Hello my fellow ATC's. Just to let you all know, my application for disability retirement was approved last Thursday, so as fo this Sunday, the 28th, I am officially retired.
I had 29 years and 11 months of Governement service, 25 years and 8 months with the FAA. You would think the SOB's would let me hang on for 10 months so I could get my regular retirement. Think again.
They basically forced me out the door. And I was a supervisor too.
Before you get all upset about me being a sup, let me tell you I was one of the good ones. I did it for the pay ( and good thing for me I did because I got a much higher high three out of it so that really increased my retirement annuity) I was the sup people went to when they had a problem or needed a special shift or something. In fact, when I thought I was going to have to go out on LWOP for a while, the guys in my old area got together without me asking and started to get me some annual and sick leave, without my even asking for it.
I was and still am very Pro-NATCA and anti-management. I only had 4 months in as a sup before my "injury". It happened in July of '06. I have been off the boards since then. Also let me say that I was/am the largest contributor to the NATCA PAC in my facility, even as a sup. I think you guys got and are getting screwed over royally. I really hope that Congress passes the bill that gives you what you need. As an aside, look for the sup's to start complaining pretty soon, because they are going to be in exactly the same boat as you all are in very shortly as far as pay goes anyway. I would say a February time frame. Anyway, just thougt I would touch base with my homies over here and to say good luck with your fight in Congress to get the IWR overturned and get the FAA forced back to the table. Good luck you guys.
Rick