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December 23, 2004
Marion C. Blakey, Administrator, AOA-1
800 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20591
Dear Administrator Blakey:
The staffing plan that you just released is quite a document, there is a
great deal of information in it and your staff should be commended. I
realize that this is a plan for the other two options, however there is
mention of Flight Service Controllers and where it addresses the
possibility of transferring Flight Service Controllers to another option
is very ambiguous. I�d like to see a real commitment made to the
Controllers in Flight Service for jobs before you hire from outside the
FAA.
The section that speaks to transferring Flight Service Controllers into
the other two options lacks commitment to a professional, highly
skilled, and dedicated workforce. Transferring the Flight Service
Controllers that are going to be displaced by the A-76/Acquisition could
not only assist the agency get through this staffing issue but more
importantly do the right thing for employees who maybe losing their
jobs. The agency would save money in initial training, severance pay,
not to mention the training already invested in these viable
Controllers.
To say the agency would transfer 199 Flight Service Controllers that are
qualified in tower and enroute is just not enough, it�s possible that
close to 2000 Controllers will be separated by October 1, 2005. These
employees deserve to be treated with respect and given assurances that
they can be given a chance to continue their Air Traffic Control
careers. The agency is looking for a commitment from the Flight Service
Controllers to keep the operation up and running through phase-in and
into transition. I don�t think it�s too much to ask, from the agency, to
give those same employees a commitment, in writing, to allow them to
continue Air Traffic Control employment if they so desire.
I�ve heard all the arguments about getting waivers and that RIF
negotiations are on going, but this commitment to employees can and
should be done now. If you are not willing to commit to these employees,
the very least you can do is explain to them why you won�t. This
commitment should come with support from all your employees, including
your Vice-Presidents from all lines of business.
Lastly, I�m just a little disappointed that I had to learn about this
hiring plan through a broadcast message. I hope that the communication
between the agency and NAATS will improve next year.
Sincerely,
Kathleen A. Breen
President
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