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US Judge blocks Trump from banning union bargaining for TSA Officers
A federal judge said on Monday that the administration of Donald Trump probably broke the law when it stripped 50,000 Transportation Security Officers of their ability to unionize or bargain over their working condition. U.S. District Court Judge Marsha Pechman, in Seattle, Washington, has blocked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from canceling the union contract for TSA officers, pending the result of a lawsuit filed by four unions opposing the move. The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration terminated collective bargaining with TSA officers who work at checkpoints in U.S. airports as retaliation for the unions suing the administration over policies. Trump, the Republican president, has taken steps to limit union bargaining in large parts of the federal workforce. In May, a U.S. appellate court allowed these efforts to continue. It halted a lower court decision that had prevented seven agencies from canceling their union contracts as it considered an appeal. TSA officers, because of the nature of their work, are not subject to the civil service system. They also do not enjoy the same rights as other federal employees in terms of collective bargaining and unionization. TSA officers were given the option to negotiate on certain topics during the administration of former president Barack Obama. In 2021, the administration of former President Joe Biden expanded the scope for bargaining. Last year, the agency reached a labor agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union of federal workers. As part of the agreement, workers received improved shift-trade options, an increased allowance for uniforms, and additional paid time off. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Nuem, on February 27, revoked the directives which had allowed TSA agents to unionize. She also directed that the agency cancel the bargaining contract within 90 days. Noem stated that the union contract provides benefits, such as paid leaves, which are abused only by a few officers. It also shields the poor performers from termination and burdens the entire agency. Noem said that she also asked DHS lawyers to adopt policies prohibiting any future administrations from granting TSA employees the right to negotiate without Congress' action. The AFGE, along with the other unions who sued Noem, said that her memo failed to give a rationale for her decision and that TSA lacked the authority to overturn the bargaining contract. Other plaintiffs include a Washington AFGE affiliate, which represents TSA officers, and unions representing flight attendants and workers at airports. These unions claim that their members depend on TSA officers for keeping them safe at work. Pechman was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton. Reporting by Daniel Wiessner, Albany, New York. Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Rod Nickel
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FAA: Newark Airport flights will likely be increased next week.
Federal Aviation Administration plans to increase the number of flights next week at Newark Liberty International Airport after a new runway was opened on Monday, nearly two weeks before schedule. At a press event at the airport, Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau stated that the runway was already in use for departing flight but that it would take until the 9th of June to certify the runway for arrivals. This will allow the rate to be increased from 28 arriving flights per hour to 34. Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, said that the airport would be able to handle 34 arrivals per hour by June 10. The FAA reduced the number of flights last month to 28 arrivals per hour and 28 departures an hour, until runway construction is complete. The maximum rate of arrivals and departures will then increase to 34 per minute until October 25, after which it will be increased again. Newark in New Jersey is the hub of United Airlines, which has cut back on flights. United Airlines operates 70% of all flights at Newark Airport. At a joint press conference with the FAA, the U.S. Department of Transportation and United CEO Scott Kirby, he said: "If you're buying a ticket now you can be confident." He said that Newark bookings were down, meaning that ticket prices and availability are better now than in the past despite flight reductions. Newark Liberty is one of the major airports that serve New York City. It's located about 14.5 miles (9 km) away from Manhattan. Newark's operations have significantly improved since the federal government implemented flight cuts after a series major disruptions. Normal circumstances would allow Newark to handle 77 flights an hour. Last year, the FAA relocated control over Newark's skies to Philadelphia in order to deal with staffing issues and congestion in New York City. The facility that oversees Newark's airspace in Philadelphia has had to deal with numerous technological issues. In recent weeks, Newark has experienced delays of up to five hours. There are also dozens of flights that have been canceled or delayed every day. The FAA has a staffing target of 3,500 air traffic controllers, but the actual number of controllers nationwide is less than that. Duffy stated that the area in charge of Newark had a target staffing level for certified controllers of 38, but only 22 are currently on duty, and six of them are on medical or stress leave. He added that the FAA is currently training 22 more controllers for Newark's air traffic.
