Short-Staffed Air Traffic Controllers Say FAA Ignoring Risks

A staffing crisis among air traffic controllers is dangerous and getting worse, the union representing them warned this week as it added Oakland, Calif., to a list of five other areas with major airports and staffing emergencies.

"An already dangerous situation is about to get worse," NATCA President Patrick Forrey said. "An additional 2,200 experienced controllers will be able to retire by the end of this year, thinning the already-depleted ranks of the workforce at a time when the skies have never been more congested. The GAO has already stated that the risk of a catastrophic accident on our runways around the nation is high. Without an adequate amount of rested, well-trained controllers in towers and radar facilities, the risk of an aviation accident now includes the airspace as well as the ground." 

The FAA has refused to bargain in good faith with the controllers since unilaterally imposing new work rules in 2006. The agency repeatedly has cut control tower staffing in recent years and shortened the amount of time between work shifts, forcing fatigued air traffic controllers to keep working.

In addition to Oakland, the union says Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Southern California all pose serious safety concerns, and Miami may soon be added to the list.