After Snubbing the Controller Workforce The FAA Calls On Them To Recruit New Controllers

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By NATCA
Posted: 10-29-2008


The FAA plans to implement a new program in order to attract more new hires to the quickly diminishing air traffic controller workforce. In a letter to NATCA the FAA defined the change, ?Under this program a $1,000 bonus will be paid for the referral of an individual for a position designated as ?hard to fill.?

The scope of the incentive-based referral program remains to be determined by the Agency including what the FAA defines as ?hard to fill? and the ways in which the Agency will determine eligibility requirements and track the referral process.

?This is yet another desperate move on the Agency?s part to fix its depleted workforce ? a situation it created by unilaterally imposing work and pay rules that neither attract nor retain controllers,? said NATCA President Patrick Forrey. ?This referral program represents one more Band-Aid solution from a desperate FAA management brain trust unwilling to correct a much deeper-rooted problem.?