NEW YORK, NY June 12, 2007 —The union representing the nation's air traffic controllers is demanding an investigation into 5 near misses in the skies above New York.

REPORTER: Air Traffic Controllers Vice President, Phil Barbarello, says fatigue is the reason for the mishaps.

BARBARELLO: They are working people 3, 4 hours now on position and at some of the smaller facilities they are there by them selves, for 8 hours. Quite often controllers are working positions that 2 people or 3 people should be working.

REPORTER: The union and Senator Chuck Schumer say budget cuts have led to increased retirement, understaffing and over-worked controllers. A spokesman for the FAA says facilities are sufficiently staffed, a hiring plan is in place and fatigue is not a concern because controllers get breaks every 2 hours.