Author Topic: Sequestration Vacation  (Read 19118 times)

Offline InterpreDemon

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Sequestration Vacation
« on: March 06, 2013, 06:35:20 PM »
Local character, NY Liberty East controller lamenting his expected loss of overtime.



Offline w0x0f

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Re: Sequestration Vacation
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2013, 02:32:13 PM »
The controller didn't mention overtime at all.  He did mention that he would be furloughed 1 day per pay period.  That amounts to a 10% pay cut.  Overtime budgets have been restricted and ATC services will be reduced in many places, in lieu of using overtime, or ended completely in targeted facilities.  These cuts will begin April 7th.

w0x0f

Offline InterpreDemon

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Re: Sequestration Vacation
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2013, 08:15:42 PM »
In an earlier QSO he had with another pilot he said they would be cutting back on overtime and that "we live on overtime", but that was before I had a chance to click the record button. That compilation was compiled from recording direct off the feed receiver. His earlier comments can be found on the feed archive starting 11 minutes in.

http://archive-server.liveatc.net/kjfk/NY-Dep-Liberty-East-Mar-06-2013-2130Z.mp3

Offline w0x0f

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Re: Sequestration Vacation
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2013, 09:00:10 AM »
He was implying that the facility lives on OT.  They are so short staffed that they have been scheduled 6 day weeks in order to keep the operation working.

You may recall back in 2004 that controllers were asking the FAA to hire additional controllers because of the anticipated retirements.  Controllers are eligible to retire after 25 years service and the bulk of controllers were hired between 1981-1990.  FAA did not heed this advice and facilities like N90 have been short staffed when controllers began retiring in 2006.

Hiring is currently frozen under the sequestration.  No help on the way.

w0x0f

Offline InterpreDemon

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Re: Sequestration Vacation
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2013, 01:49:20 PM »
I just searched on the FAA employment site and there are still about fifty openings through the end of this month for certified controllers at around 150k, as well as 100k jobs for environmental specialists and "community planners", whatever they are. So they are continuing to hire at the same time they are planning to cut back at the end of the month. Go figure.

Offline w0x0f

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Re: Sequestration Vacation
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2013, 02:24:31 PM »
http://atwonline.com/international-aviation-regulation/news/faa-sending-furlough-notices-most-employees-week-0306

"FAA administrator Michael Huerta said the agency has instituted a hiring freeze and will have “no choice” but to start employee furloughs in April."

Offline InterpreDemon

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Re: Sequestration Vacation
« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2013, 02:50:56 PM »
They must have already fired their web administrator

Offline Eric M

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Re: Sequestration Vacation
« Reply #7 on: March 09, 2013, 12:19:49 PM »
It's fairly common to leave job postings in place even if the position is either filled or temporarily frozen; there's nothing wrong with collecting resumés in the meantime, although it doesn't necessarily set the right expectations.