Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning to air traffic controllers regarding unpaid sick leave during the ongoing government shutdown. He stated that controllers who call in sick will not receive payment and may face termination. This warning comes as air traffic controllers’ absenteeism has reportedly caused over half of the flight delays in the U.S. since the shutdown began.
Consequences of Calling in Sick
During an interview on Fox Business, Duffy discussed the implications of controllers taking sick leave. He noted that while most controllers are attending work, about 10% are not. This increased absenteeism has caused a jump in flight delays from 5% to 53%, primarily due to sick calls. Duffy emphasized that unpaid sick leave is a serious matter that could impact air traffic operations significantly.
Expert Opinions on the Situation
A seasoned air traffic controller highlighted the potential crisis. A small number of sick calls at major airports could lead to severe disruptions. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) mentioned that there are processes to manage sick leave but insisted that questioning the legitimacy of sick calls adds unnecessary stress to an already strained system.
- Impacts of Absenteeism: Severe flight delays are linked to controller sick calls.
- Warning from Duffy: Controllers will not be compensated for sick leave during the shutdown.
- NATCA’s Stance: Coordinated sick calls are illegal, yet stress levels are rising among controllers.
Financial Implications for Controllers
Air traffic controllers, like Transportation Security Administration officers, remain on duty without pay during the shutdown. By law, they will receive back pay once funding resumes. Despite this guarantee, uncertainties surrounding their next paycheck have escalated tension among staff. Duffy indicated that controllers should expect a partial paycheck soon, followed by another paycheck showing zero earnings.
Future Considerations
The warnings from Duffy have elicited mixed reactions. Industry experts caution that such rhetoric may be counterproductive. As the situation evolves, the aviation community will closely monitor how these policies affect air traffic operations and controller morale.
