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U.S. Master™ Wage-Hour Guide, 2007 Edition
Presents a first approach to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), summarizing
the basic legislation, demonstrating how the rules apply to particular
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in light of the federal wage and hour law.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) urged lawmakers May 7 to resist appeals to approve additional airline consolidation, calling instead for measured re-regulation of fares and capacity as the only way to ensure safe and reliable air transportation in the United States.
"Limited re-regulation is the only long-term solution for an industry that is continually seeking government assistance," said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr., at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the state of the airline industry. "This industry is simply unable to turn away from pricing its product below the cost of providing it, further perpetuating the chaotic spiral that brings us here today."
"Airlines today compete by cutting standards, eliminating services and reducing ticket prices to the bone, which makes a profitable industry impossible," said Roach. "The Government Accountability Office estimates that median ticket prices have dropped nearly 40 percent since 1980, while the costs of aircraft, airport leases and fuel have increased dramatically."
"When an industry essential to the national economy can no longer function, it is the responsibility of elected representatives to step in and provide the necessary guidance and stability," said Roach.
Though voicing some opposition to re-regulation, Senator John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., also noted that current trends in the airline industry are "all strictly downhill," and that there was "nothing particularly hopeful" at the present time. Rockefeller is Chairman of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee and commented during a May 7 hearing on the proposed Delta-Northwest Airlines merger. "The stakes are so enormous for each of you to make this work," Rockefeller told a panel which included the chief executives of the two carriers.
In light of the uncertain state of the industry, Rockefeller told the hearing that "I think we need each other a lot more than we would admit we need to fix this system." He said that while he did not want to return to the days of regulation, if things get "desperate enough" he could be counted on to support a vote to re-regulate the industry.
Source: IAM, CCH Washington Bureau
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