Under an agreement, controllers will receive a minimum of 10 hours between shifts.
The Federal Aviation Administration reached a deal with an airport employee union to give air traffic controllers additional rest between shifts. In the deal made with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), controllers are now required to receive 10 hours off duty between shifts and 12 hours before and after midnight shifts. These new requirements will be implemented by 2025.
“The science is clear that controller fatigue is a public safety issue, and it must be addressed,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said.
Since the positions are often understaffed, many airports have required air traffic controllers to work mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks. NATCA President Rich Santa commended the new hours under this deal, saying that the union has been advocating for more controller rest for years.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Administrator Whitaker to seek God’s direction as he heads the FAA.
- For the leaders of workers’ associations to be discerning in their advocacy.
- For air traffic controllers to use the time off wisely to be rested and alert on the job.
Sources: Reuters
