Transportation Secretary Threatens Dismissal of Absent Air Traffic Controllers: What It Means for Travelers

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is frustrated with air traffic controllers who are calling in sick during the ongoing government shutdown. He called these employees “problem children” and pointed out that their absenteeism is causing more than half of the nation’s flight delays.

In a talk with Fox Business News, Duffy praised those controllers still showing up but said around 10% are “lashing out” by not coming to work. He made it clear: if staff aren’t dedicated, they might lose their jobs.

Duffy discussed how this “small subset” of controllers is making a big mess by causing significant disruptions in flight schedules. He also mentioned a controversial point: President Trump suggested that some federal workers might not receive back pay. Even though air traffic controllers are “essential workers” and must continue their duties, those who don’t report may not get paid once the government reopens.

“We’re sticking to the rule: if you come to work, you get paid. If you don’t, you don’t,” he stated.

As the shutdown drags into its second week, the fallout is becoming more serious. For example, the Smithsonian Institution announced it would close some of its museums, including the National Zoo, due to lack of funding. The military is also at risk of delayed paychecks if a resolution isn’t reached soon.

Political tensions are rising. On a recent Thursday, the Senate failed again to reach an agreement to resume government funding. Democrats want to include healthcare subsidies for low-income families, while Republicans are only looking for a straightforward bill to extend the existing budget.

The immediate impact is most visible in airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported increased absenteeism, leading to more flight cancellations. Newark Liberty International Airport saw delays averaging 87 minutes due to these issues.

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, has emphasized that the absences are not part of a coordinated effort among workers to pressure the government.

As travelers navigate through major U.S. airports, they are greeted by a recorded message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who shifts the blame for the shutdown onto Democrats. “They refuse to fund the federal government, impacting many of our operations,” she states.

With flight delays growing and federal services dwindling, there’s a pressing need for a resolution. Historical comparisons show that government shutdowns often harm more than just federal employees; they disrupt entire sectors and affect everyday citizens. Enhanced communication and urgency from lawmakers can hopefully prevent further chaos.

For more insights on the effects of government shutdowns, you can check out reports from trusted sources like The Brookings Institution and The Pew Research Center.

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