Airline companies have been using staffing issues, economics and operational disruptions as excuses for involuntarily forcing pilots, flight engineers and flight attendants to work long days, often switching between day to night flying, and other scheduling practices that risk the health and safety of our members.

"The Teamsters Union is pleased that the NTSB is determined to improve working conditions that pose a safety threat to both our members and the American public," said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. "The Teamsters will remain in the forefront in seeking protection for our airline members, who frequently are forced to work beyond the point of fatigue. We will continue to monitor this issue closely."

The NTSB makes the following recommendations to the FAA:

• Develop guidance, based on empirical and scientific evidence, for operators to establish fatigue management systems, including information about the content and implementation of these systems; and
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• Develop and use a methodology that will continually assess the effectiveness of fatigue management systems implemented by operators, including their ability to improve sleep and alertness, mitigate performance errors, and prevent incidents and accidents.