The air traffic controllers’ union proposes penalizing workers who take the waiver to stay on the job.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently said he plans to offer air traffic controllers retirement waivers if they want to extend their employment until the age of 61.
Secretary Deffuy said, “Why don’t we try to incentivize those really well-experienced air traffic controllers? Let’s incentivize them to stay. Let’s get them to stay on. Not only do we have that experience, but they can also help train up those younger, newer controllers coming into their family.”
A spokesperson from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association confirmed that federal law Title 5, United States Code §8425(a) allows Secretary Duffy to implement this waiver if he wishes.
“That authority has been in law for decades,” the spokesperson said. “Through this process, air traffic controllers can apply for a waiver to continue working past age 56 and it does not change the mandatory retirement age of 56.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has had a shortfall of air traffic controllers for years, with a shortage of around 3,000 last year.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has proposed capping the seniority of any air traffic controller who takes a waiver to work beyond retirement age. The union amendment states, “Each waiver puts early retirement at risk by showing the Agency [FAA] and Congress that mandatory retirement is unnecessary.”
“Waivers do nothing to benefit NATCA,” the union’s amendment, due to go into effect in October, added. “Early retirement is a privilege that we earn by working one of the most stressful jobs in history.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Duffy and Transportation Department officials as they seek solutions to the air traffic controller shortage.
- For Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau to receive God’s guidance as he oversees the FAA.
Sources: The Hill, NY Post
