Transportation Secretary Urges Congress to End Shutdown Amid Air Traffic Controller Pay Crisis

Air Traffic Controllers Face Financial Hardship

• ✈️ Air traffic controllers at LaGuardia Airport are distributing leaflets highlighting the risks of the ongoing government shutdown.
• 💸 This marks the first day controllers have received a paycheck for $0, impacting their ability to cover essential expenses like medicine.
• ⚠️ Controllers warn that the shutdown exacerbates a pre-existing staffing crisis, leading to mandatory overtime and increased fatigue.
• 📉 During the last shutdown, many controllers resorted to second jobs, causing significant stress and impacting their focus.

Secretary Duffy's Call to Action

• 🗣️ Transportation Secretary Duffy echoed concerns and urged Congress to restore pay for air traffic controllers while negotiations continue.
• 🚨 He warned that insufficient staffing or distractions in control towers could lead to flight delays due to slowed landings and departures.
• 🎯 The secretary emphasized that air traffic controllers require 100% focus to ensure the safety of the national airspace system.

National Impact of the Shutdown

• 📊 Nationwide, flight delays have fluctuated significantly, with approximately 44% of flights delayed on Sunday, decreasing to 24% on Monday, but rising as high as 50% in recent days.
• ⏳ While most controllers can manage one missed paycheck, many new controllers on lower incomes will struggle with two missed paychecks, impacting training and operations.
• 🌍 Leaflets detailing these concerns are being distributed at 20 airports across the country.