WTSP-TV (TAMPA): TIA air traffic controllers concerned about staffing
Tampa International Airport, Tampa - Air traffic controllers in Tampa are voicing their concerns about working conditions and passenger safety. They’re speaking out as contract talks with the FAA have stalled.
The president of the air traffic controllers union at the Tampa tower says 67 controllers are needed to safely operate the skies of Tampa, but they’re down to 61.
And of those, 10 are eligible to retire now, and 30 can retire next year.
Local union president Pat McCormick says three controllers at TIA have walked off the job in the past year.
Pat McCormick, President, NATCA TampaTower:
“And they’re going on break and they’re working too many airplanes, too long of a time working those airplanes with not enough break time to clear their heads so they can go back and they’re retiring on the spot, that second.”
FAA administrator Marion Blakey says there is no safety risk to air travelers that has to do with contract negotiations.
The controllers union is urging Congress to force both sides back to the bargaining table.
If Congress does not pass the Fair FAA Act within 60 days, controllers will be forced to accept the FAA’s last offer, which freezes pay for most controllers, and cuts wages for some.