Press Releases

Congressmen Drew Ferguson (GA-03) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) recently introduced H.R. 4021, the Fair and Open Skies Act. This bipartisan legislation would ensure fair labor standards are upheld by all airlines operating in the U.S. and increase the Department of Transportation’s powers to regulate unfair business practices by foreign airlines. This legislation specifically seeks to preclude foreign airlines from operating to and from the United States when they exploit “flags of convenience” to avoid the regulations of their home countries, or otherwise undermine labor standards.

“Foreign air carriers are exploiting lax labor laws in other countries and putting American passengers at risk,” said Congressman Drew Ferguson. “The United States operates one of the safest aviation systems in the world and if foreign airlines want to operate inside the U.S., they need to play by the same rules and standards of our country. The Fair and Open Skies Act is a bipartisan solution that would protect American jobs, ensure the safety of the flying public, and stop foreign carriers from circumventing our rules to undercut their competition.”

“Every American worker deserves full protection under the law from unfair labor practices, but for too long aviation workers have been at risk of foreign airline companies undermining U.S. labor standards,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. “I am proud to introduce the Fair and Open Skies Act with Congressman Drew Ferguson to ensure workers and their right to fair wages and good working conditions are protected, which will make our aviation system even safer.”

Original cosponsors: Representatives Andre Carson (IN-07), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Mike Bost (IL-12), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Bill Johnson (OH-06).