FAA and union agree to give air traffic control workers more rest between shifts

"The science is clear that controller fatigue is a public safety issue, and it must be addressed," FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said.

Rich Santa, president of the controllers' union, said the agreement "will begin to provide relief to this understaffed workforce."

The FAA and the union have agreed to give controllers 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift, among other changes.

The FAA plans to hire 1,800 controllers this year to address shortages and improve safety measures to avoid potential close calls like runway conflicts.

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