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Oil ministry: Fire contained at Iraqi gas pipeline
Iraq's oil minister said that the fire at a pipeline transporting gas from northern Kirkuk oilfields in Iraq to power stations has been contained. The ministry reported that no casualties had been recorded. It cited the North Oil Co., an entity run by the government, which manages northern oil and natural gas fields. Two sources in the energy sector said that an explosion and fire had earlier damaged the pipeline. A North Gas Co official said that an initial investigation showed that corrosion-induced cracks in the section of pipeline that caused the explosion, around 55 km west of Kirkuk, were the cause of the blast. The official stated that "Gas leakage caused a blast and fire which stopped gas flow through an internal pipeline transporting the gas to Baiji's power stations." North Gas officials said that teams of technicians rushed to the affected area to repair the damaged section and gas flow was stopped to facilitate repairs. He said that repairing the damaged part might take two days. Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed Editing and Lisa Shumaker by Tomaszjanowski
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US LNG production drops in May from April record
The preliminary LSEG ship tracking data shows that the U.S. liquefied gas output dropped in May as a result of plant outages and repairs at the largest export facility. U.S. LNG production is a major factor in global LNG price. According to LSEG, the U.S. exports 8.9 million metric tonnes of LNG in May, down from a new record of 9.3 MT set in April. The LSEG data revealed that all U.S. plants had short periods in May when compared with April. Cheniere Energy confirmed its Sabine Pass facility, which is the largest in the country, at 30 MTPA. Since May 31, gas flows into Sabine are at a low of 3.1 bcfd, a record low for 23 months. This compares to an average of 4.3 Bcfd for the previous seven days. Freeport LNG reported several other outages. Europe was the preferred market for U.S. exports of LNG as traders sought to profit from higher prices for superchilled gases in Europe when compared with Asia. The European benchmark Title Transfer Facility in the Netherlands increased its gas prices to $11.68 per million British Thermal Units (mmBtu), up from $11.48 per mmBtu in April, and to an average of $10.12 by May 2024. LSEG data revealed that of the 8.9 MT LNG exported by the U.S. in April, 6.05 MT, or 68%, went to Europe. This is the same percentage as it was in April. LSEG data show that exports to Asia remained low at 1.88 MT, or 21%, compared with 2.05 MT, or 22%, of total exports. China's demand has been muted by a combination of pipeline imports, renewable energy and a weak industrial sector. China, which is the largest LNG consumer in the world, continues to buy U.S. gas to avoid paying tariffs. Prices for the Asian benchmark Japan Korea Marker, or JKM, fell to $11.83 per million Btu (mmBtu) in May. This is down from $12.23 per mmBtu last month but higher than an average of $10.10 in May 2024. Exports to Latin America fell as well, with.66MT sold in May as compared to.68MT in April. Egypt purchased 3 cargoes totaling.22MT while Bahrain purchased one cargo at.07MT. One cargo left Cheniere's Sabine Pass facility on May 23 but was still in the Caribbean Sea as of Monday, according to LSEG ship tracker data. By 2030, the United States will be the largest LNG exporter in the world. Six projects are expected to receive financial approval by 2025. This will add 90 million metric tonnes per annum of LNG to its output. Curtis Williams, Houston Reporting Nick Zieminski
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Carney and Canadian Premiers bid to accelerate major projects, reduce US reliance
Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, met with the leaders of 10 provinces on Monday to discuss ways to speed up the approval process for mining and energy projects. Carney claims that streamlining the process would boost the GDP and offset the damage caused by U.S. Tariffs. Carney said Ottawa would declare a number of projects as being in the national interests in an attempt to speed up their construction. He has requested a list from the provinces of possible candidates. The approval process will be shortened to just two years from five. Carney, at the beginning of the meeting held in Saskatoon in western Saskatchewan province, said: "We are in the process redefining our relationships with the United States... The coming weeks and month will be crucial." The progress may be slow. Alberta, a province that produces energy, insists on a pipeline to carry bitumen west, even though there is no current proposal to build it, and British Columbia, a province in the Pacific, is against the idea. Indigenous groups, who are able to have a say in the development of natural resources on their land, say that they will fight any attempts to reduce the approval process which would violate their rights. (Reporting and editing by Nia William in Ottawa, David Ljunggren)
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Fire disables Iraqi domestic gas pipeline
Two energy sources confirmed that an explosion and fire on Monday disabled a gas pipeline from northern Kirkuk oilfields in Iraq to power stations. A representative of the state-run North Gas Co. said an initial inspection revealed cracks in the pipeline due to corrosion, leading to the explosion. The blast occurred around 55 km (35miles) west of Kirkuk. The official stated that "Gas leak caused a blast and fire which stopped gas flow through an internal pipeline transporting gas from Baiji to power stations." A second NGC official confirmed that the repair work was done by technical teams, who rushed into the area. The gas flow had been shut off to allow for the repairs. He said that repairing the damaged part might take up to two days. The Ministry of Oil did not respond immediately to requests for comment. (Reporting and editing by Tomasz Janovowski)
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Source: Kazakhstan's daily crude oil production fell by 4% in may due to lower Tengiz output.
