FAA and air traffic controllers agree on 2.8 percent pay raise tied to workplace reforms

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association have reached an agreement that gives air traffic controllers a 2.8 percent pay raise. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the deal on Friday, saying the increase is tied to workplace reforms required by an act of Congress.

The reforms include a requirement that controllers badge in and badge out of facilities. Shift guidelines will be based on forecasted workload, and controllers will be reassigned to areas where staffing shortages are most severe. Local managers and union representatives will draw up the shift guidelines.

According to the Department of Transportation, the changes are intended to improve controller quality of life, maximize coverage, improve efficiency and make better use of the FAA's existing workforce. The pay increase takes effect October 18 and is retroactive to the start of the year.

NATCA President Nick Daniels said the raise reflects the role controllers play in keeping the airspace safe and efficient, and that fair compensation and better working conditions are needed to sustain an experienced workforce. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said improving how work is tracked, shifts are scheduled and personnel are allocated would help the agency use its workforce better and respond to operational demands.

The question of controller pay had been contentious. Last month, lawmakers pressed Bedford on why the agency had not implemented raises already approved by Congress. Bedford argued that he had sole discretion over the raise and wanted a broader deal that would also strengthen oversight and efficiency.