Department of Transportation's Decision to Contract Out Travel Office Functions

Concern was expressed over the contracting-out of travel functions at the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the possible effect of such an action on the jobs of employees of the travel office. DOT is negotiating with the Air Transportation Association to install a scheduled airline ticket office at DOT which would be staffed and managed by commercial airline employees and would provide travel services to DOT employees. There is no contract involved, and the only obligation on the part of the government is to provide necessary office space. DOT estimates that it can save $120,000 annually by establishing such an office. Only 8 of the 15 current travel office employees will be needed after the commercial office becomes operational. These employees will handle administrative work, foreign travel, and visas, and will monitor the new operation. The remaining seven employees will be assisted by DOT in finding suitable jobs.