The ongoing government shutdown has led to significant disruptions in air travel, prompting US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to take a firm stance against absentee air traffic controllers. In remarks made during a Fox Business News interview, Duffy expressed his intention to dismiss controllers who are not reporting for duty while working without pay.
Air Traffic Controllers Under Scrutiny
Duffy labeled the absent controllers as “problem children,” attributing over half of the nation’s flight delays to their absenteeism. Despite their objections, he noted that around 90% of air traffic controllers remained committed and continued to work.
Pay and Backpay Concerns
Discussing the issue of compensation, Duffy highlighted that air traffic controllers are considered essential workers. He stated, “When you come to work, you get paid. If you don’t come to work, you don’t get paid.” His comments followed President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion that certain federal workers might not receive retroactive pay after the shutdown concludes.
Consequences of the Shutdown
The shutdown has now lasted two weeks, resulting in severe repercussions for various sectors. Key measures include:
- The Smithsonian Institution plans to close public museums, including the National Zoo, on Sunday due to fund depletion.
- Military personnel may miss their scheduled paychecks next week if the government does not reopen.
- Airports have experienced increased flight cancellations and delays due to rising absenteeism among air traffic controllers.
Flight Delays and Compensatory Measures
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported significantly delayed flights, particularly at Newark Liberty International Airport, where the average delay has reached 87 minutes. Controllers from neighboring airports have been called in to manage traffic, underlining the staffing crisis.
Political Stalemate and Blame Game
The Senate continues to struggle to pass a resolution to end the government shutdown, as political parties assign blame for the deadlock. Democrats are urging the inclusion of healthcare subsidies in the negotiations, while Republicans advocate for a straightforward budget extension.
As the situation evolves, the chaos in air travel has become increasingly evident. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, has emphasized that the absences are not a coordinated protest but rather individual decisions by workers facing economic uncertainty.
Official Responses and Public Messaging
In a related development, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been recorded in a video message played at major airports. She attributes operational disruptions to the Democrats’ refusal to fund the government, further intensifying the divide within Congress.
