Morristown, NJ – Bill Spadea, a former conservative radio host and Republican candidate for New Jersey governor, has proposed increasing air traffic controllers’ work hours to 12-hour shifts and raising their mandatory retirement age from 56 to 61.
That would allow older air traffic controllers to work longer hours to keep the skies over New Jersey safe and moving, he said.
Under current guidelines, the controllers can work shifts between eight to ten hours, and are required to extend their shifts an additional two hours if required. A twelve hour shift could see some workers putting in 14 hour days.
The plan, announced during a campaign debate, aims to address staffing shortages at facilities like Newark Liberty International Airport, which have caused flight disruptions.
Spadea’s proposal responds to a national shortage of air traffic controllers, which has strained airport operations.
“We need to keep our skies safe and our airports running smoothly,” Spadea said. “By extending the retirement age and asking controllers to work longer shifts, we can retain experienced staff and reduce delays.”
Currently, controllers must retire at 56, though some can work until 61 in certain cases. They can also retire at 50 with 20 years of service or at any age with 25 years, reflecting the job’s high-stress nature.
Spadea’s plan would make 61 the standard retirement age to keep experienced workers in the system.
The idea of 12-hour shifts has sparked criticism. Opponents argue that longer hours could increase fatigue in a role requiring intense focus, potentially compromising safety. The job demands quick, precise decisions, and critics worry extended shifts could heighten risks.
Others say the idea could cause air traffic disasters at the hands of overworked, tired, aging controllers in the high paced environment.
The Federal Aviation Administration has not commented on Spadea’s proposal but is actively hiring trainees and offering incentives to retain controllers.