Aviation interests combine to lobby Obama against NAI

BTN News
Friday, 13 May 2016

Hundreds of aviation professionals, union leaders and members of the Congress have called on the USA’s Obama Administration to “Deny NAI”.


Their move is in response to the Department of Transportation’s move to tentatively grant Norwegian Air International’s (NAI’s) application for a foreign air carrier permit that would allow the company to operate air services to US markets in what objectors say is a violation of America’s aviation trade rules with the European Union.


“NAI is a rogue business model that shouldn’t receive the blessing of our government to violate the US-EU air services agreement and eviscerate labour standards here and in Europe,” said Transportation Trades Department (TTD) president Edward Wytkind.


“NAI’s plan is to scour the globe for cheap labour and lax employment and tax laws in violation of the labour protections negotiated into the US-EU accord by the Obama Administration.”


“We must stop rewarding corporations that don’t play by the rules. Granting NAI access to the US undermines fair competition, threatens good jobs and sends the message that it’s okay to ignore trade agreements and trample the rights of working people,” said Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer. “The Administration must act responsibly and deny NAI’s application.”


Since 2013, TTD, along with a bipartisan Congress and coalition of European and US airlines and labour unions has staunchly opposed the application.

Aviation interests combine to lobby Obama against NAI

BTN News
Friday, 13 May 2016

Hundreds of aviation professionals, union leaders and members of the Congress have called on the USA’s Obama Administration to “Deny NAI”.


Their move is in response to the Department of Transportation’s move to tentatively grant Norwegian Air International’s (NAI’s) application for a foreign air carrier permit that would allow the company to operate air services to US markets in what objectors say is a violation of America’s aviation trade rules with the European Union.


“NAI is a rogue business model that shouldn’t receive the blessing of our government to violate the US-EU air services agreement and eviscerate labour standards here and in Europe,” said Transportation Trades Department (TTD) president Edward Wytkind.


“NAI’s plan is to scour the globe for cheap labour and lax employment and tax laws in violation of the labour protections negotiated into the US-EU accord by the Obama Administration.”


“We must stop rewarding corporations that don’t play by the rules. Granting NAI access to the US undermines fair competition, threatens good jobs and sends the message that it’s okay to ignore trade agreements and trample the rights of working people,” said Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer. “The Administration must act responsibly and deny NAI’s application.”


Since 2013, TTD, along with a bipartisan Congress and coalition of European and US airlines and labour unions has staunchly opposed the application.