What is the relationship between the FAA and labor relations?

The relationship between the FAA and labor relations is primarily rooted in the FAA's role in regulating aviation safety. By overseeing safety standards and regulations within the aviation industry, the FAA indirectly influences working conditions and, consequently, labor negotiations between employers and employees. For instance, if the FAA implements new safety regulations or modifies existing ones, this can impact how airlines manage their personnel, how work shifts are structured, and what safety measures must be in place for employees. These changes can become critical points of discussion during labor negotiations, as they can affect employee workloads, job responsibilities, and overall working conditions.

In contrast, managing union elections, enforcing wage laws, and representing workers in disputes fall outside the FAA's primary mission. Labor relations functions like union elections are typically overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), while wage laws are generally governed by the Department of Labor. The FAA's focus remains on safety and regulation rather than direct involvement in specific labor disputes or wage enforcement, making the regulation of aviation safety the pivotal link to labor relations in this context.