My two cents( Euro cents of course)...
Since the same problem exists at many location all over the World not only in USA I would like to give my opinion .
We can't reduce time for OJT. We can't reduce requirements for initial selection . We can't reduce number of operation, because it is driven by some other players. We could make improvement in operational side of job but it couldn't work after some level of traffic.
So where is problem?And What are the solution?
I think that main problem is HR!
They are guilty for staff shortage. It is their task. Primary one. to predict number of staff and qualifications required for particular position.
I don't know why but HRD is the last one who knows that someone leaves company . They even don't realize that it will happen in future again.
And suddenly company stays without people.
Recently one HRM said( and stayed alive): What kind of problem with ATCOs?
We could find them whenever we want, for less money!
As long as they think such way there wouldn't be better !
I could write about HRDs hundred of pages but it is enough for this thread.