According to a source familiar with the calculations and statistics, Kazakhstan's oil output fell 4% from April to May due to a lower production at the Tengiz Oilfield. However, it remained above the OPEC+ quota. Kazakhstan, a country in the top 10 oil producers, has consistently exceeded the quotas of OPEC+. This alliance is between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers, led by Russia. Officials from Kazakhstan said that the country had told the group it did not plan to reduce its oil production. According to the source, Kazakhstan produced 1.748 millions bpd in May. Kazakhstan's OPEC+ quota is 1.486 millions bpd for May. In May, oil production in Kazakhstan dropped as Tengizchevroil, a joint venture between Chevron and Tengizchevroil, reduced output at the Tengiz giant oilfield from 885,000 to 813.200 bpd. Tengizchevroil and the Kazakhstani energy ministry did not respond to comments. The source reported that Kazakhstan's crude oil and condensate total production dropped to 2.02 millions bpd from 2.08million bpd during April. Reporting by Louise Heavens, Editing by Louise Heavens
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Morning Message/Monday
Hello from the Daybook. Today, Tuesday, May 27, the following items have been added: Updates Schedule of President Trump 1 p.m. : Lunch with Vice President. White House, Private dining room. Closed press Updates VICE PRESIDENT VANCE'S SCHEDULE (early schedule) 1 p.m. : Lunch with the President. White House, Private dining room. Closed press Note: The vice president will speak at a gala on Tuesday evening at the National Building Museum, hosted by American Compass. Press RSVP required to [email protected] by 12Noon ET on Monday. SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO'S SCHEDULE (early schedule) Attends closed-door meetings at the State Department Note: The secretary of state will speak at an American Compass gala at the National Building Museum on Tuesday night. Press RSVP required to [email protected] by 12Noon ET on Monday. Schedule of the Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau Attendance at closed meetings of the State Department Schedule of MICHAEL RIGAS, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Attends closed-door meetings at the State Department Schedule of Senior Official for Political Affairs LISA Kenna Attends closed-door meetings at the State Department There will not be a press briefing from the State Department (POLITICS-WEST VIRGINIA-MORRISEY) ADVISORY -- At 9:30 a.m., Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, holds a press conference in Charleston. Location: West Virginia Governor's Mansion 1716 Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston, West Virginia Contact Drew Galang at 304-558-2000 Please RSVP by pressing the button below. [email protected]. For a webcast, go to: https://www.facebook.com/WVGovernor or https://www.youtube.com/@WVGovernor/streams. (USA-AIRPORT-NEWARK/DUFFY) ADVISORY -- At 1 p.m., Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy holds a news conference to discuss the reopening of a runway at Newark Airport. Attendees include United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Chairman Kevin O'Toole. Location: Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J. Contact: 202-366-4570 Please RSVP to [email protected]. For background on Runway 4L-22R, go to: https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/press-release-archives/2025-press-releases/governor-murphy-and-the-port-authority-of-new-york-and-new-jerse.html. ------ ------ The Morning Message June 2, 2025
US strikes JetBlue with $2 million charge over chronic flight hold-ups
The U.S. Transportation Department has imposed a $2 million charge on JetBlue Airways for operating four chronically delayed flights on domestic paths the first time it has actually enforced such a fine on an airline for the restricted scheduling practice.
USDOT said on Friday that as part of a consent agreement with the airline company, JetBlue will pay a $1 million fine and the remainder will go to compensate clients impacted by its chronic delays or any future disturbances within the next year.
As part of the settlement, JetBlue has actually agreed to supply vouchers worth a minimum of $75 for guests for future flight cancellations or hold-ups of three hours or more triggered by the airline company within the next year.
JetBlue, which did not immediately comment, told USDOT it did not admit liability but agreed to settle to avoid the expenditure and uncertainty of lawsuits.
USDOT stated at various points in 2022 and 2023 JetBlue run chronically delayed flights between New york city and Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando together with a flight in between Fort Lauderdale and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
No matter the reason for the delay (carrier, weather condition, national airspace, security) for any specific flight, JetBlue had adequate time to act to avoid the chronic hold-ups, USDOT said.
The airline said it invested 10s of millions of dollars to address concerns with air traffic control service particularly in the U.S. Northeast passage to as much as reasonably possible to prevent any persistent delays.
USDOT stated there were 395 hold-ups and cancellations across four chronically postponed flights in total, which suggested U.S. flights that are canceled or get here more than thirty minutes late. more than 50% of the time over a month.
USDOT estimates JetBlue was responsible for over 70% of the. disruptions for the 4 chronically postponed flights.
(source: Reuters)