Local 1776 Calls for Urgent Investigation Following Preliminary Report on Allegations at Army Aviation Support Facility #1

Columbia, SC – August 25, 2025 – Union Local 1776, representing federal employees of the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG), today released a preliminary report of investigation based on statements from current and former workers at Army Aviation Support Facility #1 (AASF #1), located at McEntire Joint National Guard Base. The report compiles concerns regarding workplace misconduct, including employee mistreatment, violations of aviation maintenance standards, and safety hazards. These allegations remain unsubstantiated and are derived solely from witness statements provided to the Union; they necessitate a comprehensive inquiry by SCARNG to establish facts and ensure accountability.

Investigation Raises Serious Concerns

The preliminary findings outline potential issues such as harassment through arbitrary leave denials, schedule disruptions, and retaliatory actions that allegedly fostered a hostile environment and prompted resignations. Concerns also extend to maintenance practices, where workers reported pressure to bypass technical manuals, resulting in risks to aircraft integrity. Safety allegations include exposure to hazardous weather conditions and insufficient protective equipment, potentially endangering personnel.

The current state of affairs at AASF #1 is particularly disappointing, as this facility was once regarded as perhaps the best in the entire Army National Guard, if not the US Army. In fact, LIUNA Local 1776 Business Manager Ben Banchs, in collaboration with then AASF 1 Commander COL James Fidler, highlighted this facility and its supported military unit, the 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion (ARB), during his testimony before the National Commission on the Future of the Army (NCFA) in support of the argument that the US Army should not take AH-64 Apache aircraft away from the National Guard. Banchs, extremely familiar with the facility and personnel in question, emphasized in his 2015 testimony how the Guard's aviation units exemplify efficiency and readiness. He argued that removing assets like the Apache from the Guard would reverse decades of progress under the Total Force Policy, underscoring the Guard's proven excellence.

Union Local 1776 emphasizes that these claims, if verified, may infringe upon federal laws protecting against prohibited personnel practices and disability accommodations, as well as Army regulations on fair treatment, maintenance protocols, and safety. As a union committed to safeguarding members' rights, we urge SCARNG to initiate an impartial investigation promptly, incorporating witness interviews, record reviews, and command assessments. Interim steps, such as enhanced training and temporary reassignments, are essential to protect employees during this process.

"The safety and dignity of our members must be paramount," stated a Union Local 1776 representative. "We stand ready to collaborate with SCARNG to address these serious allegations and uphold standards of professionalism and compliance." The Union's goal is to help the SCARNG identify the issues, resolve them, and restore this facility to its rightful standing.

Underlying Pay Issues

In addition to the concerns outlined in the investigation, one unresolved matter merits attention: substandard compensation, which has exacerbated existing tensions within the facility. Maintenance technicians were effectively assured a pay increase by leadership for at least two years, yet this has not materialized. The Union offered assistance, but according to a maintenance officer, facility leadership was instructed to exclude the Union from the process, proceeding independently. This decision overlooked valuable expertise, as the Union's Business Manager is a recognized authority on Special Rates. Meanwhile, pilots have received salary enhancements in recent years, while maintenance personnel continue to receive wages that fall below those in comparable private-sector roles, such as positions with defense contractors and local automotive manufacturers.

False Statements by Management Representatives

The investigation stemmed from a Union request posted on Facebook, inviting employees to submit concerns directly, following a surge of complaints over a short period. In response, at least two supervisors convened impromptu meetings and "sensing sessions" to ostensibly address employee issues, which may have been intended to alter perceptions or discourage submissions to the Union.

During one such session, a supervisor reportedly made inaccurate assertions, including the claim that a recently resigned employee left to avoid termination for misconduct. In reality, the employee departed after raising safety concerns and facing alleged retaliation. The supervisor also stated that all personnel actions are coordinated with Labor Relations and the Union—a claim that does not align with standard procedures. Furthermore, the supervisor asserted personal involvement in assembling a pay increase packet with Union input. This is incorrect; while the Union reviewed a draft, its recommendations were apparently disregarded. More critically, even a completed packet would require approval from senior SCARNG leadership to allocate funding, which has not occurred to our knowledge.

Advisory to Employees

We advise employees to approach statements from certain management officials and supervisors with caution. Should any individual experience retaliation related to this investigation, please contact the Union immediately for support.

Report of Investigation (ROI) - SCARNG AASF1