Seeking concessions like those that airlines got from pilots, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration has called for mediation in talks with unionized air traffic controllers, saying contract discussions were near an impasse. The controllers have said they would be happy to continue the current pattern of pay increases, which is less favorable than what other federal employees get. They have also said the agency was actually seeking to cut wages 30 percent, by reclassifying workers.
See "F.A.A. Calls for Mediation in Talks With Controllers", Matthew L. Wald, The New York Times, November 28, 2005