Illinois senators accuse FAA chief of withholding controller pay raise over scheduling plan

In a Friday letter, Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin condemned FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford for postponing the 2.8% portion of a 3.8% pay raise that Congress authorized for air traffic controllers in the April appropriations act. The lawmakers contend the delay is a tactic to force controllers into longer hours under a proposed scheduling overhaul that aims to increase productive time per shift from four to five hours.

They warn that such pressure could weaken retention and jeopardize aviation safety, especially as controllers already work under mandatory overtime and outdated technology. The FAA replied that the raise is tied to demonstrated improvements in workforce scheduling, staffing utilization, or other efficiencies, and expressed willingness to meet with one outlet Air Traffic Controllers Association to review historic practices.

The agency also highlighted recent hiring gains, citing more than 2,000 new controllers hired this year. The senators urged the FAA to approve the remaining raise without further conditions.