Impact of Air Traffic Controllers' Pay Increase

The President of the Air Traffic Controllers Organization contended that controllers will lose a large amount of compensation as a result of the limitations put on night, Sunday, and holiday premium pay in the October 1980 comparability increase. He suggested that this is a result of a decision by GAO and requested an exclusion for premium pay as a remedy for the existing condition. However, this discrepancy is not a result of a decision made by GAO. It is created by several provisions of law having Government-wide application. It is the view of GAO that there is no basis for excepting air traffic controllers from the provisions of these laws. GAO has no authority to waive or modify the application of statutory requirements. Any relief from these limitations will have to come through legislation enacted by Congress.