As contract deadlines draw near, Air Traffic Controllers are pushing for a better contract offer from the FAA.

As with most union contracts, both sides have valid points. For the last several months, I've heard many pilots complain that the controllers are responsible for delays that normally would not happen. I've also heard that system is terribly understaffed. I've heard that they want more money and I've heard of substantial pay raises in recent years. As with most union contracts, about 1 minute of argument is all I need to hear before I close my ears and think of a happy place.

Here in Las Vegas, and probably elsewhere across the system, controllers have begun informational picketing in the airport terminal.

The above article makes me think of the time Pres. Reagan fired a bunch of Air Traffic Controllers because they wanted a $10,000.00 raise. A neighbor down the street was one of them and ended up selling pop at the Ranger baseball stadium.