Updating Facility Staffing Numbers

[GulfBravoPapa]

Kinda surprised today's NATCA email hasn't been posted here yet so I'll start the discussion.

From the Desk of NATCA President Rich Santa​

Over the next three editions of this column, President Santa will address one of the most critical challenges facing ATCs – staffing. This series will cover where we are, how we got here, and what we must do as a Union to find a solution. As you know, our Union collaborates with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on staffing. This important step forward led to the Collaborative Resource Initiative (CRI). Under the CRI, NATCA and the FAA formed the Collaborative Resource Work Group (CRWG), which was tasked with reviewing, revising, and improving data-based operational models for staffing air traffic control facilities.​ ​ The original CRWG did an outstanding job, and in 2014, it released data it collected through surveying all air traffic control facilities that were critical to placing and transferring employees throughout the system. However, that was eight years ago. Over that time, the airspace has evolved, and the demands placed upon ATCs throughout the system have increased along with the need for additional air traffic control specialists. It is also clear to NATCA that the FAA’s annual Controller Workforce Plan is flawed, and does not provide Congress, the public, and other stakeholders with an accurate representation of operational staffing needs. It is for these reasons that through the CRWG, we have launched an initiative utilizing a new process to collect the necessary data we need to accurately develop CPC staffing target numbers. The CRWG has already begun this process at four test facilities, with a goal of reviewing every facility before the end of the year. The data gathered from these surveys will help formulate the CPC staffing target number that will serve as the foundation on which the overall solution will be built. This process will address facilities that are at or near 100 percent staffing, yet still work 6-day workweeks, and facilities that are not receiving ERR’s or participating in releasing through the NCEPT. However, the new staffing targets are just one piece of the puzzle. There is an ongoing demand for training at the facility level. We understand that it can be a challenge for members to take on the additional responsibility of an On-the-Job Training Instructor (OJTI). That is why we negotiated a temporary additional 10 percent premium for OJTIs, bringing the total additional compensation to 20 percent for our hard-working members who perform this important function. The goal has always been to improve the working conditions and quality of life for every member of our Union. Working together, in solidarity, we will find a solution to these staffing challenges. In the next edition, President Santa will discuss how NATCA will address the need to increase hiring and the associated funding to pay for additional staffing.​

 

[32andBelow]

to help with staffing NATCA will immediately return all scammers to the floor to help work traffic

 

[Atcbrownie]

It's amazing what an IG investigation into PCT overtime causes. If they had only listened years ago maybe we wouldn't be here.

Not sure how staffing to 85% works when they don't factor in NATCA/FAA details.

 

[Soul_Controller]

Not sure how staffing to 85% works when they don't factor in NATCA/FAA details.

That's where a lot of facilities screwed up when they gave their original staffing numbers. Whether it's details, recurrent training, going to classes, etc. They didn't factor in what they needed beyond just the operation.

But this is a very facility specific problem. On the other side, a lot of places have inflated staffing numbers.

The staffing percentages are going to cause some big unintended consequences though. My facility is a revolving door, so we realized that if we're were going to be constantly shorted just below our necessary number, there is an argument to increase the staffing number so 85 (or whatever number they are using on whatever panel) percent is closer to our actual staffing number.

 

[Atcbrownie]

That's where a lot of facilities screwed up when they gave their original staffing numbers. Whether it's details, recurrent training, going to classes, etc. They didn't factor in what they needed beyond just the operation.

But this is a very facility specific problem. On the other side, a lot of places have inflated staffing numbers.

The staffing percentages are going to cause some big unintended consequences though. My facility is a revolving door, so we realized that if we're were going to be constantly shorted just below our necessary number, there is an argument to increase the staffing number so 85 (or whatever number they are using on whatever panel) percent is closer to our actual staffing number.

Oh I agree, this isn't just a PCT issue, it's a FAA wide issue. However, facilities closer to DC or service areas are more likely to be affected due to the wide availability of details.

For the record, I have been on a detail for 4 years. Returning to the operation in January.

 

[CoffeeIV]

That's where a lot of facilities screwed up when they gave their original staffing numbers. Whether it's details, recurrent training, going to classes, etc. They didn't factor in what they needed beyond just the operation.

