Session: State Capitol, Room 408 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3783 Fax: (907) 465-2293 Subscribe to Newsletter District 14 and L & C Committee Info Interim: 716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 650 Anchorage, AK 99501-2133 Phone: (907) 269-0174 Fax: (907) 269-0177

Sponsor Statement for HB 269
Job Protection for Employees in Aviation

"An act establishing employment protections for certain employees in the aviation industry relating to safety issues."

The total number of aviation accidents in the ten-year period from 1990 to 1999, totaled 1665, an average of one every other day. The total aviation fatalities for the same period totaled 394, one death every 9 days. Certainly, Alaskan aviation statistics can cause concern for most travelers, but insurance companies have become alarmed at Alaska's aviation industry by doubling rates each of the past three years. Some air carries can barely afford their premiums. To battle the high costs of aviation insurance while providing safe, air travel, the House Labor and Commerce Committee introduced House Bill 269.

Safety in Aviation or safety within any industry can sometimes be obfuscated by the overwhelming force to be profitable, hence the need for whistleblower legislation. HB 269 provides aviation employees with a "safety net" by protecting individuals that may voice concerns about safety, maintenance or inclement weather. HB 269 shields aviation employees in statute from being wrongfully "discharged, threatened, or otherwise discriminated against," because the employee in good faith acted to ensure aviation safety.

In an industry struggling against sky-rocketing insurance costs, increased safety practices can only lower the number accidents per year. Sometimes in a direct reduction to safe, air travel, aviation employees are often forced to fly when conditions, mechanical operations and maintenance are far from perfect. To lower insurance rates by providing safe air travel, HB 269 provides needed whistle-blower legislation in an Alaskan industry plagued by high costs and numerous disasters.

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