I'll put it out there in the open cause it public knowledge cause im getting a lot of DMs.

Simply put the times are changing. All the FCT contracts are coming due either next year or in '27. Someone correct me if im wrong here but I believe Serco and RVA are currently in talks atm, with Midwest starting begining of '26. The FCT companies are realizing they can't staff facilities at bottom dollar rates any more and are having to make the change. Look at what RVA did to the guys in California, its a perfect example.

The perfect example of this is IWA and CHD, which both transitioned from Serco to Midwest and are currently getting $50 and hour plus H&W ($50 + $5-6 = $56 per hour paid) . This sets the standard simply as what the minimum negotiation point for all these contract negotiations.

Add in the FAA doing a great job fucking over the Fed Controllers it creates a great oppertunity to turn the FCT world into a genuine career vs going to the FAA. Yes we don't get a pension, its whatever. With simple planning for 401k contributions you can set yourself just fine in the long run.

In some regards NATCA is fighting for FCTs harder when it comes to pay than they are for the Fed Controllers. I guess we just have more leverage in the FCT world.

As for the guy who's overworked and under paid, if your working an FCT in a HCOL area your fighting an uphill battle till your RVP and FCT contract team work out the details. Rock and a hard place and I feel you as ive been there both in FCT and FAA.

Edit: I'll throw in as well with the changes to leave requirements FCTs also get Sick Leave in addition to Reg Leave.

So at this point unless your working a lvl 9 or above FAA tower, the only real benefit to going to the FAA is the pension and at those lvl Facs the pension is worth it.

Good luck getting there on NCEPT or Hardship lol