But this is a very facility specific problem. On the other side, a lot of places have inflated staffing numbers.

The staffing percentages are going to cause some big unintended consequences though. My facility is a revolving door, so we realized that if we're were going to be constantly shorted just below our necessary number, there is an argument to increase the staffing number so 85 (or whatever number they are using on whatever panel) percent is closer to our actual staffing number.

I used to think my last facility had inflated numbers but now that a few people left on NCEPT, national guard deployments, details, loss of medical, etc they're on 6 and 1's too. Stuff changes fast and training times take forever. Going from hour on hour off living the dream to forced 6 day work weeks.

 

[jorgeluis161]

Anyone want to guess how long this will take to implement.... They've done 4 test facilities so far...

 

[boots]

Anyone want to guess how long this will take to implement.... They've done 4 test facilities so far...

Probably about the same time it’s going to take tracons decent technology (never)

 

[GulfBravoPapa]

Anyone want to guess how long this will take to implement.... They've done 4 test facilities so far...

It says they have the goal of reviewing every facility before the end of the year... lofty goal but maybe they mean fiscal year

 

[jorgeluis161]

It says they have the goal of reviewing every facility before the end of the year... lofty goal but maybe they mean fiscal year

Review is one thing... To actually get that data, study it and make a determination of a new number for every facility in the NAS.... That's the million dollar question

 

[32andBelow]

It says they have the goal of reviewing every facility before the end of the year... lofty goal but maybe they mean fiscal year

It would take my facility that long to select the workgroup. Maybe they should have an actual incentive to switch areas in a center. Some centers have really unbalanced staffing area to area

 

[jorgeluis161]

Probably about the same time it’s going to take tracons decent technology (never)

I remember at a meeting I went to they said around 5 years... I don't think it will be 5 years but maybe for the facilities with the most urgent need and busier facilities... 1.5 years... The rest maybe 3 years... Just a guess

 

[CoffeeIV]

Just increase the number by 50%. Grandfather in all people with paperwork in for NCEPT to what the current target CPC number is so they can still get out and lifers at a facility will be happy. Ez pz.

 

[ChuckNovember]

Very curious to see how this plays out in my “short-staffed” facility.

 

[32andBelow]

Very curious to see how this plays out in my “short-staffed” facility.

They’ll raise your staffing number. Give you no additional bodies and no one will ever leave

 

[ChuckNovember]

They’ll raise your staffing number. Give you no additional bodies and no one will ever leave

Exactly. We barely get past 4 hours of TOP but they just want to raise it so that 85% is the actual number and no one transfers until they get 100% staffed.

 

[32andBelow]

Exactly. We barely get past 4 hours of TOP but they just want to raise it so that 85% is the actual number and no one transfers until they get 100% staffed.

Then as the national number get higher then they raise it to 87 then 90

 

[TermLimits]

Not sure how staffing to 85% works when they don't factor in NATCA/FAA details.

Had a discussion at work today about the target percentages. It’s wild that ONLY 8s and 9s can potentially take up to 100% with round 2…

This effectively fucks over the 10-12s when they can only take up to the national average.

4-7 has the academy feeder and the vast majority of prior experience placements. With the exception of enroute academy grads, 10-12s rely on NCEPT.

 

[ChuckNovember]

Then as the national number get higher then they raise it to 87 then 90

Had a discussion at work today about the target percentages. It’s wild that ONLY 8s and 9s can potentially take up to 100% with round 2…

This effectively fucks over the 10-12s when they can only take up to the national average.

4-7 has the academy feeder and the vast majority of prior experience placements. With the exception of enroute academy grads, 10-12s rely on NCEPT.

lol my brother there is no logic behind it, they just fuck with the requirements until they get to ~100 controllers per panel. They will even tell you as much.

 

[TermLimits]

lol my brother there is no logic behind it, they just fuck with the requirements until they get to ~100 controllers per panel. They will even tell you as much.

Oh I know. There plenty of dynamic decisions that have dampened my ability to transfer. 6th times the charm!

But if we remedy the Round 2 BS it would solve some problems and possibly let my ass move up. Win-win in my book!