Unions Duel Over NASA Funding Plan

Space shuttle Atlantis lands on runway 33 at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility concluding the STS-129 mission. Photo credit: NASA Jack Pfaller

Unions are split over whether the NASA funding bill in the House is what is best for their members and the U.S. space agency.

The two largest unions representing NASA employees – The American Federation of Government Employees and the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers – have issued a joint statement urging Representatives to oppose HR 5781 in its current form.

“Sadly, the current version of H.R.5781 fails to address the fundamental problem facing NASA today. Although the bill does address some shortcomings in the Administration’s proposed plan and we encourage compromise, the current version of the bill is too far from the mark to provide proper guidance to NASA for the next 5 years. Most importantly, it shows complete disrespect for the 18,000 hard working public servants who have dedicated their lives to NASA.”

The letter (reproduced below) was signed by IFPTE President Gregory J. Junemann and AFGE Legislative and Political Director Beth Moten.

In a July 29 letter, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers supported the House bill. Union President R. Thomas Buffenbarger wrote:

“The bill significantly closes the gap between the end of the Space Shuttle program and it’s replacement program, the effect of which means continued employment for thousands of highly skilled blue collar workers at the space centers throughout the U.S.

“HR 5781 provides for an additional Space Shuttle flight, dependent upon a thorough safety review; supports the continuation of the International Space Station through 2020; continues development of the the safest and most advanced manned space vehicle, the Orion spacecraft; accelerates the development of a new heavy lift launch system that will enable missions beyond Earth orbit; makes significant investment in space research; and, rebuilds the long neglected infrastructure of the Kennedy Space Center. Additionally, HR 5781 provides funding for transition assistance for workers and communities impacted by the end of the Space Shuttle program.”

You can read Buffenbarger’s full letter here. The letter from NASA’s two employee unions is reproduced below.

Dear Representative,

It is our understanding that the NASA Reauthorization bill (HR 5781) may come before the full House of Representatives for consideration tomorrow. We also understand that the bill will likely be considered under suspension of the rules, a rule normally used for non-controversial legislation. As the two largest unions representing NASA workers, The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) are writing to inform you that this bill is far from non-controversial. In this regard, IFPTE and AFGE urge you to oppose HR 5781 if it comes before you in its current form.

This bill is unfortunately being fast-tracked without addressing its many serious shortfalls. The Science Committee Chairman released the bill only nine days ago and skipped the usual two-stage subcommittee and committee mark up last week, thereby depriving subcommittee experts a fair chance to evaluate and weigh-in on the bill. All workforce recommendations, as well as objections by 13 members of the California Delegation, were then systematically ignored. The California members asked for significant changes prior to passage of this bill, and Congresswoman Donna Edwards has made it clear that she intends to offer workforce amendments during full House consideration. Now however we have learned that this bill could come to the House floor quietly and on the suspension calendar without any chance to offer amendments. This kind of process pushes the arrogant perspective that parliamentary tactics can be used to supplant thoughtful legislative deliberation. We think that is bad for NASA, and is certainly unfair to its 18,000 employees.

Sadly, the current version of H.R.5781 fails to address the fundamental problem facing NASA today. Although the bill does address some shortcomings in the Administration’s proposed plan and we encourage compromise, the current version of the bill is too far from the mark to provide proper guidance to NASA for the next 5 years. Most importantly, it shows complete disrespect for the 18,000 hard working public servants who have dedicated their lives to NASA.

For all these reasons and more, IFPTE and AFGE urge you to vote NO on this bill.

Sincerely,

Gregory J. Junemann,
IFPTE President

Beth Moten
AFGE Legislative and Political Director