part time controllers

smoothie134 Newcomer

It is my understanding that part-time controller's positions were eliminated per the latest contract negotiations between FAA and FCTs. Lots of rumors about this, i.e., who initiated it, some FCTs still have this, etc. Anyone know any details?

NizmoSR20 The Silver Bullet Ft. Worth, Texas!

Hmmm, pretty sure there are qualified people on standby... but what do I know, never been a civ controller. Military ATC is on call 24/7

ATChoney Rookie Outside the beltway but still inside the sanctum.

I'm curious about this as well. At my age, I'm always interested in seeing successful innovations and alternative practices in the work place because I think they often work far better than many employers are either aware of, or willing to admit to. Given that a couple of the FCT companies arose from ex-military and still hire ex-military as managers, I have often wondered if their being accustomed to, and comfortable with, standard issue orders ? along with the contract companies' concern that anything a little different will somehow cost a lot extra ? might be the reason for the rigidity seen in some of their management practices.

Given the state of the economy with so many people out of work right now, the number of people wanting to work in ATC, the recent RIFs in some of the FCT facilities, the relatively poor vacation and sick leave benefits of the FCT program and the number of retired FAA who still want to work, but often want and can afford more time off, it seems that part-time or job share arrangements would be a good way to go.

I know RVA used to have part-time positions and I also heard one of the FCTs does or did allow job sharing, but I'm not sure which one. I also understand some ATCs at some facilities feel they are short staffed with recent cuts, but the contract companies say they can't justify an extra employee on the books, so it also seems like part-timers or someone to fill in during busy periods, vacation time and sick leave would make a lot of sense.

Which leaves me wondering...is it true part time is no longer part of the FCT program contracts and if so did it come from the FAA or the FCT companies? And, if ATCs working for the FCT program raise the issue and ask for consideration of alternative schedules while pointing out some of the benefits to the system, to the employee and the employers, would the FAA and/or FCT contractors reconsider?