
The union representing U.S. air traffic controllers has urged its members to continue working through the ongoing government shutdown, now in its second week, even as some staffers call in sick and frustration grows over unpaid labor. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), which represents more than 20,000 controllers, engineers, and aviation safety professionals, warned that missing work could lead to termination and jeopardize air safety.
In a message to its members, NATCA reminded workers that any form of job action or protest could violate federal law and weaken the union’s credibility. “Air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals take their responsibility to protect the safety of the flying public very seriously,” the union stated. “Participating in a job action could result in removal from federal service.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed during a press briefing at Newark Liberty International Airport that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control teams have seen a small rise in sick calls since the shutdown began. He warned that increased absences could lead to flight delays, emphasizing that “safety remains the top priority.”
Duffy acknowledged that working without pay has taken a toll on staff morale. “They have bills, and they’re thinking about that at the same time they’re controlling the airspace,” he said, adding that he hoped employees could stay focused despite financial stress.
Air traffic controllers are considered essential federal workers, meaning they must continue working during shutdowns even though pay is delayed. The government guarantees back pay once funding is restored. NATCA encouraged its members to remain professional and united, saying, “We urge you to stand in solidarity by continuing to exhibit the same unwavering professionalism that the aviation community and the American people deserve.”
NATCA President Nick Daniels, in a TikTok message, admitted the shutdown has created “uncertainty and hardships” for members. The union has not issued further comments. TSA officers, also deemed essential, face similar challenges; during the 2018–2019 shutdown, about 10% of TSA staff called in sick, leading to long delays at airports nationwide.
With Congress still deadlocked over funding, the ongoing shutdown continues to strain the aviation sector, which is already dealing with staffing shortages at over 90% of control towers across the U.S.
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