So the ATC system, always understaffed (at last report about 3 months ago they were down about 3500 controllers from “ideal” staffing levels) is suddenly “understaffed” (to the point that they have to reduce the numbers of flights into certain airports).
As far as I can tell, the controllers are required by law to show up for work no matter the fact that they are not being paid.. And, apparently (some of) these controllers are not showing up for work…..but no action is being taken against them….why not?.
Yet somehow, there is (suddenly) an issue with “understaffing” that wasn’t an issue 2 months ago.
I think this is political theater to force a resolution of the budget issues.
I could be wrong.
As a retired Air Traffic Controller (and someone who also has a son currently working at ATC) I feel I am knowledgeable about this subject.
ATC has been understaffed since August 2, 1981 (and were possibly short of people then). Since then, many of the smaller facilities became fully staffed, mostly due because of the light workload and easy complexity. The larger facilities (located in class B airspace and ARTCCs) have been needing qualified controllers for the last 40+ years. The management at the FAA has been derelict in hiring and training people for the turnover in personnel for that entire period.
A controller entering a small facility will take from 1-3 years to check out on all aspects of the job. Someone transferring from a small tower/approach control to a larger, more complex one will take another 1-2 years to reach full performance level. There is much more required than just keying up the mike and talking.
As far as controllers calling out for their shifts, I would not judge them. Perhaps they are ill. Perhaps a member of their family is in need of assistance from them. Maybe they need to pick up a part time job to get food for their family. Every person’s situation is different.
Dale
I don’t doubt what you are saying. I have a great deal of respect for the job the ATC guys do.
I know I couldn’t do it. I think the ATC folks should be getting their pay.
My issue is the sudden “lack of controllers” leading to “ATC delays” that are suddenly popping up just after the one month mark for the Federal “Government Shutdown”.
There are not suddenly 10% fewer controllers. The reduction in capacity isn’t because of a sudden greater lack of controllers unless there is a concerted action to do a work stoppage or slowage.
It looks more like someone is trying to up the pain for the people who fly commercial airliners for work or pleasure, so make their life difficult.
The (oddly sudden) reduction in ATC capacity is strangely coincidental.
A work stoppage or slowdown effort by controllers would be considered a job action. As a result, the parties involved would be subject to termination of employment and the controller’s union (NATCA) could be disqualified from representing them. As such, it looks more like political grandstanding is the reason for the reduction in capacity.
Dale
my point exactly.
Better be careful there. We’re already transitioning into Crime Think. Your “noticing”, could get you “noticed”.
I don’t think yer gonna want to be labeled a “troublemaker” like some of us recalcitrant boomers.
I think I am probably on a list or three somewhere.
I’m not a Fed where I can say anything and get ignored….
Oldest political trick in the book. Negatively affect the services that most impact the public to force an issue.
They are motivated to call out and bring the problem to the people because they aren’t getting paid (or are expecting to not be paid) even though they are expected to work. Like you said, they should be getting their pay. If they were, I don’t think this would be happening.
ATC has been ‘short’ people since PATCO… just sayin… And when you’re not getting paid, why go to work?