New Contract Prohibits Offsite Breaks

Air traffic controllers in South Florida say the FAA is out to lunch... because now they can't go out for their lunches.

Rules under a new union contract imposed September 3 prohibit controllers from leaving the facility during their shift. Previously, controllers working an eight-hour shift were allowed to step out for bit of fresh air, or to the local drive-thru for a bite of lunch, so long as they were back in 30 minutes.

Not any more. The FAA says controllers must be immediately available at all times during their shift. Additionally, the FAA feels it might be held liable if a controller were to have a car accident while on shift.

"The only way we can leave now is if we use 30 minutes of our vacation time," said Jim Marinitti, president of the Miami International Airport Control Tower branch of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

This is one of the disputed provisions of the contract that led to an impasse earlier this year. As Aero-News reported, the FAA imposed the contract after Congress refused to get involved in a bitter labor dispute between the agency at NATCA.

The FAA says it provides break facilities equipped with refrigerators and microwaves -- and the staff is free to order food for delivery. The agency also agreed to have a lunch wagon drive by the tower at MIA several times a day... but Marinitti says controllers are boycotting the truck -- known colloquially as a "roach coach" -- due to health concerns.

FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen notes controllers are free to leave during the day if they wish... they just have to use vacation time to do it.

Other new restrictions under the new contract forbid controllers from wearing sneakers on the job. There are also additional restrictions on sick leave and vacation time... but it's the lunch restrictions that are leaving many controllers hungry for justice.

"Going hungry isn't good," said Shane Ahern, president of NATCA's Palm Beach International Airport Control Tower chapter. "It makes it seem like our employer doesn't respect us."

After all...  "how much pizza can you order?"

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.natca.org