FAA air traffic controllers will get a 2.8 percent raise under a new agreement worked out by the Trump administration and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Friday that the increase is tied to workplace reforms, as required by an act of Congress.
The changes include a requirement for ATCs to “badge in” and “badge out” of facilities; the development of shift guidelines based on forecasted workload; and controller reassignments focused on where staffing needs are most severe. The shift guidelines will be created by local managers and union representatives.
DOT officials said the reforms will improve controller quality of life, maximize coverage, improve efficiency, and make better overall use of the FAA’s existing workforce.
“This increase reflects the vital role these dedicated professionals play in keeping our nation’s skies safe and efficient,” NATCA president Nick Daniels said in a news release. “Fair compensation and better working conditions are essential to sustaining a strong, experienced air traffic controller workforce.”
The DOT said the pay increase takes effect October 18, and is retroactive to the beginning of the year.
The issue of raises for ATCs had been contentious at times. Last month, U.S. lawmakers pushed FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on why his agency had not implemented pay increases already approved by Congress. Bedford argued that he had sole discretion to implement the raise and wanted to work out a broader deal that would strengthen oversight and efficiency.
“Air traffic controllers perform critical work every day to keep the National Airspace System safe,” Bedford said in a statement Friday. “By improving how we track work, schedule shifts, and allocate personnel, we can make better use of our workforce and respond more effectively to operational demands. Our work with NATCA is helping us put practical changes in place that support our controllers and improve the way the system operates.”