Just as a point of clarification, I add the following information from author. INHO, this isn't centrally about salary levels: it's about a crack in the system controlled by Congress which has resulted in a disparity/inequality in comparable pay structures - the end risk being scenarios I've described above. Having several family friends who are US Congressmen, I am aware that they do, in fact, respond to 'noise'.

It's difficult to predict here what raises hackles. I could debate the position I've presented, but on reflection, this probably isn't the place. I was perhaps naive in assuming this issue might be interesting to this group. Certainly, It's not as sexy as free miles. Fortunately, several Congressmen are finding it worth attention and it is looking more positive.

My apologies and thread ended.

From the author regarding Union issues:

Unfortunately, since this is an instructional facility and not a live air traffic facility, we are not covered by the same union that covers field controllers. NATCA is a very powerful and relatively large (15,000 or so Air Traffic Controllers in their bargaining unit)organization with legislative connections and financial assets. Our union, PAACE, only has about 46 air traffic controllers and total bargaining unit of about 400. NATCA's management counterpart is Ms. Garvey.(FAA Administrator). PAACE's management counterpart is the FAA Academy Director(Mr. Trailer in Oklahoma City). It is beyond Mr. Trailer's authority to change pay. That has to come from national level. So, the focus isn't the same when PAACE focuses as when NATCA focuses.