Illinois senators blast FAA administrator for holding air traffic controller raises "hostage"

TL;DR

Illinois Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin have criticized FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford for delaying a 3.8% pay raise for air traffic controllers, approved by Congress.
The senators allege that Bedford is withholding the remaining 2.8% raise to force controllers to work longer hours, calling this tactic "petty, disrespectful and counterproductive."
They argue that demanding more 'utilization' from overworked and understaffed controllers will harm retention and aviation safety, especially as they adapt to modernization and use outdated technology.
The FAA states that the pay raise is contingent on the Administrator determining that improvements in workforce scheduling, staffing utilization, or operational efficiencies have been achieved.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) supports the senators and is advocating for the pay raise through engagement with the FAA.
The FAA has focused on hiring more controllers, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announcing a record number hired this year, including targeting video gamers as potential candidates.

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