology.
In 2021, NFFE collaborated with Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) to protect the center from potential fragmentation and privatization, which could have led to essential job loss. With the passage of the 2024 Reauthorization Act, NFFE has successfully secured its autonomy and safeguarded its members’ positions held at the Hughes Center.
Erwin also recognized Congressman Van Drew’s leadership in prioritizing the Hughes Center and supporting NFFE members during this time. “We appreciate Congressman Van Drew’s unwavering support for our union and our mission to protect American workers,” said Erwin. “This victory is a testament to our bipartisan efforts and shows that when we come together as a nation, we can achieve great things.”
