Narrative:

A message from the dispatch operations was sent out about the workload distribution. The continent X operation is being pushed to its limit. The message specified this is happening on weekday 1 and weekday 2 nights (pm and midnight shift) when the workload is actually typically over the agreed upon limit of xx flights per desk to release. On the other nights the workload is; indeed; 'pushed to its limit' with y-xx flights per desk to release.we are currently only utilizing continent X desks. With y-xx flights to release that means I also have y-xx or so already airborne to monitor. Those need to be kept apprised of current weather; turbulence; sigmets/fpgs; arrival issues; etc. This is if everything is 'normal.' in the event of a passenger or crew medical issue; gate return; or diversion another level of complexity and busyness is introduced. By having so many flights to monitor and release I can be of little help to the other desk if they experience any issues and need help. In recurrent classes we are required to learn about the barriers put in place to maintain a safe operation. Management admits they are willfully and continually choosing to remove those barriers not only by creating a heavy workload; but also by not staffing dispatcher Y position some nights. The dispatcher Y is a dispatcher whom we can go to if any issues arise; they able to help us by looking up information; making calls; etc. In the capacity of a licensed dispatcher and they often act as the go-between for us and the sector managers.additional desks need to be opened. There is no cost to the company to open a third (or fourth) continent X desk. X desks were bid for the year and only X-2 are being utilized currently; people are being paid to stay home. Instead of opening the desks needed for the amount of flights management continues to diminish our barriers to safety by leaving the X dispatcher position unmanned on midnights while increasing the continent X workload.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Dispatcher reported that too many flights are being assigned to each desk; leading to heavy workload and safety concerns.

Narrative: A message from the Dispatch Operations was sent out about the workload distribution. The Continent X operation is being pushed to its limit. The message specified this is happening on weekday 1 and weekday 2 nights (PM and midnight shift) when the workload is actually typically over the agreed upon limit of XX flights per desk to release. On the other nights the workload is; indeed; 'pushed to its limit' with Y-XX flights per desk to release.We are currently only utilizing Continent X desks. With Y-XX flights to release that means I also have Y-XX or so already airborne to monitor. Those need to be kept apprised of current weather; turbulence; SIGMETs/FPGs; arrival issues; etc. This is if everything is 'normal.' In the event of a passenger or crew medical issue; gate return; or diversion another level of complexity and busyness is introduced. By having so many flights to monitor and release I can be of little help to the other desk if they experience any issues and need help. In recurrent classes we are required to learn about the barriers put in place to maintain a safe operation. Management admits they are willfully and continually choosing to remove those barriers not only by creating a heavy workload; but also by not staffing Dispatcher Y position some nights. The Dispatcher Y is a Dispatcher whom we can go to if any issues arise; they able to help us by looking up information; making calls; etc. in the capacity of a licensed Dispatcher and they often act as the go-between for us and the Sector Managers.Additional desks need to be opened. There is no cost to the company to open a third (or fourth) Continent X desk. X desks were bid for the year and only X-2 are being utilized currently; people are being paid to stay home. Instead of opening the desks needed for the amount of flights management continues to diminish our barriers to safety by leaving the X Dispatcher position unmanned on midnights while increasing the Continent X workload.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.