(AIRR) Act of 2016. The group has outlined its own reform proposal, highlighting its
priorities."
NBC BAY AREA : The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
released a statement saying it wants to see a "stable, predictable funding stream " for the
National Airspace System."
Aviation sources say privatization could help with that, but they also urge caution.
The union wants its workforce protected from salary and pension cuts, and the
president's plan could run into trouble if air traffic controllers don't like what they see.
Bay Area NATCA representative Scott Conde told NBC Bay Area last fall there's
already a critical shortage of air traffic controllers.
"We're at an all - time low for certified controllers," Conde said. "So it's a lot of six -
day weeks, a lot of overtime on the front or end of your shift."
But sources tell the Investigative Unit staffing shortages could get even worse if
privatization threatens the pay or pensions of controllers. Nearly a third of all certified
controllers are eligible to retire right no w and could leave with very little notice, which
would likely cripple the nation's aviation system.
CYBERFEDS : The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said the current
" status quo is unacceptable " and that it will review the specifics of the pres ident ' s plan. In
order for NATCA to support the reform, it must:
• Protect t he benefits of the workforce.
• Ensure safety and effi ciency remain top priorities.
• Provide a " stable and predictable funding stream " that supports staffing, training,
and long - term mo dernization and other priorities.
• Maintain service to all segments of the nation.
USA TODAY : Airlines and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
supported the 2016 bill as a way to have more predictable funding than provided by
annual spending f ights in Congress that have led to furloughs and shutdowns in recent
years.
ABC NEWS : Major airlines and the controller ' s union say the lack of progress is
a result of government shutdowns, controller furloughs , and dependence on government
funding.
These supporters say splitting air traffic operations into a private, non - profit
corporation and getting government out of the way will foster innovation and efficiency.
FE DSMITH.COM : Notably missing from the employee organizations that are
against the effort to privatize the air traffic control system is the National Air Traffic
Controllers Association (NATCA). The air traffic controllers union represents about
20,000 emplo yees, including air traffic controllers, traffic management coordinators and
specialists, flight service station air traffic controllers, engineers and architects, and
safety professionals, as well as Department of Defense (DOD) and Federal Contract
Tower (FCT) air traffic controllers. The 20,000 figure was cited by NATCA in its
Congressional testimony in May 2017.
