Hello All,
I am an air traffic controller. 3 years in the US Army and 18 years in the FAA at a radar center.
I am paid well for the highly technical, highly stressful job I must perform flawlessly each and every time I go to work.
I love my job, but there are days that there is no amount of money worthy of what I am asked to do.
My employer is looking to change some things with my workplace and basically it is all in the name of money. Do you really want a system that is willing to consider cost over your safety? Can things be done cheaper, yes.
However, what are you willing to give up? Maybe we don't need a weather person at each site? Maybe we don't need a technician on duty 24/7. Maybe centers can do approach control work during the midnight shifts. Maybe a private company looking at profit margins should be in charge of your safety while you are flying? I have more folks, but I think you get the idea.
I am more than alarmed at the direction cost savings is taking us. I have 7 years left in my career. If/when the agency imposes their last offer on our unwilling workforce, the potential retirements that will follow alarm me greatly. Fewer and fewer eyes will be forced to watch more and more airplanes in the skies. I will be part of that fewer that remains. I will be looking at a potential 30% pay cut, no ability to take a guaranteed vacation and working with a system that is being completely watered down in the name of money.
I ask each of you to please go to www.fairFAA.com and read the controller side of the story.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask.
Thank You.
What center?