Originally Posted by
sigep_nm
Go ask a former ATC controller who is on the street now because of a "contract tower"..... So yes there are 4000 controllers on the streets, and I know this because I deal black jack with one of them.
The program you're referring to was in response to the post strike era (post Aug 3, 1981). All the controllers displaced from contract towers were offered positions at FAA facilities. Your 4000 number on the streets is just whacked. None were put on the streets. The agency is currently GROSSLY understaffed for ATC positions. That's why they'll hire anybody.
Now, in the last few years, Oct 1, 2005, the FAA put 2200 Flight Service folks on the street. That's true. I think only about 300 were able to get an ATC job. Could that be what you're referring to ?