How much of this shortage of air traffic controllers on the job a la snoozing on the job is

[Skidmore]

attributable to cutting funds or the union busting under Reagan? Has anyone looked into this?

[Earth_First]

1. Surely you jest...

This is just fat, lazy union work coming home to roost!

Disclaimer: :sarcasm:

[Monique1]

2. You know

if I was the only one on the job and there was not constant activity - I would probably snooze because there is no one to talk with and nothing to do. Tell me, when does this one person go to the bathroom or take a break?

[demosincebirth]

6. I don't know of a person that can stay awake pulling a grave yard

shift in a 100 ft. tower. Many times I started to doze off driving and pulling 20+ tons of cargo. If I was sitting and not having to be alert...I'd snooze for sure.

[gateley]

3. I think it's totally attributable -- they are asking these people to perform

unbelievably stressful jobs (I don't care how "slow" it is) with no support. The equipment is aged, the hours are wearying, it's just nuts considering what we need them to do. Even under optimal circumstance, mistakes can be made, what do they expect when they're asking an overtired worker to perform the job of two?

I toured an air traffic controller facility in Auburn, WA (I understand it's different somewhat from the tower) and I could FEEL the pressure when I walked into the room -- it was almost like a physical weight bearing down on my shoulders. It took me by surprise and I've never forgotten it.

We want these people to ensure we're safe, yet they don't want to give them adequate respite and backup. Typical of the Republicans.

[CBGLuthier]

4. It is because this country cheaps out on safety for its citizens

We have had 30 years to overcome Reagan's legacy. I live in the city where they do the training and I remember the apartments within ten miles competing for all the trainees' living needs. Some of them still offer an FAA special.

[abelenkpe]

5. If they're falling asleep on the job

it is most likely the result of working too long. But if they were in a union that required reasonable hours and breaks, proper staffing etc it wouldn't happen so yeah...I'd put it on Reagan.