Labor dispute keeps FAA funding in limbo

By Daniel Malloy

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A fight over how easily airline employees can unionize -- with Delta Airlines right at the forefront -- stands in the way of long-term funding for the Federal Aviation Administration. Sept. 16 will mark the expiration of a congressional stopgap measure that ended a partial shutdown of the agency, putting airport inspections and construction projects back on track. If lawmakers such as Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson can't forge a compromise, many of the 2,500 FAA employees based in Atlanta -- not including air traffic controllers -- could face furloughs. With Congress set to return next week, the AJC will keep you right on top this evolving conflict.