On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced there were no travel delays attributed to staffing issues at U.S. air traffic control facilities. This comes after recent delays were noted due to increased absenteeism.
According to an operational plan shared around noon ET, which marked the eighth day of the federal government shutdown, all facilities were unaffected by “staffing triggers.” However, the day prior, similar reports indicated that significant operations were impacted at major airports in Phoenix and Denver, as well as a smaller one in Burbank, California.
Air traffic controllers are crucial for the nation’s air transportation system, and they are required to work during the shutdown, though they won’t receive pay during this time.
So far, they haven’t missed a paycheck, but the first impacts on payment for most federal employees will occur on Friday, when funds for the pay period from September 24 to October 7 are processed. Due to the lack of appropriated funds post-September 30, those paychecks will only be partial. No future salaries will be allocated until the government reopens.
“How do I pay my mortgage?”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted on Monday during a news conference in Newark, New Jersey, that the thought of working without pay could add stress for controllers. This stress might lead to decreased performance and an increased likelihood of calling in sick for other jobs, like those in ride-sharing.
Duffy noted that controllers might be preoccupied with financial concerns: “When they’re managing our airspace, they’re thinking, ‘How do I pay my mortgage? How do I manage my car payment? I’ve got kids; how do I put food on the table? I work six days a week and need to drive for Uber for extra cash.’”
He did mention a slight uptick in sick calls from air traffic controllers, but he emphasized it wasn’t widespread. A significant rise in absenteeism among controllers played a critical role in ending the last partial government shutdown during President Trump’s term in 2018.
“Absenteeism is a concern; we’re monitoring it at several airports,” Duffy remarked. “There’s not a specific facility with ongoing sick leave issues, but it’s still alarming. If someone feels compelled to take sick leave just to drive for Uber, that’s concerning.”
Union leader calls for government to reopen
Nick Daniels, who leads the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, stated in a CBS Evening News interview that the union is not promoting absenteeism and is encouraging members to continue working through the shutdown. He reminded that controllers are legally prevented from striking or engaging in actions that would disrupt airline operations.
Daniels urged Congress to promptly reopen the government to help alleviate the strain on workers. “There’s no organized effort among air traffic controllers to disrupt the system,” he said. “But we really shouldn’t wait to see how long they can hold on.”
