IAM testifies before Senate subcommittee on overseas aircraft maintenance

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The US Federal Aviation Administration should oversee aircraft repair stations overseas, according to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

The union's general vice president Robert Roach Jr has testified before the United States Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security regarding FAA oversight of overseas repair stations.

According to Roach, airlines use overseas facilities to "take advantage of low wages and lax regulations". He also takes the view that cutting back on food, pillows and in-flight amenities is a business decision that only causes inconvenience, while cutting costs in aircraft maintenance has serious safety implications.

The union said its testimony focused on the lack of FAA oversight of independent repair stations, as well as the shortage of FAA inspectors and the disparity in regulations for workers in domestic and foreign aircraft repair stations.

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