FCT controller Sick Leave Policy - A little perspective

Patrick_Bateman Junior Member Manhattan

I double checked my sources and it increased their overall compensation to 10% above the base pay, however, its closer to a 5% pay raise from what they were previously getting. What isn't a fantasy though is the fact that it still remains a total bonehead maneuver.

Delta5 Rookie

I've been ban a couple of times here and I never used language like that!

Fact: Contract towers would not be around if they had to pay the same benefits as the FAA. The FAA would save no money and shut them down. If the FAA decided to keep those towers they'd be staffed by FAA controllers. If they were staffed by FAA Controllers they'd belong to the Union NATTC. Patco can scream all they want but the end game is they either lose or cost you your job. The FAA isn't taking those towers back.

atcguruaf Rico Suave AZ

@Delta

I don't think that's the point of this thread, stating that FCT's should compensate just like the FAA. I think it just points out the possible discrepancies with the program overall. 1 particular issue is sick leave.

As I stated in my post, no one is on their "A-game" when they're sick. By providing a little something, it alleviates the pressure on controllers in general, those that are sick, and the colleagues that cover for that person. This reflects poorly on the flying public.

For example, here's something we used to do try to do in the FCT world when they provided 5 days annually (great I must say).

If someone was sick, hopefully it was on their weekend, or close to. They might come in 1 day, and then shoot to take 1 sick day in conjunction with their weekend. If the problem wasn't solved by then, we would try and swap schedules with that person for the following week, giving them a 5 day break to get over the illness.

I imagine this still goes on, but if the stars don't align correctly, it's not as plausible.

Swapping schedules around and the like, I know is something that is not required. But as a team, we all knew it would be a matter of time before we, ourselves, became ill, so we would do our best to help each other out.

No one wants to use FMLA/annual leave for sick time. People do need a break from work and vacations help people relax. So, although it's there (FMLA), sick time is vital.

The sad part, in my opinion, is you'd think these contract companies realize that a happy worker works better than an unhappy worker. Not saying give them everything they want, but a little appreciation goes a long way. By providing the minimum required by law/FAA, you're not showing that you value your employee.

Yes, businesses are in it to make a profit. However, after all the hoop-la about how these companies "value" their employees, how do they show that? They do nothing in excess of what is required by law. To me, that doesn't show much appreciation.

Perhaps if it was on a scale, or something to that effect. Like your first year, 0 days of sick leave, then start accumulating sick leave on a monthly/bi-weekly basis, or something like that. I don't believe employees (at least not the ones I worked with) are beyond actually earning their benefits, but to show no appreciation other than a 5, 10, and 15 year pin really doesn't say much about how much a company actually values their employees.

I personally believe that providing this small benefit actually benefits the company more in the long run than it does the actual employee, not to mention the user and/or the flying public and how they benefit from a healthy and happy air traffic controller.

Patrick_Bateman Junior Member Manhattan

Nobody who is in the FCT program is demanding the same benefits as FAA controllers. Perhaps people are just a wee bit upset though that their one week of company paid sick time has been removed and then, ya know, they give their managers a pay raise.

You have no idea what will happen with Patco, you're merely speculating in the full negative because you have a personal vendetta against them and are probably a union buster who works for Serco. I wouldn't be surprised if after a hard day at work of spreading lies, you go home and pound a few schlitz malt liquor 40's to let the edge off. Then you head to the keyboard for some heavy anti-union propaganda on stuckmic. That would explain your grammar and spelling at least.

Nobody is suggesting the FAA take those towers back.

Delta5 Rookie

Class of 1981. Union buster I think not. Patco could be a job killer though.

polo708 Epic Member tower

Do you guys even know what a FCT manager makes for all that extra BS, stress and paperwork??... an extra 1.50 per hour. Its a buttload of extra crap that I know I sure as hell didnt want to do. Especially for the minimal pay bump.

Dont focus on hating the ATM's and blaming them, thats all im saying haha.

Patrick_Bateman Junior Member Manhattan

That's what they made prior to this new contract. As soon as Serco won it, they awarded their managers more money. Its now roughly 10% of the base wage which is around 2.75 per hour depending on the facility.

atcguruaf Rico Suave AZ

Rightfully so. They control AND deal with all the BS that managers deal with. 2.75 is not worth it, especially on a M-F shift, when everyone else is working weekends and nights making an extra 25% and 10%

polo708 Epic Member tower

Oooooh, my point exactly. $4/hr more than the controllers for the amount of stuff they put up with? Get over it... The sick leave thing sucks yes, but dont put the blame on the ATM's and hate on them.

Patrick_Bateman Junior Member Manhattan

I agree on it not being enough money however, some managers do work on weekends and nights. Some of them even work a regular type of rotating shift schedule.